# Proposed language restrictions in the Pit **URL:** \ **Category:** About This Message Board\ **Created:** [March 1, 2009, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-language-restrictions-in-the-pit/487910 "2009-03-01T20:44:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Hentor\_the\_Barbarian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/8edcca/32.png) [@Hentor\_the\_Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hentor_the_Barbarian)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2009, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-language-restrictions-in-the-pit/487910/41 "2009-03-02T00:46:55Z")
Largely rhetorical question: Why allow any profanities? If some are forbidden, there’s no real justification for allowing others. ---
**Author:** ![Randy\_Seltzer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ee7513/32.png) [@Randy\_Seltzer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Randy_Seltzer)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2009, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-language-restrictions-in-the-pit/487910/42 "2009-03-02T00:51:45Z")
You should also prohibit posters from sticking beans in their ears. ---
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2009, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-language-restrictions-in-the-pit/487910/43 "2009-03-02T00:54:52Z")
> [@Randy\_Seltzer](#): > > You should also prohibit posters from sticking beans in their ears. But what about dimes? Small rocks? Insects? ---
**Author:** ![Baldwin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/baldwin/32/7264_2.png) [@Baldwin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baldwin)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2009, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-language-restrictions-in-the-pit/487910/44 "2009-03-02T00:55:02Z")
> [@Hentor\_the\_Barbarian](#): > > Largely rhetorical question: Why allow any profanities? If some are forbidden, there’s no real justification for allowing others. Good point. I mean, taken literally, “God damn you” is, literally, _infinitely_ worse than “fuck you.” ---
**Author:** ![fisha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/da6949/32.png) [@fisha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fisha)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2009, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-language-restrictions-in-the-pit/487910/45 "2009-03-02T01:03:58Z")
> [@Randy\_Seltzer](#): > > You should also prohibit posters from sticking beans in their ears. Or wedding rings up their noses… Oh, and **Baldwin?** I predict the ban stick in 5…4…3…2… ---
**Author:** ![Oakminster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/77aa72/32.png) [@Oakminster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oakminster)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2009, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-language-restrictions-in-the-pit/487910/46 "2009-03-02T01:14:24Z")
Folks, I think I can safely say nobody is likely to accuse me of kissing mod ass around here. Ed’s apparently trying to work with us in this thread, and dumping on him here isn’t very helpful. I have no objections to anyone voicing their opinions, but could we try to keep this one thread focused on trying to make a deal we can tolerate? ---
**Author:** ![Q.E.D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/51bf81/32.png) [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2009, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-language-restrictions-in-the-pit/487910/47 "2009-03-02T01:16:06Z")
> [@Oakminster](#): > > Ed’s apparently trying to work with us in this thread, and dumping on him here isn’t very helpful.😛 No, he really isn’t. He’s just whitewashing, is all. ---
**Author:** ![FarmerChick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/a9a28c/32.png) [@FarmerChick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FarmerChick)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2009, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-language-restrictions-in-the-pit/487910/48 "2009-03-02T01:31:50Z")
> [@Oakminster](#): > > Folks, I think I can safely say nobody is likely to accuse me of kissing mod ass around here. Ed’s apparently trying to work with us in this thread, and dumping on him here isn’t very helpful. I have no objections to anyone voicing their opinions, but could we try to keep this one thread focused on trying to make a deal we can tolerate? I really haven’t said shit the last few days, I have just watched {read} and waited. I’m not happy at all with these changes, but I’m willing to give it a shot. **Oakminster,** kudos to ya, nice post. > [@Q.E.D](#): > > No, he really isn’t. He’s just whitewashing, is all. Dude, you’re just shit-stirring. ---
**Author:** ![Q.E.D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/51bf81/32.png) [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2009, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-language-restrictions-in-the-pit/487910/49 "2009-03-02T01:34:28Z")
Not at all; I’m entirely serious. ---
**Author:** ![Discordia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b9e5f3/32.png) [@Discordia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Discordia)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2009, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-language-restrictions-in-the-pit/487910/50 "2009-03-02T01:36:01Z")
So I can’t respond to a post in the Pit with something like “You’re a fuckwit”? How lame, enjoy ruining this board **Ed** , you’re good at it! ---
**Author:** ![SkipMagic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skipmagic/32/20706_2.png) [@SkipMagic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SkipMagic)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2009, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-language-restrictions-in-the-pit/487910/51 "2009-03-02T01:43:26Z")
Folks, let me remind you that this is an ATMB thread and not a Pit thread. While we’ve allowed plenty of leeway this past week for less-than-civil behavior in this forum, it’s not what we want to see in these discussions. So, if you want to throw in an objection, that’s fine, but leave the one-liner snide comments behind and explain why you’re disagreeing with what’s being proposed. If you’re not willing to contribute something concrete to this discussion, then this isn’t the thread for you. ---
**Author:** ![Jeff](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e19b73/32.png) [@Jeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jeff)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2009, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-language-restrictions-in-the-pit/487910/52 "2009-03-02T01:49:47Z")
> [@Baldwin](#): > > Good point. I mean, taken literally, “God damn you” is, literally, _infinitely_ worse than “fuck you.” This is a touchy enough subject without having someone spiral it off into inanity, thanks. ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2009, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-language-restrictions-in-the-pit/487910/53 "2009-03-02T02:04:32Z")
> [@Ed\_Zotti](#): > > The following expressions should not be directed at other posters. > > cunt From what i’ve seen, not a single person has made any substantial objection to the ban on this particular word. I’ve used it three times to describe other people on these boards, and a few times more in other contexts, but i’m sure i’ll live without it. > [@Ed\_Zotti](#): > > and variants, e.g., cuntlapper Cuntlapper? Are you kidding me? Is this really a problem? Hey, let me search and see… I’m back, and as far as i can tell, that word has been used precisely twice in all the millions of posts on this board: once in a thread about unusual curse words, and once in a post about not being exposed to much profanity as a child. I’m certainly glad you made a point of protecting us from that vile insult. > [@Ed\_Zotti](#): > > motherfucker Whatever. I’ve never aimed it at another Doper. Sort of a pointless one to ban, if you ask me. But then, you’re not _really_ asking, are you? > [@Ed\_Zotti](#): > > cocksucker Another insult i tend not to use because i find that it smacks of homophobia. > [@Ed\_Zotti](#): > > fuck you and variants, e.g., go fuck yourself, fuck off and die, suck my dick, etc. Ridiculous. More childish, in itself, than any amount of Pit profanity ever was. > [@Ed\_Zotti](#): > > Terms not referred to above but which are normally considered vulgar (e.g., asshole, prick, bitch) are subject to the following limitations: > > - occasional use only > - no posts consisting solely or mainly of vulgarities. If possible, even more stupid than the last one. I’m also still completely in the dark, if the goal is to make this place more civil and appealing, about why these sorts of words are banned in references other Dopers, but not banned in general. My mother doesn’t like swearing, and words like “fuck” and “cunt” are very offensive to her. If she stumbled in here, she would draw no distinction, in terms of her own reaction, between “Doper X, go fuck yourself” and “I wish that guy on TV would go fuck himself.” She, and many other people, would consider both of those about equally offensive. This whole rule, it seems to me, restricts the very real function the Pit served, while doing basically nothing to actually make the place less offensive. There you go. That’s my opinion. Throw it in the closest bin marked “Doper input.” > [@Khadaji](#): > > OK. I will abide by these rules. I won’t. I won’t go out of my way specifically to break them, but if the occasion calls for a “Go fuck yourself,” that’s what i’ll post. ---
**Author:** ![Discordia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b9e5f3/32.png) [@Discordia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Discordia)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2009, 2:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-language-restrictions-in-the-pit/487910/54 "2009-03-02T02:06:00Z")
> [@SkipMagic](#): > > Folks, let me remind you that this is an ATMB thread and not a Pit thread. While we’ve allowed plenty of leeway this past week for less-than-civil behavior in this forum, it’s not what we want to see in these discussions. So, if you want to throw in an objection, that’s fine, but leave the one-liner snide comments behind and explain why you’re disagreeing with what’s being proposed. If you’re not willing to contribute something concrete to this discussion, then this isn’t the thread for you. Well, I’d go to the pit, but I can’t call people names there either. So here will have to suffice. ---
**Author:** ![Q.E.D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/51bf81/32.png) [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2009, 2:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-language-restrictions-in-the-pit/487910/55 "2009-03-02T02:13:05Z")
> [@Discordia](#): > > Well, I’d go to the pit, but I can’t call people names there either. Sure you can. You can call him a mean, stinky poopyhead! ---
**Author:** ![Discordia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b9e5f3/32.png) [@Discordia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Discordia)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2009, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-language-restrictions-in-the-pit/487910/56 "2009-03-02T02:15:14Z")
> [@Q.E.D](#): > > Sure you can. You can call him a mean, stinky poopyhead! Not sure I could type that without falling over laughing. Seriously though, I’m not creative. He just banned all my insults ☹ ---
**Author:** ![SkipMagic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skipmagic/32/20706_2.png) [@SkipMagic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SkipMagic)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2009, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-language-restrictions-in-the-pit/487910/57 "2009-03-02T02:17:21Z")
> [@Discordia](#): > > Well, I’d go to the pit, but I can’t call people names there either. So here will have to suffice. I wasn’t making a request, and if you continue to disregard what I’ve said, you take the risk of losing your posting privileges. You can participate in the conversation honestly, or you can stay out of the thread. Any further comment about this decision can be made in a separate thread. ---
**Author:** ![Discordia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b9e5f3/32.png) [@Discordia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Discordia)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2009, 2:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-language-restrictions-in-the-pit/487910/58 "2009-03-02T02:31:12Z")
Why are you allowed to call me dishonest, praytell? ---
**Author:** ![SkipMagic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skipmagic/32/20706_2.png) [@SkipMagic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SkipMagic)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2009, 2:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-language-restrictions-in-the-pit/487910/59 "2009-03-02T02:33:49Z")
I didn’t, and this hijack is finished. As directed above, any further comments can be had in another thread. ---
**Author:** ![Seeker\_of\_Truth\_and\_Beauty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f14d63/32.png) [@Seeker\_of\_Truth\_and\_Beauty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Seeker_of_Truth_and_Beauty)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2009, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-language-restrictions-in-the-pit/487910/60 "2009-03-02T02:34:34Z")
> [@mhendo](#): > > \ > I’m also still completely in the dark, if the goal is to make this place more civil and appealing, about why these sorts of words are banned in references other Dopers, but not banned in general. > > My mother doesn’t like swearing, and words like “fuck” and “cunt” are very offensive to her. If she stumbled in here, she would draw no distinction, in terms of her own reaction, between “Doper X, go fuck yourself” and “I wish that guy on TV would go fuck himself.” She, and many other people, would consider both of those about equally offensive. > \ I’ve been wondering about this for a few days; I’ve just been busy catching up on hundreds of pages of ranting about this. It seems very likely that the Dope (or CL or Ed) has been threatened with a lawsuit by a poster who had been called names. It’s certainly recorded history here that the SDMB and staff have a deep aversion to the remotest possibility of a lawsuit (I can certainly find examples if y’all need me to) and that’s the only logical reason I can see to not call other Dopers names yet still be able to call non-Dopers names. Ed: how far off am I? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-language-restrictions-in-the-pit/487910.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-language-restrictions-in-the-pit/487910.md?page=4)