reply to off topic comments from marty_lewis on the Q&A board.
B.O.P. I don't agree that the use of profanity says anything about someone's charactar. I think it just says that the person uses words that possibly offend some others.
Actually is show that a person lacks the command of their native language. In this case English. Since this language is spoon fed from birth there is no excuse for not learning to using the proper words. Profanity screams laziness and a lack of respect.
The idea that people all have to write the same way, IMO is not a healthy one, it discourages people from expressing their views.
IMO the purpose of a message board is to get across ideas. Some people spell badly, others have bad grammar. We all have faults. But what is the important aspect of a post? The correct spelling (etc) or the idea? If the idea or point or fact is understood, isn't that really what's important?
I have had exposure to a lot of different circles in my lifetime, from the best of society to the worst, from absolute saints to absolute sinners, and I have found that no "group" has a monoply on good ideas or intelligence.
Spelling and poor grammar are also indicative of laziness, but they do not necessarily demonstrate a lack of respect. As for you argument that restricting profanity forces all to post the same way, you and I have demonstrated to distinctly different styles and opinions on this subject. Yet neither of us has needed to profanity. I did not feel restricted…did you?
That all being said, I agree that profanity shouldn't be used, one can always say darn it!
Darn: def. A place that has been mended with interweaving stitches. -vt[/I] To mend a hole in torn fabric with interweaving stitches.
[I]instead of oh sh*T!,[/I]
unless you have socks to mend you usage is incorrect
[I]but I don't agree that it says anything about anyone other than they use different words than someone else to express themselves.[/I]
You are of course entitled to your opinion as am I. But let me ask a question…
Would you elect a man to the office of President of the United States if his speeches were laced with profanity?
David Weed
aka the Bird of Prey
www.warp-drive.com