I'm sure you've all read a thread with "disguised" obscenities, only to see it censored later by the moderator. Some might see this as an infringement upon our right to free speech. I disagree. First of all, this is a PRIVATE website, so the owner/ moderators have the ultimate right to delete anything they find offensive. Secondly, I appreciate the time it takes for these folks to monitor the site and delete offensive material. I find people that continually fill their speech with adult language are not acting like adults at all. Posting a seven-letter word that starts with "F" followed by six star-signs is as offensive and immature as spelling the word in it's entirety. It takes a little effort to behave like adults, to be respectful of other people's feelings and sensitivities. I think the moderator's efforts have definitely had a positive effect on all of us when it comes to posting. The true worth of a civilization is demonstrated by how it's members treat each other, and I think all the folks here at FTE show an incredibly high standard, especially compared to other websites. It's both a pleasure and an honor conversing with everyone here.

 

Well said, MarkII!

 

i agree. its definitely nice being able to talk with intelligent people and not have anything get out of hand, even when there are conflicts of interest or opinion. people are generally good at respecting one another and being courteous. every once in awhile you see someone post something inflammatory, but chances are they havn't been here long and don't plan on staying long. inflamed or vulgar opinions are completely disregarded when i read them, because if a person has to use language like that to get his point accross, then chances are he has nothing intelligent to add. i am myself guilty of once in awhile posting something obscene, but its usually when there is no better substitute for what im trying to say

 

Well at least they are making an effort not to offend.
I am guilty on many occasion of using different punctuation marks and such to fill in the blanks.

As cek181 stated i only use them if I feel that I can't find a substitute to get my point across. I use "foul" language in everyday life but in the occasion that it might offend I try to use a "slang" or more appropriate word even though the point may not seem to be expressed strongly enough for me.

In a nut shell I try not to show my rear end in public it makes my momma look bad .

Flagrant use of obscenities does tend to show a lacking in your intelligence especially in debating or conversation so in a way I agree with you Mark II.

-Kevin

 

Thank you. It means a lot to hear that.

Sometimes people think that because of the language standard's here that we're uptight or we don't have fun. Nothing could be further from the truth. I'm been known to use a few choice words myself now and then (just ask Dennis, he's met me!) but there's a time and place.

We've had pretty high standards all along but they got even higher when my wife and I opened a package back in the early FTE days. It was from a 2nd grade class. There where drawings of trucks in the package and nice little notes from the children. I realized then just how much FTE is a virtual glass house. Peggy and I then decided that we want to raise the bar and we registered FTE with RASC as a site acceptable to all audiences (RASC allows children with browsing control tools to view appropriate sites). No one is going to fault you in the long run for having high standards (look at Mr. Rogers!)....

 

wow, i didn't realize we reached such a young audience. its a good thing they are getting on the right track at such a young age though! i had assumed everyone was 15 years old or older, since they are the only ones who take part in the forums. i guess i never thought about anyone just stopping by the site to view material!

 

As a moderator, the bulk of my compliments goes to one person: Ken.
About two years ago, I became a regular visitor to FTE. Aside from the content, the ONE main thing that sold me on this site was the standards, mainly the lack of tolerence for childish, inappropriate, obscene, vulgar, etc. postings. It is all too easy to find a web site that will indulge whatever foul postings its participants are willing to post. I do not need, nor do I particulary want to see, such language and content when I relax in from of my computer with a fresh mug of coffee and want to see what my buddies at FTE have to say.
Sure, there will be the @ % * ! etc. stuff to deal with. But I even have to question that sometimes. Why? The English language is sufficient to capture the bulk of human emotion with HAVING to use such words or "fill-ins" for them.
I'm no prude, but I find it FAR more interesting and educational to read a post without the "push the envelope" language.
It is not my intent to judge or complain about those who spice up there communications just saying how much I appreciate the standards set by Ken.
I'm reminded of Jefferson (I think it was Jefferson). When asked as he walked out of Independance Hall, "What have you given us Sir?" He answered, "A Republic mam, if you can keep it".
We have a GREAT (arguably the BEST) truck site on the WEB, if we can keep it.

Thanks guys.

 

I believe you can't curse and get respect at the same time. I also believe that you can't have an adult conversation with a child. Cursing usually shows a lack of vocabulary.

I also believe that you can't misspell words and impress someone that is reading your post unless he/she can't spell either.

I also believe that Political Correctness makes liars out of everyone. Just like truthful conversations are labeled racist and so on.

I also believe that people that delete words should list the naughty words for the user they want to control. Even the 'seven words' that can't be used on TV were itemized. Some people make something dirty out of words that are not. I've seen words used in church labeled dirty by the internet.

One case that comes to mind is the word 'Rice' This word was made up by Asians, fortified by their use in a website and meant the Asian influence on auto doll-up by the people that made it up. (Like the California Clean Look that didn't mean anything bad against California) Other people were offended for them and it is now considered poor taste, hence not used.

I think people are looking for something to be offended about.

PS Great job, kiss kiss, pat pat.

 

Well, thank you, 1997RangerXLT, but please- next time, try not to slip me the tongue No good, solid American wants to be associated with THAT country's form of kissing!

 

You started the love-in.

 

I have never felt the need to use obscene language on this site and I talk like a drunken sailor most of the time. Just don't see where its necessary. If my children were old enough to read and operate a computer I like the idea of them being able to visit this site and not worry too much. I just don't see where it is necessary.

 

Alright..I may catch some fire for this but here goes. I have never understood why "curse words" are considered obscene. These words, like all words, have a orgin and many were accepted as for common use at one time. Don't get me wrong. These words should not be allowed on this site because this is a family site and those words are not socially acceptable. My question is why? And why do these words signify a lower vocabulary. Granted one should not use them as a crutch, but they are just words like any other and their intent is to portray an idea. Society tells us these are not acceptable words to use to portray our ideas, however another word that may mean the exact same thing is? Makes no sense to me. Like I said before, because society does no accept these then I understand why they are not allowed to be used here and I will continue to not use them out of respect for the other users. Just my thoughts.

 

Some root their principles in society, others in their faith in God. Society accepts a lot more than I do.

 

I think that might make the quote of the day on the plasma screen in my shop here Ken. Nobody will know who Ken Payne is but oh well.

 

I'm someone who can't always live up to my standards, not by a long shot. But if you can't aim for something better than you are what's the point? Uggg, now I'm being quoted!!! I have a feeling one day I'll eat those words.