27 replies to this topic

[taikara]

As some may have noticed, I have recently censored a certain non-swear word that has been overused on the shoutbox to the point that it's annoyed other members - and it will remain censored until I see fit to remove the filter. If you don't know what the word is, don't worry about it.

Every time an attempt is made to get around that filter using creative spelling, I will add the new version to the filters - and remember, the filter doesn't just apply to the Shoutbox, but also the forums. Also, if I have to add the word five times with different spellings, the people using the word will start receiving posting restrictions - either on the forum or the shoutbox, depending on where it is used - and the restrictions will just get longer the more you try to get around it. And just so you know, we're up to three (and I'm not counting the creative spellings I pre-emptively added).

You guys need to please remember that this forum is not your property on which you can do as you see fit while visiting.  This forum is visited by many people with different preferences, and as you share this space with those people, you should listen if they ask you nicely to cut back on something you are doing - especially if the person asking is crew or admin.

It's not that we don't want you to have fun, or be silly, and yes, the Shoutbox should be less strict - but not to the point that consideration for other members is thrown out the window. Also, it reflects poorly on the community if a guest visits and sees a shoutbox full of nothing but random junk that makes little sense, or is pure spam, or is obnoxious, etc. - and it can also put off current members who don't appreciate your particular brand of humor.

And continuing when people ask you to stop is trolling, pure and simple.

Therefore, with this in mind, I will continue to censor words or phrases that are used to the point that they get on other member's nerves (meaning, people have asked you to stop using the phrase, and you do not stop, or someone informs me that they find it annoying, and I have to request you to stop, and you do not stop) and you can blame the person overusing those terms for losing your ability to say them, because I don't care if it's an in-joke, a regular word, or whatever, it will be dealt with.

This is currently non-negotiable. However, I am perfectly willing to remove the above mentioned filter and any similar filters (as long as the word itself is not offensive) once people start showing the ability to be considerate to their fellow members, instead of using the community as their own personal playground.

And regarding offensive words - I have noticed a lot of unnecessary "testing" of the filters on the SB, and have thereby added any potentially offensive word spoken that was not previously filtered. And again, I will be adding any creative spellings I find on the SB as well. The fact that these words were not filtered was a privilege, and by playing around and posting as many as you could think of to the SB, that privilege has been abused. We do not appreciate extraneous "testing" of the word filters, we can test them ourselves. If we did, we would let you know.

[DakaSha]

ok ok ill stop the testing

edit: erm i do have a question though.. is it ok to use the filters on purpous? in a non-offensive way of course

[taikara]

It is fine to use the filters on purpose - within reason. Please don't post a string of filtered words on the shoutbox, it's pointless, and total spam. Also, do not use the filtered words to flame or troll someone.

It is not fine to intentionally get around the filters. We've been lenient about this on the forums, mostly just editing the creative spellings and whatnot, but due to recent events, we will just have to be a bit more strict. The filters are there for a reason - if you absolutely cannot manage to use a more appropriate term, then use the filter.

Also, to be clear, no one is going to get in trouble for accidentally saying an offensive word that hasn't been filtered yet - unless it's obvious it's said as an attempt to find an offensive word that hasn't been filtered, or is said repeatedly, so that it's obvious it's being taken advantage of. If you do accidentally find that a word hasn't been filtered, stop using it.

Basically, just use common sense and courtesy, and you'll be fine.

[DakaSha]

*unintelligent buttocks* and *donkey* is not swearing...
i mean come on there was a show named *donkey*.[/useless rant]

(i kind of like how *unintelligent buttocks* is censored though ^^ )

[Blood-Pigggy]

DakaSha, on Jun 3 2006, 10:36 PM, said:

*unintelligent buttocks* and *donkey* is not swearing...
i mean come on there was a show named *donkey*.[/useless rant]

(i kind of like how *unintelligent buttocks* is censored though ^^ )

What's the original for those two?

[taikara]

Since we filter *booty* and *Canalis Analis*, it's only logical to filter those as well.

I mainly just tweaked the filters that were set up by someone when the forum was first set up (Kosta or one of the other admins I suppose), and tried to make them at least sound somewhat colorful, but also added a few, mostly derogatives I could think of that could offend people.

Personally, I would probably agree with you. Professionally, this is a forum of many personalities and ages, some of which who are more easily offended. Deal with the frustration as best as you can, sorry.

[BeefontheBone]

'sides, it's funnier to see *unintelligent buttocks*

[DakaSha]

well thats what i meant. it is funny ^^

isnt it possible to like have a thing that the users decide on? nothing offends me so id turn the filter off. others ( ) are offended by everything so they can put it on its highest level.

im really not complaining i dont really care. just wondering

[A. J. Raffles]

DakaSha, on Jun 4 2006, 02:32 PM, said:

isnt it possible to like have a thing that the users decide on? nothing offends me so id turn the filter off. others ( ) are offended by everything so they can put it on its highest level.

im really not complaining i dont really care. just wondering

I doubt that is possible, actually. And even if it was, would it really be a logical solution? The people who do swear would enjoy their freedom to do so and possibly swear more than they normally would, while everybody who was annoyed by it would be told to switch to nanny mode. It would basically be like suggesting that instead of having a ban on smoking in public, all non-smokers should be forced to wear gas masks...

[DakaSha]

erm no. the filter is on either way so its not like the example you stated.
btw i dont mean that the people who have the filter off can say anything they want. certain words (actual swearing) should always be censored. i just think its kind of messed up that words that are used in everyday language by normal people should have to be censored because 2 members feel offended by it.

that is at least just as offending and definetly not fair. (but like i said im not trying to talk people in to doing something.)

[A. J. Raffles]

DakaSha, on Jun 4 2006, 03:17 PM, said:

erm no. the filter is on either way so its not like the example you stated.
btw i dont mean that the people who have the filter off can say anything they want. certain words (actual swearing) should always be censored. i just think its kind of messed up that words that are used in everyday language by normal people should have to be censored because 2 members feel offended by it.

that is at least just as offending and definetly not fair. (but like i said im not trying to talk people in to doing something.)

Would you please stop implying that we only have a language filter because a few of us (including myself, I suppose) are prudish? I'm really getting a bit annoyed by this. If you're not trying to talk people into doing something (which, by the way, is something they couldn't do anyway, so it's a moot point) and if you don't really care, why do you keep bringing this up? Yes, some "normal people" do pepper their everyday language with swear words to the point they cease to be swear words to them, but that doesn't make it the norm for anybody else.

[DakaSha]

sheesh take it easy. ok ill shut up...  

[Blood-Pigggy]

Lawl.
Daka yous got owned.

Anyways, if you want to curse, just send a PM to a person that isn't easily offended (like me) and type a few curses into the PM title, it doesn't censor that

[Tulac]

Whenever you feel like curisng type in pckleweasel instead

[DakaSha]

i really dont have some hidden part of me that wants to swear....