5 Point Infraction

[okGMAT]

Moderators:

I initially sent a PM to Wasleys, but on account that hes in the UK and I am in the US, I didn't want to wait for an answer (even though his green light is on).

I was given a 5 point infraction for "inappropriate language". Now, I'm a stickler for inappropriate language in a professional setting and understand completely why it isn't tolerated in most forums, let alone a forum of professionals, student or otherwise. But what irritates me is when an infraction is thrown my way because, it seems, that the moderator did not completely understand the context in which the post was in. Now I will attribute this apparent lack of understanding to boredom since being a moderator (and doing lots of reading and all) can be monotonous, especially if it is reading large quantities of responses like "IMO E, or, "Good Question, What's OA".

The dirty language in question was "crap". Forgive me for repeating it, but I can't send you PMs Erin (for obvious reasons). Anyways for clarification to the moderators:

I used the word "crap" to express my displeasure with a mistake I make in a response to the thread. While to some this may be "offensive", the context in which this word can be used is many, innocent and vulgar. Kind of like the word "***". I intended my use of "crap" as an "interjection".

Now I did not direct "crap" at anyone but my error, and this should have been very clear considering how I did not engage in any discussion (other than my response to my very own wrong answer). Forum rules do not list inappropriate language, but I assume it would be the usual "inappropriate words", right? I am sure all foreigners understand that wording completely. Maybe there should be a list, as the forum rules only say the following about "hostile language" (which mine could hardly, well perhaps by a stretch, be characterized as).

No trolls. No hostile language, even in non-English languages. We've got people from all over the world who will see and report offensive language, so please don't even try it.

At worst, it could be a Textese, but that is only a 1 point infraction.

Thanks for clearing this up for me, I'm flustered.

-okGMAT

P.S. I just noticed that when I wrote "***" it starred it out. Oddly, crap isn't starred out.

[wasleys]

Cason,

As you wish to air this publicly I will respond here.

Not being a mind-reader I failed to recognise that your post (which consisted of just two words) referred to your earlier post in the thread. In fact I thought it was posssibly intended as derogatory comment about someone else's post. Whatever the reality it contributed nothing sensible to the thread and the thought of infracting as a useless post did cross my mind.

The English language has many words which have various meanings. It is therefore wise to be careful about using those which may be misunderstood by others from different, or even similar, cultures. The word crap does indeed have several meanings, some of which are variously described in my dictionaries as 'vulgar' or 'taboo'.

After many years as a steelworker I am fairly relaxed about the use of such words. However moderators need to be conscious of the feelings of others and it did seem to me that your post could cause offence to some. Hence my action.

Michael

Originally Posted by okGMAT

Moderators:

I initially sent a PM to Wasleys, but on account that hes in the UK and I am in the US, I didn't want to wait for an answer (even though his green light is on).

I was given a 5 point infraction for "inappropriate language". Now, I'm a stickler for inappropriate language in a professional setting and understand completely why it isn't tolerated in most forums, let alone a forum of professionals, student or otherwise. But what irritates me is when an infraction is thrown my way because, it seems, that the moderator did not completely understand the context in which the post was in. Now I will attribute this apparent lack of understanding to boredom since being a moderator (and doing lots of reading and all) can be monotonous, especially if it is reading large quantities of responses like "IMO E, or, "Good Question, What's OA".

The dirty language in question was "crap". Forgive me for repeating it, but I can't send you PMs Erin (for obvious reasons). Anyways for clarification to the moderators:

I used the word "crap" to express my displeasure with a mistake I make in a response to the thread. While to some this may be "offensive", the context in which this word can be used is many, innocent and vulgar. Kind of like the word "***". I intended my use of "crap" as an "interjection".

Now I did not direct "crap" at anyone but my error, and this should have been very clear considering how I did not engage in any discussion (other than my response to my very own question). Forum rules do not list inappropriate language, but I assume it would be the usual "inappropriate words", right? I am sure all foreigners understand that wording completely. Maybe there should be a list, as the forum rules only say the following about "hostile language" (which mine could hardly, well perhaps by a stretch, be characterized as).

No trolls. No hostile language, even in non-English languages. We've got people from all over the world who will see and report offensive language, so please don't even try it.

At worst, it could be a Textese, but that is only a 1 point infraction.

Thanks for clearing this up for me, I'm flustered.

-Cason

P.S. I just noticed that when I wrote "***" it starred it out. Oddly, crap isn't starred out.

[okGMAT]

I put it publicly so that others can see this dirty word and head any future use of it off at the pass. And my reference is the American Heritage Dictionary. It appears that the forum has a mechanism that automatically distorts vulgar or taboo words. Maybe this one should be added to the list. Otherwise, my infraction doesn't seem to go against the forum rules.

Out of curiosity, did you get any PMs from offended people? I certainly didn't; and the thread doesn't seem to have enraged anyone. Your justification based off an assumption of what other people might "feel" seems unfair.