The Foul Language and Respectful Communication Policy

[Susan ✅]

The Foul Language and Respectful Communication Policy

Welcome to Our Community Forum
Our community forum is a vibrant gathering space dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and family-friendly environment for members of all ages. The Foul Language and Respectful Communication Policy is at the heart of our commitment to maintaining a respectful atmosphere.

Objective
The policy primarily focuses on eliminating profane language that serves no constructive purpose and moderating language intended to harm or disrespect others.

Policy Statement
We adhere to a zero-tolerance policy towards both profanity and disrespectful language. This encompasses the filtering and removal of such language from all forms of community interaction, including digital, verbal, and written. The policy also addresses language that may attack, harass, or demean, including sarcasm, stereotypical labels, patronizing tones, and imitative mockery, while distinguishing between harmful language and expressions that may be culturally or contextually appropriate.

Scope
This policy is applicable to all community members across all communication mediums, addressing both profane language and language used to belittle or harass others.

Implementation
We employ automated and manual methods to ensure that all members follow the requirements of this policy. An automated system detects and filters out severely profane words, undergoing regular updates for effectiveness. In addition, our moderators actively oversee communications, managing any harmful or disrespectful language that bypasses automated detection.

Consequences of Violations
Content containing filtered profane words or disrespectful language will be edited with the objectionable word(s) replaced. In situations where editing is not sufficient or if the objectionable content is integral to the post, the content will be removed entirely, but only if absolutely necessary.

Repeated violations of this policy may lead to more severe disciplinary actions, including post moderation, or in extreme cases, temporary or permanent exclusion from the community.

Our approach seeks to balance the need for respectful communication with the integrity of member contributions. We emphasize education and understanding as key elements in the policy in order to ensure these measures are rarely needed.

Reporting
Members are encouraged to use the "report this post" link available at the bottom of every message to report instances of overlooked profanity or disrespectful language. Constructive ->-bleeped-<- is vital to the continuous refinement of our policy.

Review and Update
Regular reviews and updates of this policy will ensure it aligns with evolving community standards and technological advancements, maintaining a respectful and welcoming environment for all members.

Conclusion
The Foul Language Policy is essential in upholding the respectful, inclusive nature of our community forum. Compliance with this policy ensures a safe, welcoming environment for all ages. Mindful language use is key to maintaining the friendly and inclusive atmosphere of our community. Together, we can ensure our forum remains a positive, enriching space for every member.

Thank you for your adherence to this policy.

With Regards:

Susan                                                                       Danielle [Northern Star Girl]
Founder Susan's Place Transgender Resources          The Forum Administrator  [Email alaskandanielle@yahoo.com]           
and The Website Administrator                               

[Northern Star Girl ✅]

2 YEARS later... here is a reminder of our Susan's Place Forum policy regarding Foul Language.
    Please read & review

This includes cloaked and masked profanity...

Depending on the situation with cloaked and masked profanity, a simple Warning
should give the offending member pause regarding that practice.
Also a "moderator edit" on the post will provide a notice to other members reading
the posting.  If this subtle way of moderation does not sink in to offending
members then possible penalties and official warnings will be next.

Also, regarding intentionally attempting to "go around" our censored word filter... 
... this is a big offense and could result in temporary banning, "no post" penalties, etc.

Any questions please contact me or any Forum Staff member.
Regards, Danielle [Northern Star Girl]
  The Forum Administrator  [direct Email: alaskandanielle@yahoo.com]

[ChrissyRyan]

Sometimes when I visit a rural diner there is a sign with a hen or rooster and the words,

NO FOWL LANGUAGE here please!

[Northern Star Girl ✅]

Very IMPORTANT: Once again...several YEARS later...
...there is a crucial need to submit a re-posting and a important reminder of
our Susan's Place Forum policy regarding Foul Language.
                Please read & review

This includes cloaked and masked profanity...
Depending on the situation with cloaked and masked profanity, a simple Warning
should give the offending member pause regarding that practice.
Also a "moderator edit" on the post will provide a notice to other members reading
the posting.  If this subtle way of moderation does not sink in to offending
members then possible penalties, loss of posting privileges and official warnings will be next.
Please don't waste your time in an attempt to fool us with your masking and cloaking efforts, we
have seen it all, and then some.

Also, regarding intentionally attempting to cleverly "go around" our Forum Censored Word Filter...
... this is a big offense and could result in temporary banning, "no post" penalties, etc. 
When you submit a posting you should review your posted text... if you see that the Forum word
censor automatically replaced you non-allowed word or a masked or cloaked version of that non-allowed
word with ->-bleeped-<-  then you should immediately edit the language that you used to avoid our Moderators from editing or removing your posting and being subject to our moderation action. 
If you need help with that please contact me or any of our Forum Moderators listed at the very
end of this posting. 

Please click the following LINK for additional information relevant to our language polices.
                      The Foul Language and Respectful Communication Policy
              https://www.susans.org/index.php?topic=247168.msg2262421#msg2262421

Any questions please contact me or any Forum Staff members.
Regards, Danielle[ [Northern Star Girl]
  The Forum Administrator  [direct Email: alaskandanielle@yahoo.com]

cc: @Devlyn  @Lori Dee @Sarah B  @Jessica_Rose  @Mariah

[Stottie Girl]

Well I made my points on excessive censorship already so I won't go there 😁 but.....

I have seen the ->-bleeped-<- thing appear in my message bodies a couple of times and I do not consider myself a foul mouthed poster by any means. In my case, at least once it was picking out a swear word from the middle of a perfectly innocent word and the other time or times it was a word that is not really considered a swear word in general UK parlerance. I trust that the atlantic divide will be considered should any innocent indiscretions occcur?

I am not clear either, if the auto censor bleeps the word out are you saying we have to edit that word even though it has already been censored? How do you do that exactly? I might not notice it has been bleeped in the first place.

[Lori Dee ✅]

Well I made my points on excessive censorship already so I won't go there 😁 but.....

I have seen the ->-bleeped-<- thing appear in my message bodies a couple of times and I do not consider myself a foul mouthed poster by any means. In my case, at least once it was picking out a swear word from the middle of a perfectly innocent word and the other time or times it was a word that is not really considered a swear word in general UK parlerance. I trust that the atlantic divide will be considered should any innocent indiscretions occcur?

I am not clear either, if the auto censor bleeps the word out are you saying we have to edit that word even though it has already been censored? How do you do that exactly? I might not notice it has been bleeped in the first place.

This does happen sometimes. Next to the POST button is a PREVIEW button, so you can see how your post looks. Yes, please remove whatever is causing the Bleep. If you have already posted, those buttons will give you a Quick Edit option to go back and fix typos or whatever. I believe that stays for 24 hours; after that, you'll need Staff help to edit a post. That's ok; we don't mind helping keep everything tidy for all ages and cultures.

As for being held against you for using your local parlance, not necessarily. But keep in mind where your audience lives. People from all over the world visit here every day. And since the site is physically located in the U.S., we must abide by U.S. rules and customs.

[Mariah ✅]

The last thing we want to do is take action. We much rather you all police yourself before posting. We all understand the need and get it, but recent postings on the forums resulted in us needing to take action. We much rather interact with you all and share in the joys and low points in life regardless of where someone is on their journey. Things have changed a lot since I became a member an originally joined forum staff. I do believe we found a much more balanced approach that benefits everyone. If you ever have a question or want to understand why, then please don't hesitate to ask. Anywho that is my two cents. Hugs
Mariah

Well I made my points on excessive censorship already so I won't go there 😁 but.....

I have seen the ->-bleeped-<- thing appear in my message bodies a couple of times and I do not consider myself a foul mouthed poster by any means. In my case, at least once it was picking out a swear word from the middle of a perfectly innocent word and the other time or times it was a word that is not really considered a swear word in general UK parlerance. I trust that the atlantic divide will be considered should any innocent indiscretions occcur?

I am not clear either, if the auto censor bleeps the word out are you saying we have to edit that word even though it has already been censored? How do you do that exactly? I might not notice it has been bleeped in the first place.

[tammy753]

Since this is likely my fault I will apologize again for the need to bring this up. I didn't intend to take away from the mission of this site. I just found that I enjoy writing and have been letting my crazy ideas run wild I promise to pay more attention in the future.

[Northern Star Girl ✅]

@tammy753 
Dear Tammy:
I greatly appreciate your message but please know that you do not need to apologize.  The Susan's Place
Forum Language Policy is meant to EDUCATE our members, and not to Demean, Disrespect, or to Harshly Castigate
you or any other member. 

As was emphasized in a few of the recent postings around our site, we have underage members and members from all walks
of life and from world-wide cultures, and we are aware that our site is frequently viewed in schools and public library computers so it is essential that our site does not get blocked because of language.  Street language on our site is not a good way to promote favor with our guests, viewers and public institutions.

If you have any questions or additional comments for me please feel free to communicate with me.
Warmly, Danielle [Northern Star Girl]
  Forum Administrator  Direct Email: alaskandanielle@yahoo.com

               cc:  @Devlyn  @Lori Dee @Sarah B  @Jessica_Rose  @Mariah

Since this is likely my fault I will apologize again for the need to bring this up. I didn't intend to take away from the mission of this site. I just found that I enjoy writing and have been letting my crazy ideas run wild I promise to pay more attention in the future.

[Finally Anna]

This is a non-issue. The site's rules apply. We follow those rules.
🙂

[Stottie Girl]

Thanks Lori.

You mean when it says bleeped on my post as I view it, everyone else can see the profanity? Otherwise I fail to see the point in spending time going back and re-editing the word "bleeped" Surely that is not offensive to anyone? If I notice a particular word has triggered the censor then I know not to use that word again. Is the mere sight of the word "bleeped" offensive over there? Guess it must be a culture thing.

By innocent UK parlerance I mean that it would not have occurred to me that it was a swear word in a different country. We are two countries separated by a common language after all! Your F word for a derrierre for example is an offensive word on this side of the pond so it goes both ways!

I know I'm being a bit argumentitive here but you can see why it can rapidly descend into farce when things get heavy handed over generally innocent postings. I am getting a bit used to being ticked off now but when I first arrived here and started receiving moderator discipline I was very upset, highly embarrassed and very nearly left the site for good (I know, you were so very close to being rid of me!)

Anyway, I seem to be a lone voice on this matter so I won't say any more on it.

@tammy753 I really hope it does not kerb your freedom of expression on your blog. Reading your musings has been a real breath of fresh air to me. And yeah, perhaps there might be something wrong with me lol!

[Devlyn ✅]

Ah, two nations separated by a common language. 🤣

When I arrived in the UK the commonplace use of the C word for the inconsiderate drivers out there was eye-opening.

In the New England region of the US, beer and liquor are sold in a package store, which we call a "Packie". Imagine my surprise over its usage here.

And you'd be shocked by our well known candy stores pictured below.

[Maid Marion]

  I spent a lot of time visiting candy stores when I traveled.

[Stottie Girl]

Ah, two nations separated by a common language. 🤣

When I arrived in the UK the commonplace use of the C word for the inconsiderate drivers out there was eye-opening.

In the New England region of the US, beer and liquor are sold in a package store, which we call a "Packie". Imagine my surprise over its usage here.

And you'd be shocked by our well known candy stores pictured below.

Well yes quite, over here "packie" is grossly offensive to most people in the UK and especially people of Pakistani or other South Asian origin and it kind of illustrates my point. It is most definitely NOT ok to use that language over here and in some cases can actually get you arrested. Is that on the censor list? Clearly not. So the censorship really only applies to words that offend Americans which, given Susans is an American site, I suppose is fair enough really. It's just that non Americans should be cut a little slack is all I'm saying.

[Devlyn ✅]

But in the US we don't call people from Pakistan that. It's just a shortening of the word "package". It's not a slur used against anyone. And I'll bet "packie" isn't how you spell it there. 🙂

[Devlyn ✅]

Also, package stores are almost invariably run by Irish people around Boston.

[Laura Squirrel]

Well yes quite, over here "packie" is grossly offensive to most people in the UK and especially people of Pakistani or other South Asian origin and it kind of illustrates my point. It is most definitely NOT ok to use that language over here and in some cases can actually get you arrested. Is that on the censor list? Clearly not. So the censorship really only applies to words that offend Americans which, given Susans is an American site, I suppose is fair enough really. It's just that non Americans should be cut a little slack is all I'm saying.

I remember when I heard that term in a BBC doc about the skinhead movement. It was so weird with the way it was discussed. But, growing up in America, I understood the dissonance. I've heard and seen similar backwards ideas and attitudes here. It just revolves around different groups.

[Stottie Girl]

But in the US we don't call people from Pakistan that. It's just a shortening of the word "package". It's not a slur used against anyone. And I'll bet "packie" isn't how you spell it there. 🙂

Well yes, I know you don't but you are using an abhorrent term that people from the UK can see (as this is a world wide site) and your censor thinks that is fine. The reverse could be true and words that barely register as offensive in the UK can take on a whole other meaning over in the US. I would hate for someone to fall foul of harsh punishment for a quirk of language.

Of course this assumes that once told, said "offender" ceases to use the word, repeated violations are fair game. I just wonder if, for a first offence, a bleeped autocensor correction plus a quiet PM isn't a more gentle way to do it than publicily chastising someone on the thread? Maybe that is happening, I don't know but when it's public it looks heavy handed (to me at least)

God I just won't shut up about this will I ha ha! Sorry Dev, I'm like a dog with a bone lol!

[Mariah ✅]

You are more than welcome to challenge the use of a word that could be found offensive in other places or dispute something you feel to be unfair nicely via DM with Danielle, Susan or a moderator. This thread is not the place to do it. Hugs
Mariah

Well yes, I know you don't but you are using an abhorrent term that people from the UK can see (as this is a world wide site) and your censor thinks that is fine. The reverse could be true and words that barely register as offensive in the UK can take on a whole other meaning over in the US. I would hate for someone to fall foul of harsh punishment for a quirk of language.

Of course this assumes that once told, said "offender" ceases to use the word, repeated violations are fair game. I just wonder if, for a first offence, a bleeped autocensor correction plus a quiet PM isn't a more gentle way to do it than publicily chastising someone on the thread? Maybe that is happening, I don't know but when it's public it looks heavy handed (to me at least)

God I just won't shut up about this will I ha ha! Sorry Dev, I'm like a dog with a bone lol!

[Lori Dee ✅]

This is the bottom line straight from the site's owner:

Please address disputes with other members, or policy concerns privately with the site staff. If you have any concerns or disagreements with policies or members, please resolve these matters privately with the moderators or administrators, rather than airing them publicly. — [TOS 10]

Understand that posting is a privilege, subject to moderation: Our platform is a curated space. The ability to post and share is a privilege that comes with the responsibility to adhere to our guidelines. Content may be moderated to ensure it aligns with community standards. — [TOS 11]

https://www.susans.org/index.php/topic,2.0.html