where have they gone?

tongueincheek emoticon

It's an informal rule though.

it's not easy, when other posters are typing d*amn to just go ahead with fuck.

Right, I'm conducting an informal bit of research here. How many posters winced or disapproved when they read the four letter word?

Oh here we go again. Perhaps that's why people leave. There's a limit to how many times you can contribute your views about the F word.... Except of course that the newcomers won't have read the past threads about it.

I must have missed previous comments about 'the F word'.

What was the consensus of opinion?

Anyway, fuck was just an example I used. I was thinking of all swear words.

I think you have a point though Atqui. Most topics have been done before by those of us who have been posting for several years.

Well, almost three at the most...

I sometimes visit Mumsnet and I've never seen an asterisk used to tone down swearing.

Or comments about good grammar.

I wonder why that is!

I don't think we've had any comments about grammar for quite a while.
Or spelling.

Weren't most grammar and spelling comments confined to pedants' corner? Don't recall much in the way of direct criticism of posters' grammar and spelling in normal conversational threads.

I have no problem with swearing and anyone is welcome to take a pop at my grammar and spelling - I'll just ignore them but what gets my goat is when somebody takes it upon themselves to close a thread because they don't like the way it's going.

Whether it's drawing that maddening line_________ or using the high horse/moral highground approach, it's bloody rude!!!!

And what's more, it never works!

Yes that line is maddening

I agree that line is really silly and pointless!

I think Mumsnet has a different demographic ... Younger people are immune to such words as thats what they have grown up with in the street and amongst their peers.
For anyone who missed the swearing debate, I think there was a mixed reaction, but correct me if I'm wrong, and I'm sure someone will, several people thought there was no need for using language that would upset some people of our generation, who have not as yet become sensitised to its constant use.

I agree. I don't swear when talking to any of my female friends or my family. Just with DH and one other male, come to think of it.

But for some reason I always feel enlivened and amused when encountering colourful language on Mumsnet.

I thought that the use of asterisks was just an Internet convention to prevent emails and posts being blocked by servers' controls.

Theline has its uses, maybe to tone down a remark that you would liked to have made. It is not relevant to anything abusive, but it can serve to indicate just how strongly you feel about something, often this is helpful if you are feeling sad or angry.

Yet again the limitations of written conversation creates a need to express clues about how you really feel. In a verbal conversation, visual clues and tone of voice convey feelings more clearly. GN does not have all the emoticons we might find useful so we start to develop our own.

I think Gransnet has become more tolerant of swearing.

I remember the first time it was discussed (very early on) In answer to some posts of utter horror that any GNer should use such language, I sent a post which did not use the dreaded F word to swear, but wrote it in full as a serious comment on how the meaning has changed from its original use as the normal word for "carnal knowledge" by everyone from kings to abbesses. Some people then were still horrified at it, without there being any abusive intention or hope to shock behind the use.

We seem to be collectivly easier with the word now.

I just don't get the cross out line. I think I've used it once but felt it was pointless. Whatever's said can still be read. It seems to me that whatever's said, then crossed out, is a way of dissembling thoughts and feelings.

It's not dissembling though, is it? I see it more as a way of revealing thoughts and feelings, usually in a humorous way.

Hmm, maybe not Ana. I'm not sure. What I am sure about it that I feel it lacks straightforwardness. If it's humour, then just let it stand.
Sometimes it seems to be a way of being sarcastic - but then taking it back - but not really.
As I said, can't be doing with it.

Oh for goodness sake finn! The crossing out thing is just a lighthearted way of showing that you know quite well you shouldn't be saying that, but can't resist. Don't take it too heavily.

I think the original reference was to the solid line which has been used in the past to try to end a thread which is becoming worrying to some people.

As for the broken line, I have sometimes wondered what purpose that serves. It seems a bit like a cop out.

Are we Cari?! Flip me! Didn't realise that.

(have you never heard of a second childhood?!)