You know, Jed, there's an existing thread on this topic called Objection to Bawdy Song Titles in Forum Menu. I fail to see why you find a need to start a new thread with a title like this. Seems like an ad hominem attack, not a discussion of what could be a valid issue. I'm going to drop Mr. Mehlberg's name from the thread title. It seems that every time we get a person's name in a thread title, the thread turns into a personal attack. Certainly, it's worthwhile to discuss the use of questionable words in thread titles, just like it's worthwhile to discuss a performer's misconduct at a concert (click). But when you direct the discussion into an attack on a person, it's a problem - far more of a problem than an occasional naughty word.

I admit I'm torn on the issue. I agree wholeheartedly that words like "vagina" and "motherfucker" in a thread title make me very uncomfortable. But on the other side, I think John's research is very important, and I've found a lot of fascinating stuff on his Website.

I also hate to see prudish censoring like v*g*na on the list of thread titles, and I hate to see anything done that might serve to stifle John's work. I sincerely believe that we lost a lot in the way collectors bowdlerized sea songs and other traditonal songs. Even Randolph couldn't publish all the songs he collected in the Ozarks - those songs had to wait for Legman to publish them in another age.

So, I'm still looking for a resonable solution.

-Joe Offer-