TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
I never realised that so many members of this list are so prudish. Although I accept the the use of bad language isn't necessary on this list, I find the fact that people refused to read past an instance of it in a message quite sad really.
To all those people who were so mortally wounded by the use of a certain "foul" and "vulgar" term - how have you managed to survive so long? Come on, you're grown-ups, nobody's going to collapse or explode if someone occasionally slips into the vernacular. I've been on this list for around five months now, and this (as far as I can remember) is the first time anyone has used the word in question (which begins with 'f' and sounds like 'truck'). The list has neither gained nor lost anything because of it - such language is part of a modern vocabulary and to deny this is unrealistic.
Most importantly, the fact that the use of this rogue term has caused so many members to bay for and censorship and regulation is MUCH more offensive than the use of the word in the first place. The petty uproar which some people have gone into over this is more dangerous than the single use of a dodgy word and - dare I suggest it - they should be removed from the list before the bloke who swore a bit (not that anyone should be removed).
This list is supposed to be a GLOBAL meeting place where technical writers can discuss technical writing issues (quick nod of the head to Eric). It has not been designed to provide a retreat for prudes and bores, where they can hang around and bypass everyday life and language (discussing knitting).
Extracts from the thread in question follow.
manchesterunitedmanchesterunitedmanchesterunitedmanchesterunited
Mike Bygrave (bygravem -at- intuitive -dot- co -dot- uk)
Standard disclaimer - Please don't sue me
1966 was a great year for English football - Cantona was born
manchesterunitedmanchesterunitedmanchesterunitedmanchesterunited
>>>>> Somebody wrote:
>"When she presented this task to the class,
> everyone initially took Stephen Victor's attitude: what the
> fuck does this have to do with technical writing, and why
> are you insulting my intelligence with this? (This attitude
> is less forgivable for a student, but still surprising for..."
>>>>> A sample of responses:
> I found the language in your post offensive and did not read past
> the vulgar language.
> I personally would appreciate it if you would refrain from using
> vulgar language in your communications
> We shouldn't have to have someone supervising the list, but at times
> like these it seems like a good idea.
> I agree too--it's times like this that make it seem like a good idea
> to have some master point of control, protecting me from seeing something
> "inappropriate" that might bother or offend me. I realize the original
> post was on-topic and had a point to make, but I just couldn't
> read on after seeing that...that...WORD.
Searchable archives located at http://www.documentation.com/
ALL questions or problems concerning the list
should go to the listowner, Eric Ray at ejray -at- ionet -dot- net -dot-
