Chacham's Journal: Slashdot: Expletive on front page.

So, Taco posts an expletive on the front page. I'm not sure i'm going to read this site anymore.

Sad

[superyooser]

I've noticed an increase in expletives in the comments, too. I was just thinking last week that I wouldn't allow myself to watch TV programs or movies which such words. Why do I make an exception for Slashdot? I won't abandon this place completely (not yet, anyway), but I should cut back. I need to find some alternatives for tech news.

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[Chacham]

I've noticed an increase in expletives in the comments, too.

Me three! Um two, um, um, somthing!!

I was just thinking last week that I wouldn't allow myself to watch TV programs or movies which such words.

I'm torn on that. A movie that using it just to use it, will likely turn me off. But i'm somewhat willing to give in to enjoy the movie. Not a perfect trait, but, i need to think about it more. As a show, i'd probably agree with you. Luckily, there are only a few shows that i watch (not on TV directly). So,

Well

[Shadow Wrought]

I guess I find it less offensive when it is a direct quote of someone else in the summary. If he were dropping the F-bomb as part of his write-up than I that would be a very different thing. But, to each their own.

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[Chacham]

I guess I find it less offensive when it is a direct quote of someone else in the summary. If he were dropping the F-bomb as part of his write-up than I that would be a very different thing.

I agree with that. Yet still, would an otherwise reputable site repeat such language?

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[Shadow Wrought]

Yet still, would an otherwise reputable site repeat such language?

Honestly I don't know. I know a print medium would shy away from it, but the web is a bit more open to such things. On the one hand I think swearing to further your point is mostly counterproductive. But if you're talking about a full quote, than I think showing the fullness of the quote is preferable.

On a side note I know from reading your JEs here and there that you dislike profanity, but I don't recall ever reading why. Another tho

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[Chacham]

I know a print medium would shy away from it, but the web is a bit more open to such things.

Perhaps that is more your choice in reading material changing than the sites themselves changing?

But if you're talking about a full quote, than I think showing the fullness of the quote is preferable.

I see your point. Personally, i'd either censor it, or skip it entirely, the second being strongly preferable. I guess it is a personal preference.

you dislike profanity, but I don't recall ever reading why.

The reasons ar

why the sensitivity over expletives?

[Bill Dog]

I don't see "bad words" as either bad or good, they just are. I use them for emphasis, as just another tool of communicating via language. For example, if I say my coworker's code effing sucks, I'm not talking about sex.

I can't really even get too upset over "taking the Lord's name in vain". I naturally react with displeasure to it, touching too close to something dear to me, but at the same time, my God-given power of reason tells me that a person is not actually thinking about or meaning that they want Go

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[Chacham]

I don't see "bad words" as either bad or good, they just are.

True. But, there is an effect.

Try not using any expletives for a week. Even during a point of great frustration.

I find that just like when i am frustrated my hand wants to move violently (such as a puch, slap, or even a clap), my mouth too seeks such an outage. Yet, holding back, helps me retain control of myself. As a habit, i find it to be very comforting.

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[Bill Dog]

Try not using any expletives for a week. Even during a point of great frustration.

That wouldn't work for me -- I have to let it out, or it'll build up and drive me to who-knows-what. And a verbal barrage (not directed at anyone) is better than acting out physically, which thankfully I'm not the type to, but I might be if I held my tongue.

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[Chacham]

I have to let it out, or it'll build up and drive me to who-knows-what.

Perhaps that is the root of the problem. The verbal expression is a form of violent outburst, and as hurtful to some mentally, as a slap is to the skin.

And a verbal barrage (not directed at anyone) is better than acting out physically

True. But, to me, an even better solution would be to not get frustrated in the first place.

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[Bill Dog]

an even better solution would be to not get frustrated in the first place.

Yah and the best solution to world hunger would be if people just stopped being hungry in the first place. Lemme know if you come up with a real solution. :)

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[Chacham]

Lemme know if you come up with a real solution. :)

Heh. Yeah, it's hard, but possible.

Of course, with some other easy outlet, i would be less inclined to work it out. All i can say is that it definitely helped me.

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[iminplaya]

...an even better solution would be to not get frustrated in the first place.

"Pins and needles, needles and pins, it's a happy man that grins."

Caution, you won't like the sig. I just got out of "finishing school" :-)

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[Chacham]

I turned off siggies a looong time ago.

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[slothman32]

I would find it easy to not use them for a year^H^H^H^Hweek.
I don't use them at all.
Though I don't think of them as good or bad either I do think that the person who uses them can think of a better word and is therefore "dumb".
Irregardlessfullylessness, I don't care if it is on the front page.
Where, praytell, is it? I can't find the story.

P.S. I use 'irregardlessfullylessness' to make fun of grammar nazis who say "don't add 'ir' ro regardless".

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[Chacham]

So silly.

Thanx for the comment. :)

(It's there. I didn't think it deserved the effort of quoting.)

I rss /. on my google home page

[Neop2Lemus]

and occasionally read it, but rarely nowdays. Digg is the best, and boingboing, and that's it I guess. Sometimes I read /. but not too often, and I was an addict once as well. Digg is just, well, more dynamic, more exciting, and more open.

/. is, well, poorly concieved outside of the yro news, and the blogs (which are a brilliant idea).

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[Chacham]

Thanx for the reply.

Which ones do you refrain from?

[maxume]

Just the big 7? Or do you also avoid words like 'gosh' or 'darn'? I'm not being sarcastic; I had an English teacher who insisted that it is the thought that counts, and since you have stated that you don't like profanity, I am interested in you take.

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[Chacham]

Or do you also avoid words like 'gosh' or 'darn'?

Not really.

I had an English teacher who insisted that it is the thought that counts

Actually, it is both.

If the intent is 100% to be profane, or to release anger (which should otherwise be controlled), any word will do. That is why some people associated "holy" or a deity's name with cussing (besides the historical terms). If the intent is 100% to be unprofane, there is no problem in saying the word (though if there is a better choice, it is better to be avoid

Hello

[Trolling4Dollars]

I think it's the Digg effect. If you've been visiting there at all, you'll see that the knuckledraggers that populate Digg tend to like to put expletives in their "headlines". And yes, I'm visiting today.

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[Chacham]

I think it's the Digg effect.

Is that the effect that makes nobodys seem like somebodys in their own eyes?

If you've been visiting there at all, you'll see that the knuckledraggers that populate Digg tend to like to put expletives in their "headlines".

I've peaked here and there. I know it's sensationlist, but the links can be ineresting. However, the comments are mostly useless, and, as you pointed out, language is not of great quality there.