Modifying the list of banned terms

Hi -- my apologies to those I've maligned recently with comments about using the f-word. I was mistaken, it was ordinary words they were trying to use, words which sometimes get borrowed for more colourful purpose. We're updating the list to make it less restrictive. Thanks for your patience in the meantime, and again, sorry to pounce like that.

Lise

Lise where are the words that we are not allowed to use?
This is not a koan................... I can not find them!

Hey Mike
I've asked that question too!
It seems to really be a Koan.

Hi guys, I know this list is getting to be a pain in the banned-term. Michael mentioned in another thread that he wasn't sure which word he used was banned, and I can't see it for some reason, but we will fix this shortly. Some terms are on the list that shouldn't be.

Watson will be back from holiday in a few days so until then I would like to defer questions to him. He's the "decider" on that particular rule. (I really miss George W., but only for all the silly words he gave us during his time in the public view.)

cheers,
L

Michael and Howard, here is my theory:

The banned terms have been identified by the moderators and are subsequently deleted automatically by Forumotion.com as a program function.

If this is true, Watson is actually not able to identify which terms are banned--since they would automatically and immediately be deleted!! (Of course, I don't actually know if this is true, but it is just too good a possibility to ignore, and too good a story to pass up!!!)

Accordingly, I would recommend consulting my own favorite, and indeed, the ultimate authority on banned terms--George Carlin himself.

A simple web search for George Carlin's hilarious monologues will reveal his classic identification of the 7 terms that are not allowed to be broadcast live. I follow George Carlin's advice in all matters. ;-)

(Footnote: as much as I love George Carlin's irreverent perspective, I also support the spirit of convivial conversation that Lise has established here!)

Kozan thanks for showing a lttle bit of light on my banned word,
However in this case because I tend to mix up letters and words, and sometimes even see myself writing down a word I do not mean to be writing,maybe there is another explanation. Possibly ,just possibly I might have had a naughty thought ( even at my age they pop in, of their own accord of course) I might have been trying to wtite one thing but my body took over and I wrote another thng all together,in this case it was what I was thinking!
To help everybody get over the shock,of me expressing the banned word, I would like to airfreight over a traditional Cornish Cream Tea to all members and readers,remeber heat up the scone gently, slice in half , spread thick Cornish Cream first and then the strawberry jam,strong Indian tea with white sugar should settle the nerves

Michael, I know what you mean about those...words.... Happens to me all the time!

I'm looking forward to that traditional Cornish Cream Tea!!

Hello Howard and all,

I am re-printing the substance of a private message sent to Howard, updated per discussion with Lise.

The list of banned terms is not published but we will email it to those who ask. It is not made visible as a general practice because the list changes and we do not wish to field objections from users saying "but the word I used wasn't banned yesterday".

Problem words are generally one of these types: "Carlin's seven dirty words" and derivatives; derogatory nouns used in name-calling; terms used to denigrate another's sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, ethnic origin; any of the foregoing, with character signs substituted for real letters.

No one is expected to know all the banned terms. If one is used, the system will likely catch it and substitute other text. Evading the word filter by putting in dummy characters puts the moderators in bad humor, however, as it shows deliberate intent to get around the rules.

The best suggestion I can give really is this: as you write, consider whether you would use those same words if your ten-year-old granddaughter is with you and reading as you type. Or would you say them to the owner of your favourite bakery, or leave them in a note for your elderly housekeeper whom you hold in high esteem. If not, then we ask that you do not use them on the forum. I think that will give the you the idea.

Thank you.

Watson

Edited to say, the list is being refined so that harmless words are not routinely captured.

Watson wrote:

The best suggestion I can give really is this: as you write, consider whether you would use those same words if your ten-year-old granddaughter is with you and reading as you type. Or would you say them to the owner of your favourite bakery, or leave them in a note for your elderly housekeeper whom you hold in high esteem. If not, then we ask that you do not use them on the forum. I think that will give the you the idea.

Thank you.

Watson

"Gentlemen must keep their jackets on at all times"

Isan, how does one know if one is a gentleman or not?...

Robert wrote:

Isan, how does one know if one is a gentleman or not?...

I would ask Lise

If you know how to pour that Indian tea and pass the scones properly. That's how I tell. Oh, and if you don't get crumbs into the butter jar when having toast.

Anybody else

Just to touch base with you and join in.
I hope you all had a good time celebrating Martin Luther King day , Martin Luther King is taught in our schools over here, all the kids love he speech,I had a dream. I think he was a great influence and leader of the last century.

Thanks lise

I asked "she who must be obeyed" if I was a gentleman and apparently it must have something to do with the position one leaves the toilet seat in or how long the memory is of your partner for one tiny little mistake a long time ago.

Your definition sounds a lot easier.

This completely explains your obsession with toilets Howard.

I was just dying to say that. Awesomely done, Laura.

One mans throne may be the same man's downfall.

Any support out there.... Guys.......Anyone?

Perhaps we should just add "toilet" to the banned term list or we may well end up with gentlemen with jackets on but gloves definitely off!...

hehe, good one Robert.

Michael, about Martin Luther King -- it really is good to have a day to honor him, although the public expression of that varies depending on where you live, I think. He achieved amazing things in his life. I'm glad the kids are getting to hear about him where you are. I went to U.S. schools after age 10 and don't remember learning very much at all about Dr. King -- not sure if I didn't pay attention or if they didn't spend much time on him at my school.

I was supposed to have the King holiday off, but ended up working instead. I need a do-over --

thanks for that Lise
My other people of the last centure would be
Nelson Mandela
PopeJohn Paul 2
Dalai Lama