User blog comment:GethHaveFeelings2/VOTE: 12/@comment-2219564-20120827131711

I am not surprised how often this issue arises, as I see both sides of the coin.

On one hand, Mass Effect is indeed a mature franchise which assumes mature individuals should be on this wiki. Furthermore, in my opinion, swearing has become such an integral part of modern society that many words no longer even carry their original meaning. How many of you have ever injured yourself and automatically cursed as a result? Frankly, swearing doesn't bother me as I hear it all the time without it being used offensively. And let's face it, the policy is violated so often, if a change were made, it would save the admins having to state "Language please" every time someone drops the F-bomb. Then there's the problem with the rules in that on your user page you are allowed to put whatever you want (within reason, I guess) and only you are authorised to change it. And unless I'm mistaken we are allowed to include swearing if quoting a character of the Universe (e.g. Jack).

On the other hand, it really is possible to have a meaningful discussion without requiring curse words, and one could argue it would improve society in general if we were to get out of the habit of meaningless swearing. Let's admit, you don't need to describe the Suicide Mission as "F****** Awesome" when you could describe it as: "an ecstatic blend of drama and action-packed epicness", or if you're not like me: "Amazing". Also, the Language Policy does provide a "law" by which the banning of those using such language to harass others may occur; though, of course, bad language doesn't automatically mean you are insulting someone. But without limitations, it's easy to understand the fear that the wiki may dissolve into a mess of profanity which is both unnecessary and unproductive.

In the end, considering all arguments, I have to decide that yes, I am in favour of the policy being changed so that such words are authorised for use if not directed at another user. I wholeheartedly agree that if swearing is not intended to cause offence or insult, it is not worthy of scolding. Users who swear whilst attacking someone else may still be penalised. However, I also stress that just because such language is allowed, there should be no reason to go overboard and scream profanities all over the place when discussing a topic like, say, ME3's ending (*hiss*, *boo*). This, then, leaves the user with the reponsibility of their choice of words, and I'm sure you'll agree, if a user demonstrably cannot control their language, the admins are well within their rights to ban them.

Wow, "humans talk too much", don't they? Excuse the essay. "I'll be going now."

(P.S. Just throwing this out there, but: isn't the F-word technically sexual?)