A Note About Word Censors

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DavidWW
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Joined: Sat Dec 11, 2004 9:47 pm

A Note About Word Censors

Post by DavidWW » Tue Apr 10, 2007 9:17 pm

This site uses phpBB software.

Like other types of similar software, it incorporates a word censor.

This works by detecting a group of letters that match what has been fed in and replacing that string with another word or phrase, - TS uses *official warning* and *tut! tut!* among others.

Wildcards can be used in the string to cover variants but that can be problematic, as we recently had the very sad case of a cause of death by "numptie poisoning" (work it out :!: :twisted: ). I'm currently waiting with bated breath for someone to use the adjective feckless. :shock:

We don't go overboard in terms of the words that are censored, - there's just 6 words in the banned list at the moment; and we aim to take a balanced view on what is acceptable in the different countries and societies where our members are based, and across a wide range of belief systems, hence the permissible use of a certain frequently used Aussie word. But then again, if someone abused that, then we'd take immediate action.

Given the subject matter of TS, there are obviously good reasons on relevant occasions to allow the use of terms and terminology that would be banned on other discussion groups, - the terminology in the case of illegitimacy in the OPRs being the most obvious example. :shock:

The key word in such a situation is context. In other words, if that's how it was expressed back in that era, then we need to accept such historical usage. Again, however, any abuse of this historical context will be severely dealt with, and the sole arbiter, surprise, surprise, will always be the TalkingScot AdminGroup.

Equally, any attempts, however subtle, to try to pervert the word censor will be promptly dealt with, hence the inclusion now in the list of banned terms of "effing".

While the AdminGroup are open to lobbying on what words or terms to censor, and will sometimes consult with moderators, the decision rests solely with the AdminGroup of TalkingScot, and no-one else. If you can't accept that, then you may need to reconsider your situation.

Every member of TS clearly and unambiguously signs up to the following when they join ..............

You agree not to post any abusive, obscene, vulgar, slanderous, hateful, threatening, sexually-oriented or any other material that may violate any applicable laws. Doing so may lead to you being immediately and permanently banned (and your service provider being informed). The IP address of all posts is recorded to aid in enforcing these conditions. You agree that the webmaster, administrator and moderators of this forum have the right to remove, edit, move or close any topic at any time should they see fit.

Couldn't be much clearer, could it ?! (And if you ticked the "I agree" box without reading the text, then, sorry, but that's just "tough" :!: :twisted: )


One problematic area is www addresses, and the content of the websites involved.

The way that the TSAG treat this situation is as follows.

Any reference to a porn site or a site that includes abusive, obscene, vulgar, slanderous, hateful, threatening, or sexually-oriented material is likely to lead to an instant ban of the poster.

For other sites, then, if the link is direct to a page on that site (so-called "deep-linking") which contains one or more of TS's banned words/phrases then that link will most probably be edited out, or the post quarantined, and the poster sent a PM.

If, however, the link is to a home page, and the offensive material is a layer or more further into a site, then the TSAG take the view that positive action is required on the part of a member to reach that page on the site, so that by exploring the site in such a manner, any member takes the responsibility for what they find.

Obviously, a site where every such page of content included undesirable material would not be well looked upon, but a site where only one of many pages contained objectionable material at such a lower level in the site menu wouldn't be commented on............ but it will always be TSAG who will be the sole arbiter on where to draw the line, on a case by case basis.

David
TSAG Chair as of the date of this post.

marilyn morning
Global Moderator
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Joined: Sun Dec 12, 2004 1:45 am
Location: Rhode Island, USA

Post by marilyn morning » Fri Apr 13, 2007 12:24 am

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