Bostonist: Ask Bostonist: To Curse or Not to Curse?

read some other blog

Fri, 24 Feb 2006 19:34:53 -0500

No one can cater to everyone, so don't try. If she or someone else does not like the language [on Bostonist], don't read the site. It's just that simple.

Eighthman

Fri, 24 Feb 2006 13:41:01 -0500

I "Go Galactica" and use "frack." It's more fun than cursing. I recommend it.

sometimes

Fri, 24 Feb 2006 13:24:24 -0500

I think she makes a good point about making a good point without swearing. How meta. Nobody ever really *needs* to swear. However, we're also free to swear, if we want, most of the time. And we're also free to be offended. Telling someone not to be offended is on the same level as them telling you not to swear. Bostonist can swear, Dareen doesn't have to like it (or read it). You can't please all the people all the time. Do what you want, don't kill anyone while you're doing it, and respect that other people are free to do their own thing.

woneffe

Fri, 24 Feb 2006 13:13:45 -0500

I find the idea that words can in and of themselves be offensive, to be offensive. It's the speaker who may or may not be offensive, don't blame the words.

Dan

Fri, 24 Feb 2006 12:50:35 -0500

"Fuck that shit. Pabst Blue Ribbon!"

Lyndsay

Fri, 24 Feb 2006 12:43:16 -0500

I consider myself to be a relatively conservative person (especially compared to my fellow residents here in MA), but even I don't find the use of the "F word" to be offensive. I think that it is usually unnecessary, but not offensive.

Mr. Smith

Fri, 24 Feb 2006 12:27:14 -0500

I think your argument that, in some cases, there is no other word that would adequately convey the sentiment you wish to express is a valid one. Respectability aside, a publication should reflect its audience. Should the Bostonist audience suddenly decide that swearing does not serve their interests, then it might make sense for you to reconsider. But until such time, make with the dirty talk. Lord knows, we do.

ed

Fri, 24 Feb 2006 12:19:49 -0500

seriously, this is a blog, not tony randall's house.

Adam

Fri, 24 Feb 2006 12:10:49 -0500

The ironic thing for me to say would be to comment that she's too fucking sensitive, but I'll let that pass. The word doesn't bother me; in fact, I'm known to cuss like an Oklahoman truck driver who was just cut off when I really get going. But I can understand her point. That said, it's not like there are a lot of great substitutes. "Freaking" really doesn't cut it - TBS's movie dubs have proven as much. And as to the point of respectability, this is a blog. Not a novel, not a newspaper, not a press release. A blog. There's a certain amount of lowest-common-denominator that needs to be taken into account. This city swears. The blog reflecting it should be free to do so; whether it chooses to or not is a matter of author's preference.