Language

I have no idea if I am the only one to notice but recently it seems that the language of some posts seems to have degenerated somewhat. Is there any need to use such harsh words as 'bollocks', 'nonsense' or even expletives (albeit with asterisks) especially when they are only opinions and perhaps not proven facts? We all have the right to voice our thoughts but would it not be more pleasant to couch them in a more courteous manner?

I do expect accusations of being pedantic and old fashioned etc but please be civilised in your choice of wording!

Yep Hazy you are a pedantic old... Seriously though I despair at hearing people using the "F" word between every other word they utter. However I accept some see it as the norm and others think it adds to their argument/debate or whatever. Forums need a good blend of people to add to the mix and I think you will find your minor chide will have an impact with some and not with others. As for me, it depends on the post I'm relying to and of course how much wine I've consumed! So I'll make my apologies now for any offence caused.

Steve, I knew you would be the first to answer!
What does 'chide' mean - never come across it before. Agree about the 'F' word - it is always said to be a sign of a person lacking in adjectival knowledge and imagination.

Hazy wrote:Steve, I knew you would be the first to answer!What does 'chide' mean - never come across it before. Agree about the 'F' word - it is always said to be a sign of a person lacking in adjectival knowledge and imagination.

Well I would guess you will know why I know such a word as "chide"   A quick Google and it comes up with a very good description

verb
verb: chide; 3rd person present: chides; past tense: chided; past tense: chid; gerund or present participle: chiding; past participle: chidden

    scold or rebuke.
    "she chided him for not replying to her letters"
    synonyms:    scold, chastise, upbraid, berate, castigate, lambaste, rebuke, reprimand, reproach, reprove, admonish, remonstrate with, lecture, criticize, censure

I like the last "censure", but love "castigate"...

Hazy of course I would answer as I love to see activity on the forum, even if there is more than just the "F" in "Forum" now and then...

I agree with Hazy.  A handful of members on this forum seem intent on 'stirring up the pot', posting unthoughtful, self opinionated opinions...is it just because they have no face when posting on the internet ?  I have posted recently a topic for discussion and 2 people, entitled to their opinion I know, but their wording was rude and bigoted.....Personally I find it upsetting and unnecessary....whats wrong with a polite discussion.....Some people will always argue black is white....get real and treat others as you would like to be treated yourself.....You know who you are....Now I will sit on my hands as have had my say....

Angela Fuller wrote:I agree with Hazy.  A handful of members on this forum seem intent on 'stirring up the pot', posting unthoughtful, self opinionated opinions...is it just because they have no face when posting on the internet ?  I have posted recently a topic for discussion and 2 people, entitled to their opinion I know, but their wording was rude and bigoted.....Personally I find it upsetting and unnecessary....whats wrong with a polite discussion.....Some people will always argue black is white....get real and treat others as you would like to be treated yourself.....You know who you are....Now I will sit on my hands as have had my say....

I bet you wont sit on your hands! Ha, now you snookered... I say that as I really don't know if it's me that's been rude! To be honest I think it's very easy to be rude on here due to the very nature of the variation between people and their sensitivities and the failings of the written word (yes especially mine). Come on Angela, off your hands and name, names...   Better out than in...

No not you Steve....'They' know who they are.......

Angie's right, it's not you, Steve.
I do appreciate the 'chide' explanation - not joking, good to learn a new word, just hope I don't have to use it very often!

Oh Oh !! the Language Police have arrived. I suppose freedom of expression is only allowed if you express it in a way some deem acceptable. 
Seen all this before and mark my words it's a slippery slope, bang goes the neighbourhood.

I totally agree with Hazy and Angie. It is not a matter of "Language Police", just basic good manners and respect for fellow members. I always say that self-moderation is the best.

Ok I'll apologise all before I start, but there you go... See, I disagree with just about everything one or two people say on here, but I know it's just the way they put it! Unfortunately self policing on a forum is often seen as bullying, argument or just plain awkwardness. My tolerance level of nastiness obviously differs from others on here, but they are just disgusting!  The latter "they are just disgusting" being over the top to me (I'd rarely use the word disgusting, far too subjective), but to others it may be water off a ducks back. The questing of swearing must have been discussed many a time on many forums? I would bet it has also caused the very same argument. Perhaps we could have a vote on the level of unacceptable words where bottom could have a low rating and Jesus another. The latter is very interesting  as I heard it used several times on the radio yesterday and thought at the time "that does not sound right".
Or perhaps we can just accept the fact we are on an open forum and you take (whatever you perceive as such) the "good with the bad"

Forum etiquette is a simple combination of common sense, respect for others and good manners, here is a basic summary: http://www.netsmarts.com.au/why-manners-matter-online There are plenty of entries in the web covering this topic.

Well said Steve. The last thing any Forum needs is 'finger wagging, tut tutting' self appointed Guardians of Morality and we have all seen this scenario before. There is an adequate Moderator in Penny (as she set this forum up) and I think it should be down to her alone to sit in judgement of peoples actions, TBH I haven't come across any real profanities on here and am of the opinion that we all seem to moderate ourselves pretty well.
I do draw the line at people verbally abusing others and calling others by ''cus'' words (also keep well away from the Blasphemy angle) but injecting the odd F word into a thread for emphasis, never hurt anyone.
I suggest that people should not take the Moral high ground with others that they do not know in person, as judgement by affectation is hardly representative of a free on-line Forum.

It appears to me that some people use certain words to bully people. There is a difference between saying 'I am sorry but I don't agree with you' and ' That's aload of cr*p'  Surely the person saying the later is intending to be rude and offensive....Just my thoughts.....

Flip - your comment of 'I suggest that people should not take the Moral high ground with others that they do not know in person'
moves me to make this comment 'I suggest that people should not take the verbal low ground with others that they do not know in person'.
Courtesy and good manners cost nothing, do they?

TOUCHE Hazy !

Bullies, trolls, abusive language... we have seen it all and we will probably continue seeing it. The irony is that, whenever these topics are raised, there will always be statements about  "the Moral high ground", "censorship" (although what is being requested is self-moderation) and all this in the name of a "free forum". And then... what exactly is a "free forum"? Is it a place where any member can express his/her opinions (whether right or wrong) in a proper and respectful manner or be exposed to bullying, disrespectful comments or abusive language? And all this in the name of "freedom"? Perhaps a visit to the dictionary may be needed...

I started this post and am now bowing out because as usual, Gala Placidia has it in a nutshell. How we respond to anyone in any method of communication whatsoever depends on our own standards, morals and ethics - decency and respect or the opposite, it is up to each of us which of these to choose. As Angie said, 'There is a difference between saying 'I am sorry but I don't agree with you' and 'That's a load of cr*p'. Ciao!

Thank you, Hazy, but you summed it up beautifully. I am also bowing out. I said what I thought I had to say

Over and out......

I hope the 'Ciao', the 'I am also bowing out' and the 'Over and out.....' refer only to this topic?

Certainly on my part it is only on this topic - this forum is too important and useful to leave!

I agree, Hazy. I think that we have said what we wanted to say.

I see this as a moral issue and am sort of with Hazy.  I suggest that before posting, one ask themselves two questions: 1) "Would I want this said to my sister, grandmother, etc?" and 2) If not, then ask themselves, "Why indeed am I behaving in this manner?"   In this way one will know which is the better path to take...

Totally agree stefanaccio.....well said