I'd just like to add my thoughts on the topic. I don't have any problem with anyone using the straight words or the ** words if they fit the context of the conversation. I will occasionally use one of those words myself, but I too will tend to avoid people whose every sentence is full of obscenities, as I don't think they will have anything intelligent to say to me. And I think the use of obscenities has gotten to the point where they become a meaningless substitute for creative use of language.

As an example, how many times have you heard someone referred to as a 'fucking asshole'. That phrase can have as many meanings as the number of people saying it. Why not be more inventive and specific, and call the person an egotistical, overbearing clod, or an insensitive, self-centered blob of snot. Let's bring back a little creativity in our language.

Davey... (:>)