VERY IMPORTANT - Everyone, please read

[Penny12]

Over the last couple of weeks I have had to remove an alarming number of posts and edit threads in this forum for bypassing the software word filter.

Please be aware that it is the policy of the DIS to immediately remove the posting privileges of any person who <i>deliberately</I> does this and no warning is required.

You should have all read our posting guidelines when you signed up on our forums - if you are unsure about what is appropriate, then I suggest re-reading them now.

From now on ignorance is <b>not</b> an excuse and using a $ when it should be an S, inserting a * instead of a vowel, or putting a space in the middle of a word is considered an attempt to fool the filter and action will be taken as we consider this a very serious matter.

Thank you for your understanding and co-operation.

 

[izzinmac]

Penny,

I thoroughly agree with this policy and glad to see this thread. If possible, could you clarify one point. I know several posters, myself included, have bypassed the filter when trying to refer someone to the information on Barb's (inkognito) web site. Speaking for myself, I only do it because her site has lots of great info for new cruisers, but cant be entered without the filter blanking it out. Don't need an explanation why it is blocked, just want to know if we bypass the filter on this one are we doomed!

 

[TnRobin]

I won't say you are "Doomed"- not my decision. But yes it is a violation to by pass ANY word in the filter and could subject you to "doom."

 

[Penny12]

Everything in the filter is there for a reason, some obvious - some not so obvious, so yes...as Robin said, it's also considered a deliberate violation of the filter and the same rules apply.

I just want to clarify - all you need do is let the filter do it's own thing. Type in whatever you want....if ***** appear in your post then it means that the filter is doing it's job like it's supposed to and we have no problem with that

 

[jweiss]

I check this board several times a day. I am quite computer illiterate and really have no idea what you are talking about. I would hate to be kicked off the boards!!!!

 

[drclaws]

jweiss, an example:

Let's say you wanted to send the web address of:

www.thisisasample.com but the filter converts it to ****************

To get around the filter you could type this instead
"www this is a sample dot com (no spaces)"

That's the type of thing Penny is referencing, along with your usual four-letter and offensive language words....as in don't substitute a $ for an S to get around the filter to sneak in a banned word.

 

[Penny12]

Bump!

Because this is important!

 

[CheapMom]

remember when we couldn't use the word 'cruise' and we all had to spell it CROOZ- that was funny.

Thanks Penny- I appreciate the work you do-
My kids like to read the boards with me sometimes and I always feel safe here on the DISboards- and it is thanks to you and the other moderators.

 

[Mjasp]

This was on page 2 and I just got back from a weekend away and thought it is worth sending back to page one.

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Um, can I just say in advance that I hope I never do this as a MISTAKE? Because I'm not used to actually using curse words on websites so as to not offend or whatever... so I'm used to putting other letters/things in place of letters so I'm not actually cursing.
So now we have to actually PUT the curse word- so it will show up filtered here... but then what happens if we use a curse word that's NOT filtered and so the curse word actually shows? Then we just cursed on the board- when we don't really want to curse on the board and offend some of the users here?

Ack.

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

I went to read what was appropriate... and it just says no profanity. Who decides what is profanity?
Let me test some words just so I'll know in the future I can or can't post them without fear of them either showing up and offending users or getting me in trouble!

crap
fart
shoot
darn
dang

That's all I can think of right now... testing testing. LOL

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Okay nevermind me... I think I'll be okay... I'll just use those words like cr*p -so as to not offend some users but also not get in trouble for bypassing the filter with the words... cause those aren't filtered! *phew* I'm okay.

 

[TDC Nala]

But can you mention the costar of "Mary Poppins." Dick Van ****?

 

[Penny12]

There's a third solution...if you feel uncomfortable writing the <i>real</i> curse word and trusting the filter to do it's job then you could just try skipping the curse word altogether

Ultimately the WM's decide what goes in the filter (profanity or otherwise) - trust me, between the lot of us we have quite the potty mouths I'd be extremely surprised if someone could find something <i>that</i> bad that wasn't in the filter already - no, that's not a challenge

Basically - just write exactly what you mean to write and leave the software to do the rest and you'll all be fine!

 

[CarolAnnC]

Thanx Penny!!

 

[drclaws]

Now THAT was a diplomatic answer, Penny!

 

[CarolAnnC]

Time for a reminder..

 

[gometros]

I'm confused. I can understand why some competitive web sites are filtered, but why Barb's. It has a wealth of information. Does that include Dave's DCL Tribute site as well?

 

[abitjaded]

I'm curious, too. Should we not be referring to Barb's or Dave's sites?

And Sandy, how'd you get the Adventurer's Club wine guy's avatar?

Carla

 

[Penny12]

There are many reasons why a word or site may be entered in to the filter - which, with the greatest respect, are not up for public discussion

So all I can do is repeat what I said before - type whatever you want to type and just let the filter do it's job, otherwise I'll be forced to do mean things and none of us want that, I promise you, least of all me!

drclaws - I just noticed your comment, hehehe. I'll take it as a compliment...I do my humble best