The e-mails I get...

[HarryDresden]

Sticks and stones, people need to quit worrying about the use of words. They're just words after all. The only way they can hurt you is if the sentence begins with "I sentence you to death by... (Hamsters, Ball-peen hammers, clothespins and bleach, etc.)" People need to lighten up.

@Loftar- I like the usage of that. Seems easier.

[loftar]

Sticks and stones, people need to quit worrying about the use of words. They're just words after all. [...] People need to lighten up.

Well, to be fair, it shouldn't be said that the case is always entirely obvious and that the position you exalt springs from logical necessity. One would usually choose one's language in accordance with whom it is that listens. Even though I can tell black Holocaust jokes amongst friends and family and don't think there is anything objectively wrong with it, I wouldn't do it in the company of a group of Auschwitz survivors -- It just wouldn't be conducive to the mood. :)

For the same reason, I probably wouldn't use "faggot" as a general insult in the company of actual homosexuals, or "nigger" as a general insult in the company of actual black people. At least not if I didn't know them well.

On the Internet (as in other public writings), it isn't easy to judge whom one should consider one's audience, and it's not as if one cannot argue that it is a virtue to choose one's words from an assumption that anyone could be reading. At the same time, however, one could argue for precisely the same reason that the reader should also try to be tolerant when reading things in public places and not take offense at the slightest things. In this context, I also firmly believe that trolling serves an excellent purpose for the proper upbringing of those who do take offense too easily.

[btaylor]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDAQQ1K9orE

[Tonkyhonk]

I really hope you do something about your insecure, unprofessional, inadequate moderators before giving Salem a second go. Half the reason you're not with Paradox anymore is because I had a few chats with the higher-ups about your company's blatant support of racism, bigotry, and homophobia.

I get that you guys are pretty laid back but surely you're intelligent enough to see what a detriment to your financial success your forums moderators are (or will be, should you try your hands at Salem again).

I mean really, how much interest do you think you'll get when images like this surface around the web? http://i.imgur.com/qBJPypu.png

how ironic, whoever this sender was picked this screeny as his example when he complains about salem. obviously he doesnt read and comprehend enough to understand what is going on and jumps at every single word he sees.

[HarryDresden]

That is a fair point, Loftar, but I was speaking in generalizations. Sure there's moments where keeping your conduct professional and sterile are more relevant then being loud and using potentially offensive language, however, it's the general idea I follow of "People need to get the sticks out of their asses and learn to lighten up."

[Jackard]

The whole phrase "political correctness" is a pejorative term. It implies an underlying motive other than that of simple "being a decent human being". It's rarely, if ever, used in a positive way.

When the term is used, it's deflecting blame away from the offending individual and instead saying "there's nothing wrong with this, but THE MAN doesn't want me to say it or he'll get offended".

Makes sense. This term always seemed unnatural but I never really thought about why.

[banok]

to be fair tho that example of terrible and backwards moderation isn't the only instance I've seen. bans for randomly pissing off a mod without breaking rules vs actual racism being ignored or just warned for.

honestly I think that guy was probably bullshitting about gamespot n that but do I think despite how much of a penis he may be, he does have a point on the moderation.

[loftar]

to be fair tho that example of terrible and backwards moderation isn't the only instance I've seen.

Really? Banning someone for posting spam in a spambot thread is terrible moderation?

[banok]

to be fair tho that example of terrible and backwards moderation isn't the only instance I've seen.

Really? Banning someone for posting spam in a spambot thread is terrible moderation?

posting on a thread like that is stupid and annoying, but I genuinely find it amusing that you deem it worse than actual and blatant racism.

[HarryDresden]

to be fair tho that example of terrible and backwards moderation isn't the only instance I've seen.

Really? Banning someone for posting spam in a spambot thread is terrible moderation?

posting on a thread like that is stupid and annoying, but I genuinely find it amusing that you deem it worse than actual and blatant racism.

That guy has been banned for numerous reasons. Find a better example. Also; Have you any proof that people are ACTUALLY being racist? Or is it simply people looking to be offensive on the internet?

Hint; It's #2.