Censorship on this Forum

[Bodgy]

This may be seen as presumptious and ungrateful, having only been a member for a short time and having taken far more than contributed, but I ask myself this each time I'm logged on.

The issue I wish to raise is this. Why do words that are used everywhere in our modern society get censored on this board? I can understand f$$$ and c$$$ as some people may continue to find this offensive. Other commonly used 'obscenities' such as ****, **** etc may be read each day in the national papers, heard on TV and even uttered by a Prince of the Realm (I'm connecting the logic by tying this to the concept of Queen's English, not out of respect for the kid or institution)

We adults, on an adult 'special interest' forum must behave with childish coyness, inputting $$ or ** or mis-spelling these common, useful and expressive words. This puerile silliness in no ways disguises what word we mean, not for an instant. Rather it draws attention to it.

Certainly, you will inevitably get some illiterate moron who will write $$$ three times in each sentence. Censor that moron, by all means. Not for using naughty words but for laziness and butchery of the most complex, expressive, powerful and beautiful language.

We're not little children, very few kids seem to venture here (apart from when they wish their homework or projects done for them). Anyway, try listening to them in any school playground.

I guess I just hate the dishonesty. We all know what the word is, most of us regularly use it without compunction, it just can't appear in text???

Why do the sponsors of this forum practice a censorship, that disappeared from general society two or three decades ago?

I leave myself open to attacks by those who would interpret this as a criticism of the forum and sponsors/moderators. I understand and admire their loyalty, but this is not meant to be an attack on anyone, least of all Forum administrators.

It is an enquiry as to why an outdated and moribund practice continues and an invitation to explain the rationale.
If this gets me rusticated and six of the best, thanks for all the help to date.

[DanP]

A good question and I have thought it myself on occasion, however, has an anecdote that explains it and I won't steal it from him. Suffice to say that there are quite young children who sometimes get on here and if I heard a shyte or similar come out of my childs mouth I would wash it out.

Dan

[Toggy]

Bodgy,

When you mention "Prince of the Realm" & "Queens" english; I hope you weren't casting aspersions that Charlie was one. Poor old Als' (ozwinner) alias will end up end up developing a nervous twitch or something.

Ken

[Gumby]

I think they have every right to censor as they see fit. It's their forum afterall. I also agree with it. If you want to talk a certain way, then do it but you have to respect the rights of others not to have to see it written. Putting words on a public, open forum is vastly different to saying whatever you like.

Correct me if I'm wrong but if you go out into the middle of Bourke St and scream the magic word a few times, aren't you breaking the law? We all must have some formn of censorship or the standards will go down the gurgler.

[RETIRED]

Ok I will try to answer why we have censorship on this board.

Contrary to popular belief it is not an adults only forum. A lot of children read this forum and as Dan said if his child used some of the language that is censored here it would be a case of mouthwash.

As you say the English language is probably the most descriptive language in the world. It does not need to be embellished with swear words.

Another point that you raise is that it is common on TV or in the press. TV has censorship by allowing certain things at certain times when the younger population is (should be) in bed. Our board is 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 52 weeks of the year, we never close and it is accessable at any time by everyone.

As for the press I have never seen half the words used on this forum in the better quality newspapers.

I think of this board as like being an employee who is meeting the bosses wife or husband for the first time and the manner in which you would talk to them. I know that there are some who would probably tell a rude joke but in the main I think everyone has manners and act accordingly.

The board is also multi-national, mult-racial, mult-religous and mult-cultural and what does not offend you could well be a total insult to someone else so I try to keep it neutral but allow the Aussie traits to come through. This board is a little more liberal than most others in the content and if some of this stuff was posted on an overseas board you would probably end up in court.

That is the reason for the censorship. Like it or lump it I shall continue to moderate it as I think it should be moderated for the benefit of all who view it.

[Gumby]

The board is also multi-national, mult-racial, mult-religous and mult-cultural

You left out multi-intelligental. We cover a broad range in here

[outback]

The board is also multi-national, mult-racial, mult-religous multi personalitied and mult-cultural

and that's just me.

Whip me, beat me, censor me, ya can't get rid of me that easy.

[ozwinner]

You left out multi-intelligental. We cover a broad range in here

They must do, they let you in........

Mhwwhahahahah

Al

[ozwinner]

Just as a side point, Ive been visiting this forum.
Yeah I know, Ive been two timeing you lot. :eek:

But I still loves ya all heaps.

Anyway, You think this forum is old fashioned?
Go here.
http://www.twoguysgarage.com/forum/

I cant even put in more than one smilie before I get told off.

Al

[Zed]

Id just like to say ***** & *****, besides your all ****** and *****. The *** moderators are **********, filthy ******!!!! Your type really make me want to *******, not to mention *******, ****, **** & ************!!!!

[Grunt]

Well said Zed. Up to your usual elequent standard.

[craigb]

When Darren and I were talking to Neil at the Sydney show, he mentioned that he was thinking of having , for want of a better term, an "anything goes" forum.

The idea was that it wouldn't be generally accessable. You'd have to request access and that by doing so you'd waive your rights to be offended, so to speak.

Needless to say I thought it was a great idea

Is this still a possibility?

[Stu in Tokyo]

Bodgy, I hear what you are saying, but I, for one, like the fact that the language used here has to be up to a certain level, I think this is good.

If one wishes to trash talk, go ahead, head down to your local watering hole and have at it. I'm no prude, but at the same time, do we have to live in a culture where every second word I'd not say in front of my mother?

I have two young daughters, and when some of my single buddies come around it does not take long before I have to say "Watch your mouth" as they are not around kids and feel it is OK to curse like a sailor, I don't.

I personally think less of a man who constantly peppers his conversation with curse or swear words, it shows, at the very least, a lack of imagination.

Cheers!

[Cagey]

i sdeopidfo hate censorship. it really ihbhakas asdus ucsuhsdh ski sduiuhsd me. sometimes jhsdjdj asduj aouiiiwqwiiewi m oiiwqqjjcilc oiqioqi and i jjaoasoi jajiaiowqeirj jhsdcis7d kjewnnl, but usually after a little while i jjsiusuisiu nnwqiufwqh kjsansaoiu limwekweqji it:confused::eek::mad:


sorry i am very emotional right now

[ele__13]

Oh godhetypeslikeme specially if i get all excited and forget to push the space bar lol cheers all jules