>I've requested clarification from one of the SYSOPS here about the rules of conduct. They have been unable to answer my questions.
>
>If malicious profanity is not allowed, then:
>
>1) What are the standards of "maliciousness"
>2) What is profanity? I ask because there are many threads here on the UT that use "F*, effing, f*dup, damn, shit, piss, crap, and hell."
>
>When I pointed this out, I was told, quote: "*Malicious* use of profanity is not allowed, not mild profanity itself. What we are really concerned with is obscenties. Hell, damn, crap....whatnot are not obscene." (Side note: If that is so, then why don't the rules _say_ obscene instead of profane? And, so far as I know, my neices and nephew aren't allowed to use any of the words.)
>
>To continue, I was informed that what can be heard on network T.V. is okay to say. A couple of questions arise from this guideline:
>
>1) I don't have a T.V. so I don't know what is current. I haven't had one in several years.
>2) Would one need to document the T.V. show that they heard the word on?
>
>Finally, I was told that it is not that hard to know what is "acceptable in normal social discourse." Well, that is NOT damn, hell, crap, etc, in my view of what I'll call polite language. As for "normal social discourse." That, of course, varies wildly.
>
>You may think I'm just being a smartass. I'm not. I'm as deadly earnest about this subject as _any_ of the advocates of _rules_. But I am being told that because I disagree I am stupid, etc.
>
>I hope that perhaps someone might see that rules themselvesdo not make for civil discourse. Especially since they are not enforced. Few people get banned...and so far, all I can tell, they are those who you've deemed "outsiders." For not doing much more than we do to each other _every_ day here. Even as a non-parent, I know that a rule uninforced is worse than no rule at all.
>
>That's all. Carry on. But, if someone does have a logical, rational guideline, please do let me know. Otherwise, I'll know what the rule is: it's whatever the ruling majority think it is at any given moment.

Nancy,

In answer to your question, I would say (on behalf of the sysops) you can use any language that can be broadcast on network TV (not cable, of course). The following "semi-profane" words are used on network television:

Damn (but not Goddamn)
Crap (but not shit)
Hell
Ass (but not asshole)

...and a few others. Even though you refuse to be entertained or informed by one of the world's largest and most influential mediums, you probably still have a pretty good idea of what can and can't be said on TV just by absorption and being around people who do watch television (a majority of Americans).

I hope this helps!

-JT

P.S. There's always the George Carlin skit of words you can't say on TV. It's a howl!