Offensive Sigs/Avatars/Replys/Threads.

Recently John, in his infinate wisdom removed part of my signature, and I believe he was right to, if it caused offence, but some ppl have much worse things on this site.
For example:
ChimpFaces avatar,
The thread 'Green Day' in the ChitChat forum in which ppl are encouraged to take drugs,
loads of other threads, in the ChitChat forum featuring badd language, starred and un-starred, encouraging the use of drugs, sex (and rock and roll:)) etc. etc.

Just thought I'd make my point, that if this site is trying to be family-friendly, it needs to crack down more on censorship.

in chimpfaces defense...He said he thought the av was holding up a finger...not "the" finger

I never viewed it as the finger until someone said...Look! its giving the finger!

:)

**** *** ****

Sometimes there is just no other way to express yourself:D

I really don't think we need more censorship.

I would encourage everyone to use the 'Report this post to a moderator' link below posts if they think that something is inappropriate. It is impossible for us to monitor all new posts, so we need some feedback from you people!

Thanks,
John

We don't need more censorship. I believe that has to be a certain level of control. i.e. No posting death-threats or bomb-making instructions etc.

Without seeing you sig., I don't know how bad it was, but I can see the point that sigs are spread through-out the entire site. If I was swearing in every thread I took part in, then I would expect to be banned. This is different from the occasional swear word or disgusting conversation in chit-chat.

I don't find ChimpFaces avatar at all crude/disgusting etc.

SD

I didnt have a problem with what his sig said. My problem with hiw sig was that the line of text was like size 7, it was just to big.

Yes I think there should be a limit on lines in the sig.

Maybe 4? 5 at the max...and limit the text size. Colors/links//smile (of course) dont bother me...

just keep it reasonable...

some sig are so long that a 1 line reply is like this:

You're welcome!

---------------------------------
uklgh d skdlgh flkasghd lhkasdf
dg
asdgasdgasdgjkh lkjdh gkljhd lkjadh g
fg asdfgsdfg kdfjgh kjdfh gkjdfhg
df sghsdfsdf f auosye oq348y o8ey oahi vl;ha s84ygfopa;hyi8r g
gasdgadfg ;kad8ygfr l;au8oy sd9ps78a4ypot8qy34g;a
fga dfg
ad fgadsflgiha9 sd8ryga;oih4 ay8hf;asdfg
adfg aldghaod8fgy978469 51o3 4 oqiy94gy aowey8 oahyr4awe
asdfg ialusdfygaos789tyf8top34qiu2g4lqgyg
sdf a978 ty3oa79yw3toawhy3t
:) :( :o :p ;) :D :cool: :rolleyes: :confused: :eek: :mad:
etc.. etc. etc. etc.......

C'mon!

Quote:

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Originally posted by John
I would encourage everyone to use the 'Report this post to a moderator' link below posts if they think that something is inappropriate. It is impossible for us to monitor all new posts, so we need some feedback from you people!

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Just be careful we don't get uppity and start reporting your posts, John :p

Just wondering...do you have anything that checks if you've been mentioned so that you can crack down on people badmouthing you? :D

And I've said this before, so I'll say it again: This is the Internet, people...try to keep an open mind!

Quote:

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Originally posted by parksie
Just be careful we don't get uppity and start reporting your posts, John :p

Just wondering...do you have anything that checks if you've been mentioned so that you can crack down on people badmouthing you? :D

And I've said this before, so I'll say it again: This is the Internet, people...try to keep an open mind!

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And while you have an open mind, take care that it does not turn into a dustbin.

.

Quote:

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Originally posted by honeybee
And while you have an open mind, take care that it does not turn into a dustbin.

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Too late :rolleyes:

Quote:

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Originally posted by parksie
Too late :rolleyes:

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It's never too late for anything.

.

I dont think anything should be censored !
This is a forum, and it allows people to speak their mind.

When I'm thinking about someone I dont like, I dont think "I cant wait to get my hands around his neck and [asterisk][asterisk][asterisk][asterisk][asterisk] [asterisk][asterisk][asterisk][asterisk][asterisk][asterisk] [asterisk][asterisk][asterisk][asterisk][asterisk] [asterisk][asterisk][asterisk][asterisk] "

I think we should be able to say what we want.

Also, regarding people sticking up their finger, I always thought that alex_read's avatar (garfield the cat) was sticking his finger up at us ;)
Not that it matters a ****e to me, but anyway ....

Quote:

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Originally posted by honeybee


It's never too late for anything.

.

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It is for Parksie! :D

Quote:

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Originally posted by plenderj
I dont think anything should be censored !
This is a forum, and it allows people to speak their mind.

When I'm thinking about someone I dont like, I dont think "I cant wait to get my hands around his neck and [asterix][asterix][asterix][asterix][asterix] [asterix][asterix][asterix][asterix][asterix][asterix] [asterix][asterix][asterix][asterix][asterix] [asterix][asterix][asterix][asterix] "

I think we should be able to say what we want.

Also, regarding people sticking up their finger, I always thought that alex_read's avatar (garfield the cat) was sticking his finger up at us ;)
Not that it matters a ****e to me, but anyway ....

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Actually Asterix was Obelix's little Gallic friend. Surely you mean asterisk: *

:D

As this is designed to be a "Family Friendly" site, I do agree that some level of censorship (ie ***) should be maintained.

I never said asterix ... er ;)

Anyway, I dont agree that this is a family site.
This is a site for programmers.
What the **** does that have to do with families ?!


Dad and mom and danny and sarah sit around the family computer programming in VB and discussing vb matters with others around the world .... **** that ....

Surely it would be easy enough for you (the administrators) to use ASP to search for certain words with new posts and replace a few of the letters with asterisks??

Code:

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If InStr(strNewPost, <OffensiveWord>) Then
    intPos = InStr(strNewPost, <OffensiveWord>)
    strTemp = Left(strNewPost, intPos + 1)
    strTemp2 = Right(strNewPost, intPos + Len(<OffensiveWord>) - 1)
    strNewPost = strTemp & String("*", Len(OffensiveWord) - 2) & strTemp2
End If
etc. etc.

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So a certain four-letter-word would become F**K.
Now ain't that simple?

Uh...no ASP here :) PHP all the way :p

We do censor certain words already, such as ***** **** and ******

Oh, they're censored :) Oops :o

John

LOL :D

Quote:

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Originally posted by John
Oh, they're censored :) Oops :o

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You joker, you;). Hey John, a good prank idea (I know April 1st has already gone, but next time round) censor "VB". he he he or even better, "Parksie", he he he he:D

Quote:

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Originally posted by ricmitch_uk

Code:

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If InStr(strNewPost, <OffensiveWord>) Then
    intPos = InStr(strNewPost, <OffensiveWord>)
    strTemp = Left(strNewPost, intPos + 1)
    strTemp2 = Right(strNewPost, intPos + Len(<OffensiveWord>) - 1)
    strNewPost = strTemp & String("*", Len(OffensiveWord) - 2) & strTemp2
End If
etc. etc.

---

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It Would be easier to use the Replace Function...

Message = Replace(Message, "s**t", "****") :p


...and I think PHP has an equivalent for that.

John ; Why are you censoring words though ?

To keep members like me happy.

Frankly, I believe that self-discipline is the most important and the most effective way to put an end to all these things. But people never exercise that. And that's why they have to be disciplined by others.

Those of you who say that whatever is going on about the avatars and signatures etc. my answer would be the censoring mechanism implemented on the Forums. If you thought people were narrow minded, why the hell would the Forums need to be censored? And don't tell me that John/James are narrow minded to censor the Forums.

.

I just think its a ****ing stupid idea to censor our posts.
We should be allowed post any **** we want !

Hmm, this isn't going to end prettily.

I don't agree that we need to be 'disciplined' for our own sake, that's just silly.

I don't object to the censorship of a couple of four-letter words, for the sake of the younger members of the forums. Not that I think they necessarily need it, but I know that some of their parents might object and I don't want them to have to stay away. I think it's pretty clear what people are saying anyway, the meaning isn't lost.

I don't see it as a big deal. You can't expect to have an automated censorship system that keeps everybody happy. Just do as suggested and use the 'report this post to a moderator' link if you think that what's been posted shouldn't be allowed to stay. Be reasonable, though. You need to make sure you decide who has the problem: the poster or you.

mmmm, There are degrees of censorship in everything we do.

I think this forum has a reasonable level of control, remember we are not paying for this service. We have no right to be able to publish anything, we are permitted to publish. There is a big difference.

It is illegal for you to run through the streets of Dublin naked. Why? I don't know? But do you call that censorship?

This site is primarily a coding site. It is probably a fair assumption that by blocking out a few swear words we can still help people learn how to program. If we want to, we can get round these blocks, but we respect the wishes of our hosts. Swearing doesn't bother me (in fact I'm very fluent at it), but it does bother other people and I respect their wishes by trying not to do it.

If I'm invited to somebodies house full of strangers I will try (sometimes unsuccessfully) to avoid swearing out of respect for my hosts wishes. I think you are confusing the freedom of publishing anything you want on your own website with publishing anything you want on somebody elses website.

SD

Quote:

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Originally posted by plenderj
I just think its a ****ing stupid idea to censor our posts.
We should be allowed post any **** we want !

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Has john turned it off!!?!?! Let me try: **** **** ****. Hmmmm...

Okay, how did you get ****ing and **** in you post!?:confused: :confused: :confused:

I imagine he put a tag /close tag in the middle of the words.

SD

It's an old trick and yes, it was my idea :rolleyes:

Chris, just click the quote button on his post and you'll see.

good thinking batman. Okay, attempt 3. Hello, I eat dog shite. Hmmm, very good.

Quote:

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Originally posted by Chenko
It Would be easier to use the Replace Function...

Message = Replace(Message, "s**t", "****")

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Such a marvellous function exists?

Quote:

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Originally posted by SurfDemon
Swearing doesn't bother me (in fact I'm very fluent at it)

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ROFLMAO :D

Quote:

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Originally posted by Chrisjk
We do censor certain words already, such as ***** **** and ******

Oh, they're censored Oops

John

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Yeah, but ppl seem to be able to do posts with them in anyway. Real effective programmin' there John. ;)

Quote:

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Originally posted by HarryW
Hmm, this isn't going to end prettily.

I don't agree that we need to be 'disciplined' for our own sake, that's just silly.

I don't object to the censorship of a couple of four-letter words, for the sake of the younger members of the forums. Not that I think they necessarily need it, but I know that some of their parents might object and I don't want them to have to stay away. I think it's pretty clear what people are saying anyway, the meaning isn't lost.

I don't see it as a big deal. You can't expect to have an automated censorship system that keeps everybody happy. Just do as suggested and use the 'report this post to a moderator' link if you think that what's been posted shouldn't be allowed to stay. Be reasonable, though. You need to make sure you decide who has the problem: the poster or you.

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Personally, I would have agreed with you. But I think this is a VB Forum, and except keywords like Form etc. we shouldn't need any four-letter words really. Why the heck would you use **** and **** in a VB-World forum?

PS: If you really wanna try those dummy tags, don't use quote and endquotes.

.

Quote:

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Originally posted by John
I would encourage everyone to use the 'Report this post to a moderator' link below posts if they think that something is inappropriate. It is impossible for us to monitor all new posts, so we need some feedback from you people!

Thanks,
John

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Totally agree John as long as it doesn't involve any of my postings:rolleyes:

Hey you could make me a sysop and l would take care of it for ya:eek:

On a serious side...just report what you find offensive, but remember this is the net not a kiddies play ground.

Quote:

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Originally posted by plenderj
I just think its a f****** stupid idea to censor our posts.
We should be allowed post any s*** we want !

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Dude,

Have no problem with your language there...but....this is a community therefore some will be offended. Remember laws are made too protect our freedom not take it away. If you really object to this then don't post here...simple.....or even better start your own board, (which l will join).

Have been on a number of sites where the whole thing has come crashing down due to members bad mouthing each other and posting tosh, the serious members have gradually stopped accessing the board.

As much as l agree with your sentiments, l do believe John is right in his approach, except where he refuses point blank to give me anti-Guru status.

The army is a community.
And in my mind, if a child is smart enough to be able to program, and is able to communicate their ideas well enough for us to possibly help him or her, then that person is not going to be so easily influenced by bad language.
They have a good head on their shoulders and are probably able to filter the good for the bad.

Quote:

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Originally posted by plenderj
The army is a community.
And in my mind, if a child is smart enough to be able to program, and is able to communicate their ideas well enough for us to possibly help him or her, then that person is not going to be so easily influenced by bad language.
They have a good head on their shoulders and are probably able to filter the good for the bad.

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Just because someone has a good head over his/her shoulder does not mean you are entitled to add headache there. Whatever be the nature of the other person, in a community area like this, everyone must watch out for his/her own language.

.

****,
* *** **** ** ***** * *****, ***** * ** *** ** *****, ** ******** * ** **** * * *** ****. **** ** *** **** *** *** *** ****** *****, *** ***** ** ****, *** *** ****'** *** *** *******.

**** :D

I think we have misused the Forum Feedback enough and I am stopping here. Else this thread will be kicked out just like another thread I loved to read! ;)

.

Well whose right is it to impose their own moral code on us ?

Quote:

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Originally posted by plenderj
Well whose right is it to impose their own moral code on us ?

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The administrators'. It's their board, not ours!

Quote:

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Originally posted by parksie
The administrators'. It's their board, not ours!

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I couldn't agree more!

SD

****!

It's not the admins v/s the members, and the forums are ours, including admins and the members. It's everyone's duty to keep the forums clean.

.

Quote:

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Originally posted by honeybee
It's not the admins v/s the members, and the forums are ours, including admins and the members. It's everyone's duty to keep the forums clean.

.

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mmmm, yes and no. It is the admin's board. They have invited/allowed us to use it, and a certain amount of respect for there wishes is only curteous.

It is not our duty to do anything. Duty is a very strong word, and invokes (for me anyway) either images of brainwashing or of real need. It is not my duty to not kill my fellow man. It is my responsibility not to kill my fellow man. There is a big difference. Most people on this board are sensible enough to control their language and thats fine. I think if we start talking about duty we start getting into the area of imposing our rules and beliefs on somebody else.

If Jesus4U is reading this (or even if he isn't) this is not a dig at you, I am merely using your username to illustrate a case. But if I start complaining that I don't like the user Jesus4U because they are trying to force their religous beliefs upon me, or that they quote a reference from the bible in their sig. then surely that is a sign of insecurity on my part. I lived in Ireland for a long time, I despise the Catholic church for what they have done to that country (despite having been raised a Catholic). But that does not mean that I take offence at Jesus4U's name, in actual fact I really like the guy, he's always polite and I will always try to help him out. I see no nharm in his name or his sig. In fact he probably has more concern with mine (demon) which is intended completely farcically - I'm not really a demon you know!

If we start talking about our duty then we start living by a set of inflexible rules. Next thing you know I'll have to change my avatar and name because somebody finds demon's offensive to their religion/sensibilities. Next thing Honeybee, you will be banned because somebody will accuse you of racism for your remarks over pakistan. Where does it end.

Don't get me wrong. I don't think you are racist, I am just trying to illustrate a point that a morale code of conduct is a voluntary thing. It cannot be a set of rules that is adhered to stringintly.

Just my two pennies. I'm not trying to offend anyone, I am not shallow enough to be worried about reading what somebody else has written lor thinks, but I would never dream of trying to tell anyone else what to think.

The admins have done just the right amount, by cutting out the more common swear words (in my view). Lets just leave it as it is.

SD