Substring censoring. The Scuntthorpe problem. Go search that up. Everyone has only mentioned Google so far, which is synonymous with search engine but I might as well give you an actual term.
Well, the censoring system here is based on finding a specific combination of letters and then censoring it, whether or not it happens to be smothered by other letters. I have to say that it is particularly ineffective, and to be honest I'm against censorship anyway.
For example, what if, perchance, I wanted to say something along the lines of chink in the armour? It'd be censored, and that'd be stupid.
If it's being used in a derogatory matter, you just have to trust your moderators to deal with it. Automated systems have never been the answer.
That system of censoring is found on many sites. It's ineffective, and detrimental. Anyway, I don't see the problem in having some f**ks censored, as long as that messy letter string censoring doesn't come into play.
Plus, the mods here right now aren't particularly active.
That system of censoring is found on many sites. It's ineffective, and detrimental. Anyway, I don't see the problem in having some f**ks censored, as long as that messy letter string censoring doesn't come into play.
Plus, the mods here right now aren't particularly active.
True point there, the moderators here are fairly invisible, to say the least. Usually, being modded is an expression of commitment, but if anything I'm getting the idea that the commitment here is mainly casual and they're trusting to the forum to hopefully take care of itself.
Well, guess what, it doesn't - take that massive load of glitches that happened not too long ago, and how long it took for it to get fixed.
By being a moderator, you're there to help stop derogatory behaviour - and there are plenty of ways to insult someone without using vulgarities. I'm not above swearing - in fact, on quite a few sites, I'm a foulmouth and I've actually been the sole reason for a lot of minor forums to remove their censoring systems entirely.
"Why?" you say? Because I never, ever, ever used it to insult a minority, or use it aggressively (excluding trolls, they're fair game). I only ever used it for comedic effect, and showing people how it can be used is usually the answer to getting it removed.
However, I'm not saying that should be done for AG - this is a site designed for a younger audience, and the major obscenities should be censored - the big ones. I'm saying that every little minor word that contains some reference to a derogatory word shouldn't be plugged into the automated censoring system.
Like you said, the mods are inactive, but even then you can trust a usually friendly community like this one not to let fly with racist comments every second word.
I agree with you. If it weren't for the PG13'ness I don't believe we'd really need a filter. Seeing as the community here is relatively stable. It all comes down to trust.
@Clipper
Well, anyhow I don't really mind. It's easy to get by the censor, just italicize the desired letter. Everyone here knows that. If I encounter one of my innocently used words being censored, I'll bypass it. I see no reason not to, as long as it is innocently used. If I want to imply profanity, I'll continue using !#@#$, **** or _____.
