I think it is about time we properly address this issue that has been thrown back and forth for a while now. I will get right to the point in saying that Nusdan is the one who has mainly been pushing for greater tolerance whilst I have generally been discouraging it, with other wiki members questioning whether or not there has been some change to the policy. Up until this point, the unstated policy and common belief has been that mild profanities are permitted on the public chat given that they are not used to intentionally offend anyone, while they should not be used at all outside the chat. As you may have noticed, this has not been abided by staff on occasion. It is important that we set an example for you all, so we will now be clarifying the policy, what actions will entail consequences, and also what you should expect from us as staff regarding the issue of profanity usage.
The thread title says poll, but not until Nusdan or any of the other staff who might be interested in adding something to the discussion have done so will we run it. This is so you can be well informed of both sides of the issue.
Hackey5's stance is:
We should avoid profanity usage where it is unnecessary. On the chat, we may have greater tolerance towards it as we currently do, but outside it, profanity usage serves little purpose. Now, it is not like it is uncommon on the Internet. However, this wiki represents a younger demographic as is determined by its subject, an all ages arcade-style game. That is the lesser reason. The greater reason is that if an outsider looks at this wiki and sees what appears to be a bunch of kids swearing because they can, it makes a poor impression of us being childish and disorderly. If small, effortless actions can be taken to avoid this, I would take them. Simply substituting a curse word for another is not difficult, and can make the wiki far more welcoming to respectful individuals, and can also make an impression to those who are childish and disorderly that individuals as such are not free to act that way. It is all about impressions, and we can make a greater one should we choose to act accordingly.
Nusdan's stance (which he may change if he feels it necessary) is:
I stopped caring about this limitation [of not being allowed to use profanities]. Most people in the chat have grown up and are not the same kids they used to be before and I will not stop anyone from doing what they want to do as long as it does not harm people. I do punish when people just start to insult each other without the consent of either party, other than that, I let them be. I used to think limiting the use of profanity would keep it safe and it sure did, but now that it is just irrelevant nowadays people just do not care anymore either. Swear, not to swear, blah, what is the matter after all?
e: To clear it up. Upon reading Hackey's I've noticed that my statement on profanity has been extended to Forums. No. I don't accept profanity on Forums.
Prior to the poll being run, you may use the , and templates to declare your stance with an included reason. Inspect the templates if you do not already know how to do this as we will be removing comments that involve the improper use of them or questions regarding how to use them. Remember:
- Do you Support being allowed to use profanities? OR
- Do you Oppose allowing profanities?