Language in Chat

[Skitch the Wolf]

So today, there was a dispute between Artagan and Mtndome about what constitutes foul language or obscenity in chat, and as a result, I'd like to know: when has it gone too far? Are we permitted to use "Hell" and "Damn?" Or are those tabooed like all other swears?

Although, the real source of this confusion comes from: is "Goddammit" a permissible word in the Lokian chat?

So in short, where is that border where curses are too vulgar or obscene that it warrants a warning or even a kicking or muting? This is something that's been in that grey area for quite a while, and I think it's about time it's set in stone.

 

[Artagan]

So today, there was a dispute between Artagan and Mtndome about what constitutes foul language or obscenity in chat, and as a result, I'd like to know: when has it gone too far? Are we permitted to use "Hell" and "Damn?" Or are those tabooed like all other swears?

Although, the real source of this confusion comes from: is "Goddammit" a permissible word in the Lokian chat?

So in short, where is that border where curses are too vulgar or obscene that it warrants a warning or even a kicking or muting? This is something that's been in that grey area for quite a while, and I think it's about time it's set in stone.

More of a cordial debate than a dispute. How we deal with basic expletives and curses has changed a lot since I joined the server, and how it's dealt with varies a lot from admin to admin. Maybe it's worth discussing what constitutes a curse and what does not, so we can keep punishments for this sort of thing consistent.

 

[Skitch the Wolf]

More of a cordial debate than a dispute. How we deal with basic expletives and curses has changed a lot since I joined the server, and how it's dealt with varies a lot from admin to admin. Maybe it's worth discussing what constitutes a curse and what does not, so we can keep punishments for this sort of thing consistent.

I apologize for calling it a "dispute," but I wasn't quite sure what to call it.

Anyway, since different words in different contexts have different effects and meanings behind them, one word may not have as much of an effect on one person as it may have on another, to the point where it may be offensive, hence, this is one reason why we discourage discrimination and offensive language in the first place, isn't it? And since we have a number of younger users in general, I know that's one reason to keep the language clean on this server. But I'd think it'd be nice if we had a set guideline that pertains consistently from admin to admin on the subject of vulgarity so that the grey area doesn't seem so grey in the end, and putting an end to debates such as these. Especially if the "guilty" party contests it against the admin in charge of the situation.

 

[adderman500]

Hell and damn to me are absolutely fine. It is literally only the more serious ones that I personally warn players about.

 

[mopb3]

Hell and damn to me are absolutely fine. It is literally only the more serious ones that I personally warn players about.

I honestly couldn't care less how you speak in chat

 

[Magpieman]

The reason we do not permit foul language on the server is because we encourage people of all ages to play and need to protect the younger kids that play. I also find it is a much more pleasant environment if people do not swear.

With regards to what we allow and what we do not, it is difficult to say. Loka has players from all parts of the world and a word in one country can mean nothing, yet in another, be very offensive. From a personal stand point words such as hell, damn and goddammit seem fine to me. These are words that are not aimed at a player as an insult but simply a way of expressing their anger over something they have done, without using what i regard as swear words.

 

[Cryptite]

Hell and damn to me are absolutely fine. It is literally only the more serious ones that I personally warn players about.

 

[Skitch the Wolf]

The reason we do not permit foul language on the server is because we encourage people of all ages to play and need to protect the younger kids that play. I also find it is a much more pleasant environment if people do not swear.

With regards to what we allow and what we do not, it is difficult to say. Loka has players from all parts of the world and a word in one country can mean nothing, yet in another, be very offensive. From a personal stand point words such as hell, damn and goddammit seem fine to me. These are words that are not aimed at a player as an insult but simply a way of expressing their anger over something they have done, without using what i regard as swear words.

Is there a place in spawn where it's more thoroughly touched upon like how you just stated it here? If so, I must have overlooked it. Although if not, would we benefit from having some sort of guidelines?

 

[thelineguy]

Perhaps we should write a list of forbidden words...

Then give the book out for free at spawn.

 

[Magpieman]

No but i will update the rule book and make it more detailed once i am able to edit books.

 

[Zor95]

Perhaps we should write a list of forbidden words...

Then give the book out for free at spawn.

Lol really? I'd like to watch someone right that.

 

[Artagan]

We could make a poll with a list of words in it, and people could vote for words that were more or less offensive.

But there's another twist to it; curse words aren't the only form of foul language in chat. You can describe something vulgar without using a forbidden word, or any word that by itself would be considered foul.

 

[Zor95]

Personally I don't care what is said though I choose to avoid certain words. However, as Magpie said, this rule is mostly in place to protect the younger children. We are not raising these children and we don't know how they're being raised. I believe that we should be respectful of these parent's wishes, whatever they may be, and that it is in fact our responsibility to not interfere with how these children are being raised. Therefore the safest course of action would just be to prohibit questionable words.

There's always the argument that these parents/guardians are letting their young children on the internet and therefore should expect such things, but this is a game, not the actual internet. And again it's not really our business how they're being raised, I just prefer to be on the cautious side.

What if there are no children on at the time? Go for it. Just try not to be disrespectful to each other.

 

[Cryptite]

I'm not in favor of any 'list o' forbidden words', just use your common sense and respect the people online. If you have to think about it, don't do it.

 

[mopb3]

Perhaps we should write a list of forbidden words...

Then give the book out for free at spawn.

Lol really? I'd like to watch someone right that.

 

[Zor95]

Perhaps we should write a list of forbidden words...

Then give the book out for free at spawn.

Lol really? I'd like to watch someone right that.

Pffft... about time someone caught that.

 

[Mtndome]

My biggest thing about it, was being sure that it's only being used at an expletive. Awh shit, Dammit all, etc are fine as long as you dont start aiming it at players. Fuck you. Insta-kick. Damn you, Skitch. Warning. I could care less if people use the swear words, as long as they keep it to a minimum. Not doing it every so often just to piss off the admins.