UESPWiki:Archive/CP Profanity on UESP

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Profanity on UESP

From my understanding, it has been an unwritten rule that we should avoid profanity on UESP unless the omission of a word would cause the article to be less accurate or informative. So far, only the Lore:Books project has had the occasional bad word, simply because those are direct quotations from the books in-game. Currently, the IRC channel is enforced at "PG" level, G recommended, and the forum rules say "Don't use bad words." [1] [2] My question is: To what degree should we tolerate profanity, if any? --Aristeo 21:21, 31 August 2006 (EDT)

I'd like to chime in on this one: I believe the use of profanity should be restricted solely to direct quotations from the Elder Scrolls themselves. Having read around to discern the catalyst for this subject having been raised, I would like to say one thing on that subject:

• A user's page is their own. Edits to such ought to be circumspect (not detracting from the content) when minor, or necessitated only to prevent/remove acts of vandalism. (That much having been said, in the case of Wrye's talk page, I am going to agree with Nephele that the inclusion of a certain word was rather unecessary, and thus warranted removal/change).

That much aside, and back to the context of this discussion, I stringently support the enforcement of a "PG" level environment, in regards to language. Personally, I find the use of profanity (in any context) foul. Any emphasis (whether in anger or in hopes of inciting mirth) placed by the use of such may be equally obtained through other, more appropriate means. Furthermore, insofar as the UESP is concerned, the use of profanity would severly detract from the content and professionalism of this site. -- Booyah boy 22:21, 31 August 2006 (EDT)

Yes, this discussion was based upon a hostile reaction towards an edit of mine. [3] [4] [5] I should have talked to the user through his talk page instead of making the edit myself, but I thought the edit would be uncontroversial. If anyone would like to give their two cents about this issue, I welcome you all to read and participate in the discussion on my talk page.

To get back on track, I want to bring to light a template that I have made a while ago: {{explicit}}. I made this originally to warn readers about the "The Real Barenziah" series of books, as well as any other book that had suggestive material on it. If we are forced to use "explicit" material on an article, whether it is because of profanity, content, or an image, we should either place this template on the page long term, or place it on a page until the matter can be resolved.

It is the responsibility of the editors here to make sure that we do not have to use the explicit tag when we don't have to. Using these words is considered rude and uncivil, and like Booyah Boy said, it detracts from the content and the professionalism of the site. If there is no equally suitable alternative than to include a bad word, then fine. But if there is no justification towards the use of a profane word, or worse yet, the word is used to personally attack another user, then it should be removed on sight. (And depending on how the word was used, the problem user should be reprimanded.) --Aristeo 22:58, 31 August 2006 (EDT)