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Original poster

You know we have acronyms to help new MNer's, well can we have this as well?

39 replies

sorkycake · 08/02/2007 07:26

Further to a recent post about the term "bf mafia" being one of the phrases frowned upon, it occurred to me that there might be other phrases or terms which get people riled immediately, or which people take the hump with.
Sometimes it's not necessarily obvious to new posters or those of us who haven't seen past squabbles/debates that offence could be caused. Yes the offence can be corrected in the thread, but that can be a little embarrassing can it not?
Is it possible to compile a list of terms which MN'ers can agree would be preferable not to use?
I understand that we can say what we like on a forum (well not strictly true) but it might help avoid some awkwardness. Just a thought

OP posts:
WanderingTrolley · 08/02/2007 12:41

lol Jessajam

I'm generally against censorship, but a notice of "The following phrases will cause a fight/flounce/fireball of hatred from some newbie" might be a good idea.

Part of the problem is the response to the offensive term.

eg "That phrase is a little unpopular around here because [reason]. You may like to rephrase to avoid unintentional offense"

vs

"How dare you write 'could of' you fecker"

Jessajam · 08/02/2007 12:35

Am all for avoiding censorship.

Can we just have a little notice that comes up saying

"fergawdssake, think before you type!"

or

"Be aware, this site may contain grammar pedants"

PrettyCandles · 08/02/2007 12:34

Though I do agree WRT text-speak, as that can be unclear, as well as irritating to read.

TeeCee · 08/02/2007 12:33

If there is such a list then I'd like to see this on the list of offensive things to say:

  • a Down's child / a Down's The term that person is lookig for is a child with Down's syndrome.
PrettyCandles · 08/02/2007 12:32

No. I disagree. That's the thin edge of the wedge of censorship.

Responsible adults self-censor. Or apologise.

2nervesleft · 08/02/2007 12:29

I think it is a good idea because it may help new people to get started earlier. I lurked for about 3 months before I even logged on and when I made my first post I came over all hot and bothered. I was so worried about offending someone inadvertently.

Jessajam · 08/02/2007 12:28

could we have a gentle warning not to use text speak please?

I always cringe when I see it, mainly because I feel sorry for the poor unsuspecting 'newbie' who has just inadvertantly brought down the judgement of MN upon themsleves...

Original poster
sorkycake · 08/02/2007 12:18

just bumping for the no-so-early-birds.

OP posts:
Fillyjonk · 08/02/2007 07:41

oh god no I agree sorky.

If I am going to insult someone, I do at least want to know I am doing it

seriously think its a fab idea

Original poster
sorkycake · 08/02/2007 07:38

No i agree this will no doubt cause some debate as to what should n shouldn't be said, (nazi) definitely, but perhaps we could list what the majority would prefer not to see typed, if you want to use that term then fair enough but at you know what you're getting into.
I've seen spaz used to describe a posters own inability to understand something. Personally I'd rather not see that term used.

OP posts:
WWWCampbellBlack · 08/02/2007 07:38

Actually, they're right, it's a minefield!

lissielou · 08/02/2007 07:37

i think its offensive posts rather than phrases that get peoples goat. ive been on both sides of that coin and neithers very nice but this is a public forum, you have to expect clashes

Neena28 · 08/02/2007 07:33

Do you remember when that poor women called her stepson's mum his biological mum? She was really told off about it and all she was doing was trying to make the relationships clear to the readers.

Agree with the idea though sorkycake, but think it might be a bit hard to put into practice.

WWWCampbellBlack · 08/02/2007 07:28

Good idea
people take exception to nazi too (quite rightly imo)