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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:
WWWCampbellBlack · 08/02/2007 07:28

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

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.

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

WWWCampbellBlack · 08/02/2007 07:38

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

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:
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 12:18

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

OP posts:
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...

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.

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.

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 12:34

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

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"

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"

CanSleepWontStarve · 08/02/2007 12:41

Oh yes, I find the term 'formula feeding' offensive.

IntergalacticWalrus · 08/02/2007 12:43

Can we not keep AF and BD (baby dancing) I bloody hate them.

What's wrong with saying periods and sex, I ask you?

hunkermunker · 08/02/2007 12:44

I think there will be too much debate about what's "good" and "frowned upon".

Plus it means I won't be able to newbie-leap and I love doing that

IntergalacticWalrus · 08/02/2007 12:45

But BD and AF need to go.

CanSleepWontStarve · 08/02/2007 12:47

Oh IGW are you being all moody and forceful because your AF is visiting at the moment?

Fimbo · 08/02/2007 12:48

Agree with IGW!

And let them know they can sell stuff on here but no links to what they are selling on Ebay!

IntergalacticWalrus · 08/02/2007 12:50

No, haven't had a proper period since Feb 2004. Hurrah.

No AFs for me. La la la.

I bet I come on this aftrenoon now, you buggers.

WanderingTrolley · 08/02/2007 12:51

you could not of bin more wrong about that hunkermunker

Original poster
sorkycake · 08/02/2007 14:58

I disagree about the thin edge of censorship. Noone's saying not to use the terms I just think that it would give a bit of encouragement to those new to posting to check that they could cause offence. If that's what people want to post tho' then be my guest.
Personally I always cringe if I see something written which is a little close to the bone, firstly because of the term itself, and secondly because I know it's going to be picked up by someone, which seems like a public telling off.
I agree about BD & AF btw, horrible americanisms.

OP posts:
IntergalacticWalrus · 08/02/2007 15:03

It's a fine line isn't it? You don;t want MN to become one of those dreadful forums with tickers and the like where you get a bollovking for posting something in the worng place etc.

The think I like about MN is that you can start a topic on what you likem you can say fuck shit and bollocks if you want, and there are no tikers saying "1 day, 4 hours and 3 mins since I last had a poo"

It might be worth having some kind of thing by the add a comment box or something reminding peiople that although this is the internet, the people behind the screennames have real feelings and emotions (and hormones ) and to bear this in mind when posting something that might be sensitive.

And as for BD and aF, I just find them so coy. Bleurgh

PrettyCandles · 08/02/2007 15:36

And who is to decide what shouldn't be used? If this was implementd it would ignite a worse row than the SN threads busness. At least with that the people reqeusting it had some right to define the needs specific to them, but with this it becomes a matter of personal taste. Frankly i couldn't care less if people talk about bf mafia, use the word "repulsive", or talk about AF. If I don't like what someone has posted I can ignore it or explain tht I find it offensive. It doesn't take away their right to freedom of speech. Or, as I did earlier tofay, I can blow my top at them and either take what's coming to me or apologise for my rudemness, as I did.