Well...I understand a few expletives when inanimate objects contrive to be excessively obstinate, and even when some animate object offends one deeply in 'real life', but... I am never sure when someone swears at length in print whether they are just proving they know some words, or whether they are worried that no one will believe they are serious unless 'fucking' is applied to all offensive nouns...and many verbs.

Now... to respond directly to Michael's question: Specific words are viewed differently in differently in various contexts, and by different individuals. In some cultural contexts certain words have been used as insults so often that they engender an automatic resentment...no matter how they were intended. One can toss 'c**t' into some conversations and get several levels of reaction, from mild amusement to horrified offense to deep embarrassment.
Why? Because people process language and the controversial parts of language differently! Wow...not very profound, is it? Sorry, but some truths just aren't terribly profound. Some people USE such words, some resent or are upset by them....some, (like me, for instance), reserve serious expletives for serious situations, and almost NEVER resort to them when I am unsure of the reaction.

I find I can express my anger, displeasure, frustration, opinions...etc... without the use of modifying expletives 99% of the time, so when I DO use one, folks who know me take serious notice. (I am reminded of "The boy who cried "wolf")

What to do in a forum like this? Posts here are not in simplistic categories that can be listed and ruled on...they fall on an infinite continuum, much like definitions of 'folk'..(or f**k). I have seen posts with NO expletives that offend me deeply, and posts with many expletives that actually say something, even though I would not have said it that way. How can we possibly make rules or edit this place in ANY way that will please everyone?
Max has said many times that WE must learn to get along with each other, and he has only a few hard & fast rules about what is allowed...or specifically not allowed. He appointed a few folks he trusts to try to moderate the place as best they can, knowing that NO system or decision will please everyone.

My personal suggestion? Take it easy! (Still not very profound or helpful? *shrug*) It's the best I can do... just count 10 or something before knowingly saying stuff you know will get complaints...and remember that the forum moderators are human, and their standards ...or even mood of the moment... may make them see your posts in a different spot on that continuum than you do... or than you meant them. *IF* you are edited or your thread closed, you'll usually be able to guess why, but don't expect Joe to debate every fine point with you! There's not enough time in the universe to explain all decisions.



Oh....and try to have fun! We have been having fun here since Oct. of 1996, and doing moderately well at being fairly free while not allowing just everyone to say just anything.

You are in a **PUBLIC** forum, read all over the world, by folk in many cultures.... do not assume YOUR standards are all that matter.

(yeah, I know that's more than you wanted to read...I get carried away)