Are you offended?
Do you agree? The other day I read an great article about offensive content where the author covered how some bloggers might get lured into thinking that the more controversial they sound that it might gain more readers or the hope that their blog might get more popular. I will admit that I read a few blogs that tend to use more offensive language, but I also read other blogs that have no offensive language at all.
Does that make their blogs bad or worse or just plain offensive? I don’t think anyone starts out to blog to offend anyone, but isn’t blogging about “what you want it to be?”. There is a time and a place for everything, but if a person is emotionally charged and use curse words in good humor would it help build good relationships amongst friends?
- Who you’re with
- What your discussing
- What your mood is
- Where you are
The blog you create is a true extension of you; your goals, your views, your opinions, speculations and anything else to get your point of view across. But do you know who your audience is? I love the freedom I get to say what I want on my blog, because it’s my voice.
We all put on our best “face” in front of our peers, but what do you sound like behind closed doors? Seasoned “words” come in all shapes and sizes, but how it’s perceived is what might make or break a post for some readers. But does it belong on a blog? Your blog might be more professional, you readers are people more spiritual, or you might have readers that could care less about the language on your blog.
Some might say words contribute to the impressions other have about you and can come to define you in a way that you might not appreciate.
- Does that mean that you blog is worse off?
- Are you afraid of using words that might offend a few select readers?
It’s no surprise that I love blogs that know how to just tell it like it is. Never waiver from the fact that not every post is going to get the “green light” by each subscriber and you might even lose a few subscribers. You can’t please everyone, so don’t waste your time trying. The beauty of blogging and writing is that you can write what you want.
- What’s your take on Offensive Language used in Blogs?
- Do you unsubscribe?
- Are you offended?
- If you liked the blog before, why does one “word” make you unsubscribe now?
katlupe
Yes, that is the beauty of blogging. You can write what you want. And I can read what I want. I just don’t read offensive language or topics. In my opinion, I have never thought it impressive when people use bad language. Usually it is for the element of shock. In fact, to me, it always makes them look bad. It is a free world, they can use all the bad language they want, but I won’t read it.
Twitter: katlupe
Sonia
I totally understand that it might offend some people, but then you can’t always bet that what you write with “no curse words” will do the same either. Thanks for adding your comment Katlupe.
Twitter: LogAllot
Maria
It doesn’t bother me, and I do use curse words because that is who I am. Do I censor my language depending on the audience? Of course, but my blog is behind an adult warning label for a few reasons and one of them is swear words as expletives.
It is the word that is similar to a wall holding back water that I find offensive. I’m offended when the words are used as insults. A swear word as an expletive doesn’t bother me unless that is all that is in the blog.
Poor grammar and spelling bother me more.
Sonia
Grammar and spelling is nothing nice and it’s why some people should use software to correct that. That is an easy fix honestly, but when people use words to hurt others, that is NEVER OK at all. I think that is why I moderate all my comments because I don’t want someone trying to post something to piss off other readers. I want my blog to be a place where anyone is comfortable sharing their opinion about the given subject. Thanks Maria for stopping by!
Twitter: LogAllot
Maria
Good point about the grammar and spelling. Thanks for stopping by my blog and I am enjoying this discussion about offensive language.
Marie
It’s a free world and free speech. Anyone gets to write anything they want on their blogs. If offensive language, especially slurs and vulgarity is there just for the sake of being there, I’m not interested in it. I don’t need negativity in my life. If it’s in context and appropriate to the topic, I am not so much bothered by it. Personally, I think if you can’t engage in conversation (either oral or written) without resorting to vulgarities, profanity and slurs, it doesn’t say a whole lot about your creativity or your ability to express yourself.
Twitter: marierleslie
Sonia
I agree, but I also am sensitive to a blogger that is true in how they speak and what they share on their blog too. Blatant language for the sake of doing it is just plain wrong. Plus you have to know who your audience is too. A few blogs I read like this have a large following that is fine with this and it’s their personal brand. It may not be for me, but I appreciate anyone that isn’t afraid to just be themselves: with bad language or without. Thanks Marie for visiting and sharing your feelings about this subject.
Twitter: LogAllot
Pam
Personally, I don’t use it on my blog, but I do read a few posts now and then on other blogs that may drop a bomb now and then. I wouldn’t unsubscribe unless it was something REALLY offensive (and bad language isn’t one of those things). Bad manners, however, are another matter to me. BTW, good question!
Sonia
I agree Pam. If someone does this as shock value or just to incur something that they think will go viral will be surely mistaken and not taken seriously. Some bloggers might write a post in their own voice where they will drop a word here and there, but understanding how they meant it too is key. Not everyone is out there to offend anyone and the cool thing is that you can ultimately unsubscribe if it’s poor taste. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your opinion about this. It’s never a subject people like, but it is something I continually see often.
Twitter: LogAllot
nylse
one of the beauties of blogging is that its your blog, so you can write what you want. my blog is a reflection of me so i try not to use offensive language. irl if someone uses lots of offensive language, without making a point i eventually tune them out, same thing with blogging; if i read a post where the offensive language does not help make the point i eventually stop reading. i think you can make a point without resorting to offensive language. to do it for shock value totally makes me forget the main point.
to me words matter.
Sonia
Yes! I read a post the other day that had something in its title that took me back for a few minutes. I read the post and it made sense, but I felt for myself personally, I would have used another metaphor. It really is about personal choices and how we project our views in our posts. I am very straight up with my posts and very aware of my readers that either like or disagree with my posts, but my intent is never to offend, but I welcome comments on what I do have to say. I can’t say one reader will like my tone or get offended, but for me to sound like someone else would be called fake. Thanks Nylse for visiting me. Did you get my message off your post?
Twitter: LogAllot
Jk Allen
Hey Sonia! This topic has been spinning around a lot lately. I think because people have different views on this topic in general and different bloggers (business, causal, personal) are crossing paths more than ever – introducing different types of content.
For myself – I don’t care if a blogger chooses to cuss. I grew up on Too $hort – and still bump his old stuff to this day, so you get my take.
(I’m a Bay Boy to the fullest!)
Now I personally don’t use offensive language but that’s just MY personal preference for MY blog. I think every blogger has the right to make that call for themselves.
Being that I’m not offended by foul language (I watch rated R movies, listen to rap, etc.) I surely wouldn’t unsubscribe to a blogger simply because they threw out some cuss words.
I never have nor will like a blog because of the language used…that being the case I will never dislike a blog for the same reason. I like the topics, the passion displayed, the education. Heck, I had college profs that cussed more than $hort and I still went to class. I’ve had managers at work that cuss more than Samuel L. Jackson and I still went to work.
But, let’s say that I did speak in foul language on my blog and a person did unsubscribe. I wouldn’t be angry. Why? Because if I were to take offense to something, I’m going to get away from it. So unsubscribing is a blogging way to get away. Not saying it’s fair or right – but it’s their choice if that’s the route they want to take.
PEACE
Lewis LaLanne aka Nerd #2
Love me Short Dog! And like you, favor the older stuff over the newer.
And like you, while I’m not from the bay, I grew up a bay boy from another state up on that 415 RBL Posse, Young Ed, YBB, Mac Dre, Andre Nickatina and all that goodness!
Nobody does quite like they do it in the bay!
And now I’ve got a brother over there in the 650 that I’ve gotta go visit! Can’t wait to get up there! I’m trying to remember, are you from Oakland (would totally explain lovin Mr. East Side Too $hort)?
Twitter: notetakingnerd
Jk Allen
What’s up Lewis – yes sir, from Oakland, or as we call it “The Town”.
And to be honest, I don’t even listen to knew stuff. Well, the new E-40…that-about-it!
Followed you on Twitter!
PEACE
Sonia
As usual my friend you are always spot on! I grew up with the same music tastes and some might even say I am a product of my own environment. Fail! LOL! Seriously, it’s a person’s right to unsubscribe for anything they feel isn’t beneath them. Is that a fair word? Probably not, but it is what it is. I work with the best Sales Team in the planet and the stuff I hear will have you reeling with laughter, but it’s all in fun and I still show up to work too.
You brought up some great points and situations where you know people do hear bad language because lord knows I don’t live in “fairyland”. I live in the real world, people curse and others don’t. I will however respect that it might be offensive to some, and if they unsubscribe, there isn’t much else I can do about that. People are either going to like what you say or they don’t. You can’t have one without the other. JK, my friend, thank you for commenting and stopping by! You comment is always valued here!
Twitter: LogAllot
Jk Allen
Some of these cats I work with speak about things in front of women that make me feel awkward. So I know exactly what you mean!
I think we have the same flavor on this subject. It is what it is. We don’t mean to offend – but if we do, we understand if you choose to move on.
Sonia
EXACTLY!!!!! I couldn’t agree more and that’s all I will say about that!
Twitter: LogAllot
Lewis LaLanne aka Nerd #2
Some of my favorite mentors in business and personal development drop F-bombs, the mother of all cuss words…
Tony Robbins…
Dan Kennedy…
David Deida…
Richard Bandler…
Frank Kern…
Brad Blanton…
Robert Dilts…
Eben Pagan (super rarely)…
Gary Vaynerchuk (like a sailor from the stage)…
These guys recognize that there are no dirty words, only dirty people. What is the intent behind using the word? If it’s to denigrate someone’s person or their philosophy, that’s negative. That’s not cool.
If it isn’t, who cares?
This video “The Joys of Swearing” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_osQvkeNRM surfaced in the 9 jillion comments of the discussion I believe you may be referring to in your post and would’ve been easy to overlook.
But the message in here is articulate and I believe well thought out for just a 2:49 clip. It is NSFW and has a couple of cusswords in it so please, anyone who has ears offended by these, move on down the page and don’t click on that link above.
Thanks Sonia for speaking to this topic! I love it!
Twitter: notetakingnerd
Sonia
Dirty people, I loved that because there is allot of that out there. I agree that the context that it’s used in is what would piss me off. Words used in the wrong will always have a backlash, and that would truly be labeled as offensive if it was to mame another person. This post was so easy for me to post because I was truly interested in how and who feels otherwise about offensive language. Thanks for stopping by Lewis!
Twitter: LogAllot
Dan O'Neil
Hi Sonia, I once heard a quote (I have no idea where it came from) which was something like, “If you’re not p**sing people off, you’re either not putting your message out right, or you’re not visible enough”.
I think there’s a time and a place for offensive language… it really helps every now and again to lend weight to your point or your argument. I think if it’s common place, I’m not going to bother to read it!
Sonia
Pissing people off is either plain stupid or genius. Of course that depends on who the person is delivering it also. I agree that there is a time and a place for everything, but the blogs I have seen that do this already set the “tone” in how they deliver their message anyway. They started off like this and it’s just the norm. Their readers are use to it and they don’t have to change to please anyone else. You either read it or you don’t. Thanks for stopping by Dan, I appreciate your input on this subject.
Twitter: LogAllot
Brad
Umm, explicit language, if used properly, helps convey mood and feeling. It’s not lazy or unintelligent, it just is what it is.
People who swear are no less or no greater than those that don’t. It’s all a matter of perspective, values, and morals.
I don’t cuss in front of my wife or children because I’m a gentleman. I do however let the vulgarities fly off the hook like I just signed with Diddy when I write. It may be a fictional character that I bring to life or it might be my own ID going wild. The fact is that language is deep. Restricting one’s self limits the ability to communicate.
As Dru Down would say, “Can You Feel Me?”
Sonia
LMAO! Oh man I loved this Brad! You know I respect anyone else’s opinion on their approach to this subject. You either say it, read it or you move on. It’s person’s choice and prerogative if they choose to use “seasoned” language every now and then in a post. I have found that it’s a “deal breaker” for some readers as they find it offensive and against their morals. Whatever, do what you want to do. I loved your quotes and knowing when to use it and when not to. I say what’s on my mind, but know there is a time and a place for everything. Brad, you rule!
Twitter: LogAllot
Kim
Nothing annoys me more when people get on their pedestal and say people who use curse words (no matter how little) are unintelligent or lacking in class or maturity. I may not swear a lot (unless really pissed off) but I do still curse and definitely not an immature, unintelligent, or classless moron. I write for me and I write my blog in a manner that gets the point across. If a well placed word is what works, so be it.
I do pay attention to what and how much (you won’t see an F-bomb on my blog) but you will see other words from time to time (b**ch, damn, ass, s**t, etc). My blog, my rules. I will be considerate to others but I will not censor myself because of or for the easily offended. Not how I roll thank ya much.
Sonia
My girl Kim! A blogger I truly respect for her ability to just say it like it is. I can’t count how many blogs I read where it’s such a no-no, but I get the sense that most of it might just be based on social or religious morals. Either way, it’s your blog, do what you want. Thanks Kim, you always add a nice spin on my post comments.
Twitter: LogAllot
Betty
I’m very old fashioned in that I hate profanity. When I say “darn” that’s really something that has me over the top. I don’t think most people use profanity for the shock value. It seems to be just part of their normal conversation. I could accept it better if it were in the context of extreme emotion but when you hear and see the f-bomb multiple times in a single sentence in a normal everyday conversation – that bothers me!
In the same vein, why is it that suddenly slang words that weren’t ever used as an intentional offense have now become totally offensive to certain ethnic groups? There are words that I have used since I was a child (I’m now 71) and now it seems that I have to search for a descriptive term that won’t offend someone.
Sonia
Hi Betty, its funny that say that (slang words) because that is what I have grown up with myself. Unfortunately mainstream America tends to frown down on certain types of slang used your typical news format. I always say just be yourself and stay true to who you are. When people start sounding like someone they aren’t everything they end up sounding phony and everything else they do becomes fake. Using a “seasoned” word here and there is fine as long as its used in a context where it makes sense. If it’s used for shock value, I can see right through BS. Thanks for commenting Betty!
Twitter: LogAllot