Oh for ****’s sake

 Gosh and golly, it seems that the best ways to get 200+ notes per entry is to a) post kitten pictures or b) infringe on thousands of peoples’ civil rights.

And no, that’s not an admission that there really WAS some sort of 1984/V for Vendetta/Palpatine-inspired conspiracy, it’s a joke.

Anyway, if you haven’t been around OD for the last couple days, you’ve missed some spirited debate about a change I made to the system on Friday.  For more details, please see my previous entry – but the long and the short of it is that I changed the system so that if you try to post a "bad" word in somebody’s notes, the system now stars that word out (whereas in the past you would receive an error message and not be able to post the note at all).

I know a certain segment of the OD populace (and I love you all, I really do) will rush to the top of their barricades and declare victory at this announcement – I have made the screening of language in notes an option, to be selected by the owner of the diary.  This means that you can turn the language screening on or off for notes that you receive in your diary – this does not affect notes that you leave on somebody else’s diary (that is their choice).

Making this a selectable option was something I had considered as a possibility for quite some time, and the Admins and I had discussed it months ago when the possibility of improving the note filter came up during OD 6 testing (the change to "starring" the words was something that came up and was discussed among our beta-testers at the time).  In any case, it seems obvious from yesterday’s notes that the majority of people who think this is some kind of "censorship" will be made happy if they can just turn it off for their diaries.

To do so, simply go to your Diary Maintenance screen, and select "Note Settings".  If you want to turn off the language screen on notes, then just check off the box on that screen.  You can also see a list of the four words that are currently screened there.

I have had several things pointed out to me (over and over in some cases) since yesterday – so I just want to clear some things up.

Yes, I know – there are several ways around this filtering mechanism, that some people have used in the past to be able to leave "blocked" words in notes.  There are just too many ways for somebody to do this for us to test for every possible combination – so those people who are really determined to swear in somebody else’s diary have been (and will be) able to do so.  I will say this, though (and please pay attention here) – in the future, if somebody has the filter set on (which is the system default) and another person uses a "trick" to post screened words in their notes anyway, and the diary owner complains – then the noter has to be aware that there may be consequences.  Tricking the system to post profanity where it is not wanted as a way to harass another member will be (as it has been in the past) treated as a Rules violation.

And yes, I know – that the list of words we are screening out is very short, and there are many other offensive words out there in the English (and other) languages – but what we are trying to do is prevent the most common words that are used when somebody attacks another member, the ones that we most commonly receive complaints about.  Trying to screen every word that every person in the world finds offensive would obviously be impossible.

And yes, I also know – that it is entirely possible to attack and insult somebody without using any profanity at all – but this sort of thing will be treated as it always has been.  If a member feels they are being harassed in notes, then they are asked to report it through the help desk, and the situation will be evaluated by the OD staff – if a member is being attacked (with profanity or not) it will be treated as a Rules violation, as it always has.

So, nothing has really changed with how any of this is handled – except that you now have the ability to decide whether certain words are blocked from notes on your own diary.  If you want them, you can now have them.  I am considering for the future making the screened words list customizable – since different words offend different people, and there are a lot of non-English-speaking members in OD – but I haven’t decided yet whether it’s worth the trouble.

To everybody who’s left notes of thanks and support since yesterday – I thank you, very much.  And to all the others who screamed "Aux barricades!", I thank you as well – I know that you care because OD means a lot to you, and it’s alway good to have a reminder of what a vibrant community we have here, and how much everybody cares for it.

I also want to thank our Admin team – who have been working diligently and patiently, handling questions and comments about this from our members (which have not always been, shall we say, polite) – I appreciate, as always, their fair-mindedness and wisdom.

The DiaryMaster

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THANK YOU.

October 20, 2009

k.

October 20, 2009

Thank you!

October 20, 2009

If people make their notes Private, then I think it is okay. If they chose not to be insult by someone, just block them. 🙂 Thank you! he, he, he

I didn’t really see an issue with starring out the bad words, but this is a good idea =)

October 20, 2009

You’re awesome… I would of made them all suffer, LOL. Have you thought about making a multi-delete setting for removing bookmarks and friends? Just curious.

October 20, 2009

Thank you!

Thank you!

Thank you!!

October 20, 2009

Thanks DM. You’re the best. 🙂

October 20, 2009

This was a good decision and the best possible compromise. Thanks for implementing it so quickly.

October 20, 2009

It’s about ******* time that you made this ******* change. We have been getting kicked in the ***** by all of this ******* censorship! In future, don’t be such a complete ******* about the use of language. After all, we are mostly ******* adults in this ******* place. Actually, I’m cool with your approach. Peace!!

October 20, 2009

*applauds*

Whatever will stop people from bitching.

October 20, 2009

Thank you!!!! Now don’t forget to test in multiple browsers, and multiple versions of those browsers. My next development request: out with the table based layout!

Thank you. I know this may seem like a lot of hullabaloo over nothing, but choice, I believe, is one of the main draws of OD. We are afforded a lot more freedom to express ourselves here than most other sites would offer, and it means a great deal to us.

October 20, 2009

Hard Candy said “bitching.” You should report him/her.

October 20, 2009

Bitchin’. Thanks!

October 20, 2009

Thank you, not because I thought the starring was unreasonable, but because I think that giving people the individual choice to protect themselves against being offended by profanity is better than a homogenised approach which is bound to cause mass revolt. I think that people need to stop being so angry about OD changes and instead give rational and constructive feedback because OD hasalways been a community and I think you’ve always been honourable about striving to make this a better place for everyone. FOR THE GREATER GOOD! *laughs* Thank you. http://www.opendiary.com/entryview.asp?authorcode=D563353&entry=11430 Lee Mee xXx

October 20, 2009

Thanks!

October 20, 2009

Good lord. Seriously.

October 20, 2009

*Singing* “Do you hear the people sing? Singing the song of angry men? It is the music of a people who will not be slaves again! When the beating of your heart echoes the beating of the drums, there is a life about to start when tomorrow comes!” *end singing* Hehe, I’m sorry. Every time you mentioned barricades all I could hear was the soundtrack from Les Mis. Thanks though, DM. 🙂

October 20, 2009

The best solution. Good job.

October 20, 2009

thanks for the heads up

October 20, 2009

Thank you for listening, Mr. DiaryMaster, sir. This entry encapsulates everything I like about this online community and why I am committed to it. Thank you.

I’m still kinda stunned by the reaction to all this, both that of the readers and the management. I’m glad nobody sicced Javert on you, Valjean. *laughs*

October 20, 2009

Well you’ve pleased the masses for now, wonder what they’ll complain about next. I seriously cannnot believe the uproar over this, it was downright silly.

I don’t think you had made a bad decision yesterday, and I’m sorry that people have given you so much grief over it. Hopefully this truly resolves it. *HUGS*

October 20, 2009

I think whatever you’ve done is fine! I like the screening of words from my notes. I shall turn it on.

That seems to have cheered everyone up. Nice going!

October 20, 2009

Oops, forgot you could read that entry, although I generally believe what I say about a person I should say to his face, so there you go. Aren’t you glad I allow naughty words in my notes so you could make a fine point about that? Thanks for the change, and responding to the community.

I still say “Your House – Your Rules” but this was a good call. Sometimes growing pains happen. 😉

October 20, 2009

Good job. Selectable option was always the best option.

October 20, 2009

Thank you

Thanks. 🙂

I just can’t get over this. Thank you, thank you, thank you again. You made the right choice, and if I didn’t think you had it in you to sympathize with us on this, I never would have bothered trying to change your mind. The people who were so willing to give up their freedom of speech, while they may not be such pains in your rear end, should worry you far more than any of us. Thank you, thank you, thank you again. And thanks to EWS and X, who were the only Admins I had any contact with, particularly X, who traded emails back and forth with me all morning.

Thank you. This just made my day. ^_^

October 20, 2009

The biggest thing that makes me sure that wordlists are a bad idea is from back when I worked at a software development house, where we had a list that was supposed to be good worldwide. By the time they were done, even the word “fan” was filtered.

I still vote that each diarist can have their own list of banned words…but I want regular reports on which words are banned. Now *that* would be cool reading.

October 20, 2009

I also vote for regular reports. Published in Editor’s Choice.

October 20, 2009

OMG why do people get all weird about the notes? You explained it very well the first time and people should get over that. If someone accepts bad language in their notes, then to each their own. For others they should select the option to star curse words. Simple, now people need to get over it already!! Youre doing a kick ass job, dont let them get to ya.

October 20, 2009

much ado much ado bless your heart

October 20, 2009

<3

October 20, 2009

Much appreciated.

October 20, 2009

Thank you. 🙂 We all appreciate this (and everything else you do for us to remain here on OD).

October 20, 2009

Hahhaa! WOW! I am definitely impressed! Thanks 🙂

October 20, 2009

Very nice entry. An example of how and why this is such a special place. ~~~ Now I gotta go hurry and turn on my dirty words and see which four they are. ~~~ BTW I don’t find the words attack words but more imtimate words, maybe intensifiers…. but that’s me. ~~~ Gosh I’m tempted to try one – just to see how you have your diary set. Maybe next time.

I think what needs to be said most here, is that not only were you quick to make an adjustment, you were WILLING to make an adjustment. A lesser person would have closed off the discussion completely, and your willingness to attempt constructive discussion about this is just one more reason I continue to think fondly of this place. Good job, DM. Seriously.

Spanks and kisses, DM

October 20, 2009

Victory is…somebodys. :o) Good show.

Once again, sir, you have gone the extra mile. Bravo and well done.

October 20, 2009

Thank you for allowing me to censor myself, when I so choose to do so, instead of being censored to make everyone else happy.

October 20, 2009

cool

I wonder what people will complain about next? ^_^ You do an awesome job!

October 20, 2009

And that is what makes you the Master! Thanks!

Thanks ~ it’s a great option. I’ll have to admit though…I just about died laughing when I clicked on the “screened words” link and it took me to the words. I don’t know why..it was highly amusing to me. lol 🙂

October 20, 2009

The reports should have graphs and charts, too.

October 20, 2009

Oh man … best title ever. BEST.

thanks, DM. i’ve been on this site a long, long time. been through a lot with you here! you always make good choices. thanks for being so compassionate and reasoning with the community. i can’t imagine pleasing everyone is easy, but so far, you’ve got me pleased!

October 20, 2009

Aloha… I agree with the above noter… great title…! Smiles…………..

October 20, 2009

Thank you for the option, though I don’t see why people were so anal about having censored notes. I mean, if the person can get their point across without swearing I think that is a more intelligent person, but I guess in today’s times people feel the need to swear. Thank’ee! And keep up the good work! –Cissy

October 20, 2009

I’d love to have a customisable ‘block these words’ list. I wouldn’t have a lot of words in it, but there are some that are just plain offensive. As it is, I never noticed the old block at all so it didn’t bother me either way. (huggles)

October 20, 2009

You rock!

October 20, 2009

I think you’re a note whore and just did this to increase notes on your entry!!!!! Heh, have a good day.

October 20, 2009

Thank you!!!!!

October 20, 2009

and.. you are ****ing awesome!!!!!!!!!!

October 20, 2009

Good job of trying to please everybody. Willy

Tux
October 20, 2009

Bruce, I have to admire your reasoned approach to this issue, and the speed with which you implemented the change. Thank you for listening to us. The fact that the chief architect is someone who has a dialog with the community is one of the reasons I’ve stuck with OD for so many years. Never change!

Thank you.

I think it’s a great compromise. Thank you.

now of some of these people would so passionately worry about feeding the homeless!

October 20, 2009

I think this change is an awesome idea (the ‘error’ when posting a note was way more annoying stan starring out words so thank u!!). Whatever change you implement there will always be people that hate it so you cant really win. Good choice though and i hope that people are mature enough to not swear in the notes in the first place…theres still younger people here that dont need t see it xxx

October 20, 2009

wow. I guess this proves that even though you’re the owner, this is a lot like a democracy. You’ve listened to your people. I was okay with it the other way (because there are ways around it if a person is tenacious) but I thank you for the choice. It IS nice to be able to decide. Take care,

October 20, 2009

Allowing independent, critical choices? Be careful there Bruce, this could lead to a Bill Hicks-style political awakening and then who will ‘they’ blame. Cool answer to an issue that is superficially trivial but conceptually important. Kudos to OD members too for giving a sh1t. xx

October 20, 2009

I don’t see what the big deal was – those words were always blocked in the first place!! Maybe you should have left it how it was and all this mess would have been avoidable 😉 Good to leave it as an option, though. That’s an excellent way to solve the problem. Kudos!

This whole uproar business was ridiculous. I feel for you, DM. You must have multitudes of patience. The compromise is a good idea.

October 20, 2009

This sounds like a great idea and well balanced out. I have found that the best way to prevent people from attacking you is just to force them to leave private, signed notes. The attackers usually like to remain anonymous and usually like their offensive notes out in the open for everyone to see.

Needs more kittens!!

October 20, 2009

Seriously, I don’t know how you do it.

October 20, 2009

You really are dedicated. I admire you. Thank you. 🙂

October 20, 2009

Taa ****ing daa, thanks! Now, is it time to revisit “adult content” other than making it “Friends Only”? Seriously, thanks!

Nice compromise. Thank you.

October 20, 2009

Hurrah. I got a page full of notes with ***s in it. Including one showing that the town of S-c-u-n-t-h-o-r-p-e in the UK couldn’t be written in a note any more. Now I can fix that.

Many props for taking the time to code it out. And, the consideration for making a list of optional words would be as you said a lot of work, but if you take that route I wish you luck. I have been a memeber of this community for a long time and I am happy to have all of you admins working so hard to keep this place a vibrant community.

October 20, 2009

I have to say I find the fact that this became such an issue somewhat stunning. Perhaps the southern debutante in me simply finds the idea of using such language in a note to someone distasteful. lol. Now in an entry mind you… I better d*** well be able to say what I want. Ha!! I love this place.

October 20, 2009

That was really cool of you. Thank you!

poor you. i hope people feel foolish about their bombastic complaints. i always do when in retrospect. honestly i dont know whether its sad or funny. i’m sorry i made a fuss about the diary/note deletion issue. i hope it wasnt so insulting. i miss mdd and the people i met there but i do love od. its given me a safe place to keep my diary. you should know you have a great site here.

and everything you do to make od better is appreciated. i really want to keep that in mind when i am here. anyway thank you and i hope you have a good day.

After looking at the list, a pathetic 4 words, it seems like a whole lot of ruckus for nothing. While I particularly hate two of them, the other two are pretty common. But, thanks for giving us the choice!!!

October 20, 2009

I personally think this is all quite ridiculous. 🙂 But thanks for being an upstanding guy and trying to please everyone.

You’re such a good guy. (That is said without any irony, by the way. ;-))

October 20, 2009

Hopefully the option to turn it off will make everyone happy. (Though I still find it funny that starring out stuff and allowing the rest of the note was somehow more a censorship issue than blocking the whole note.) You’re nothing if not flexible :).

October 20, 2009

I am amazed at people WANTING to be able to curse. I wonder if their mother’s know about this. LOL

October 20, 2009

What a guy. Thanks

October 20, 2009

Seems like a whole lot of work for a whole lot of silliness. Why on earth people use such words is beyond me. But *shrugs* to each his own.

October 20, 2009

I want to say THANK YOU for EVERYTHING 🙂 You’re a great DM!!! Don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise!

October 20, 2009

Hey – you’re the boss. You make the rules and we either abide by them and shut up or move on. If you feel the rules are necessary then put them in place. People are idiots. I love OD. Been here with a paid membership since 2001 and a few years free before that. I love ya!

October 20, 2009

you are much nicer then me- I woulda let them keep on with their fit throwing lmao! That being said I am totally leaving up the *’s for cuss words in my diary just to piss people off ;o)

Hey! Thanks! I didn’t really bother getting riled up about the asteriks as it was censorship before and it’s censorship now, but having the choice is really lovely and now I can make the choice, as an adult, to curse where I can and not when I’m asked not to. Making up my own mind is stellar. Enjoy another 200+ notes of being everyone’s new best friend (but you’re a dad, so I guess you know that giving in usually gets you points from the kids). Thanks again. 🙂

October 20, 2009

RYN: Hey you’re welcome! You deserve the kudos! Lee Mee xXx

October 20, 2009

Had to read this, not having been here for the better part of the week and seeing your title. Remembering when I stupidly downloaded some software to keep things suitable for children, when my granddaughters were living w/me, and then finding that the word, breast, for any reason was not allowed, as in breast cancer, or hugged to my breast….etc. set off a warning of obscene language on the page and block the page. Who knew? Ditched that software. I like your plan.

October 20, 2009

Love it! Just, can you still block the spam? I did get a spam note that was loaded with ****’s earlier, and I’m not sure what caused it. Just wanted to let you know.

Mr. Bruce…you and your team are/is a work of art. We spend endless time here on your graciously provided, free-of-charge website and it’s such a thankless job! You do have to know that we all love and respect you dearly. Thank you for existing, and thank you OD staff for bringing this site into fruition! *BIG OL’ HUG!*

October 20, 2009

Thank you. My opinion of you has improved slightly. I’m perfectly happy with how filtering will work now, I just don’t understand what stopped you from implementing this solution in the first place, especially if you actually considered it. Did you seriously think we were too stupid to notice?

October 20, 2009

so now can we get back to the cat pictures? LOL

October 20, 2009

I don’t know why everyone got so upset. It is not as though any of the words that got starred out were allowed in notes before the change. But, I guess it is just easier to appease the huddled masses.

October 20, 2009

thanks it’s good to know we can have a place where if we complain then someone actually listens and changes things!

October 20, 2009

thanks, and i think the customizable list would be a good idea.

October 20, 2009

You should have posted pictures of kittens being censored. That would have been perfect. Also, I hope you were able to figure out some of the ways that people were bypassing the filter, as illustrated in my use of the word fuck. Some of those should be pretty easy to figure out. Also, who had the wonderful job of figuring out which words should actually be censored?

You’re the best. I was going to suggest you make the list user-definable so I can add ‘Spigot’, ‘Cauliflower’ and ‘Moist’ as these are words that I find most offensive. Or, I just derive joy from seeing random words starred out and there’s nothing the noters can do about it. Bwahahaha. OK. I’ll go away now.

way to give into the angry mob. like you had a choice. Thanks! 😉

October 20, 2009

****

I think we should have a contest to see how many fracking bad words we can use in one note without the filter going off. It’d be like a fracking game? Wanna play, do ya do ya do ya? People are insane…completely. This change is NOT a big deal. Did you get many notes between Friday, when you made the change, and Monday when you posted the entry?

October 20, 2009

this is the silliest thing i have every heard. all that fuss over something that’s been in place forever!!! take care,

I love it, thanks!

October 20, 2009

Further proof that: 1. – you can’t please 100% of the people 100% of the time…you’re lucky if you can manage 50% at 50%. 2. – some people will have a tantrum over anything. The site’s still up, people keep coming back, new faces keep showing. Progress is constant, improvements are regular…I’ve been impressed and appreciative. It seems you don’t get many “attaboy’s” – well done.

October 20, 2009

fantastic!

October 20, 2009

i didnt really see a problem to begin with by starring them, but hey whatever floats everyones boat:)

October 20, 2009
October 20, 2009

This has all been one big kerfuffle over nothing. Honestly, there’s much bigger issues going on today to get all ‘up in arms’ about. I mean they’re not taking away swearing from our entries, they were just being censored in the notes & lets face it, when it’s put in the context of a sentence you pretty much know what’s being said or at least the gist of it. It’s about showing respect to our fellow diarists as well because, although most people it wouldn’t bother there are some that may prefer they didn’t have ‘language’ in their notes. I think you all do a great job & you give us a fairly long leash as it is. Anyway, it’s a good innovation and a good compromise to add the language screening check-box option. It’s a thankless job. I wouldn’t have it for all the tea in China. hehe

October 20, 2009

how flexible

lol you know I completely got you. I understood what was going on and really really dont see the big deal. The only time I had any issue is when I was copying someones entry to note about an exact sentence and it got deleted becuase the orginal had the blocked word. But ummm yeah wow.

All this fuss has been ridiculous nonsense. I’m still a little stunned by the reaction. I’m sorry you felt pressured into giving in, but thank you for taking the time to improve things anyway. Just in time for OD’s birthday! You’re a great DM. Thanks for all your hard work, and for putting up with all this.

I’d also like to back up [Bly Jette]’s idea. I’d love a multi-delete setting for bookmarks and friends. I like to “de-clutter” my lists and it takes me quite a long time to delete bookmarks when the page has to refresh after each one of them. Maybe if you find time in the future, you could add this feature. But no pressure. I won’t get on your case. =] Thanks again for being awesome!

October 20, 2009

Oh!! That was my idea! Hoot! *grins*

Mo
October 20, 2009

I think this should be voted as ‘best title’. Nice you were able to keep your sense of humor.

October 20, 2009

i like it. the option is nice to have. but w/e.. When IF or ARE you going to make it easier to delete multiiple people off our friends and book mark list? i rather that stupid Email notification box be a DELETE check box. thanks for any info here.

October 20, 2009

I find it somewhat disturbing that so many people consider crude language to be a necessity in the first place. I’ll keep the trash language out, thank you.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

I just liked your entry title. I can’t believe people were so up in arms about some bleeping out of things. *sigh* People are apparently very passionate about their OD. Which is great…but my goodness gracious!

October 20, 2009

Great! I’m glad you made it optional. Thanks!

Love this entry title! LOL

🙂 thank you for understanding.

October 20, 2009

Those notes were good for a laugh, I must say!

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. You rock.

I’m not one to swear in my diary often, and have not felt the need to swear in notes to others, for this to have been an issue in the first place. But I sided with those who thought it should be the diarist’s choice, since the diarist’s notes are directly affected. So I applaud you for listening to those who gave their opinions, taking them into consideration, and changing the settings. I thinkyou’re awesome, you and all the Admins. I can never say it enough. You have a tough job, and you do it so well. The care you demonstrate toward the site and its members is what makes OD so great.

October 20, 2009

I missed the last entry and now will have to go back and read. I must say thank you, I am grateful for the option. and I must say a little amused at how you worded this entry. lol

I shall henceforth bite my tongue–well done, DM, well done 🙂

October 20, 2009

I just have to say THANK YOU for those of us that wanted to have a CHOICE.

October 20, 2009

Aha! I love the French reference there 😀 Brilliant. As for the issue in hand – well, it’s only an improvement, but it never stopped me using the site before now. Glad other people are happy though.

October 20, 2009

There’s no way not to upset someone, and no way to make everyone happy. Yours is a thankless task. So….thank you.

October 20, 2009

Heh, I thought the original change where the word was just starred out instead of the whole note being lost was just fine, but whatever keeps the masses happy. Credit to you Mr. DM for listening to the public and finding a solution suitable for all. Question though. If someone sets the language screening as on and someone swears, will the word just be starred as per the orginal plan?

LMN
October 20, 2009

You’re too funny! Don’t see what the big deal is. You couldn’t write the naughty words before and technically you still can’t. Oh well, you can’t please everyone all the time.

October 20, 2009

why are people making such a big deal of all this?! youve done an awesome job DM 🙂 x

I find the whole thing hilarious. It seems like people just need something to complain about. You didn’t even change any rules, just how “bad words” are filtered.

October 20, 2009

I love it here.

October 20, 2009

thanks for all your hard work.

October 20, 2009

Ya know, I am sorry you all had to go through this. As the old saying goes… you can’t please all the people all the time. But who cares about that. 😉 You are doing JUST FINE, so to H. E. double hockey sticks to every one else. SEE HHTDM! I CAN be respectful!!

Vee
October 20, 2009

thank you for the choice and thank you for finally adressing the issue of my notes being blasted off into deletion over a lingual lapse, or a picky filter.

October 20, 2009

i swear sometimes when needed and do not mind any notes with swearing as long as it is not an attack. i like the option! thank you!!!!!!!!

gracias! As I read some of your notes yesterday I started humming some Les Miserables. Do you hear the people sing..singing the song of angry men….

October 20, 2009

While I didn’t think that the filter constituted censorship, I am glad that it is now up to individual diary owners to decide what type of language they will or will not allow in notes. I honestly think that’s the best way. Thanks to you and to all the admins at OD for all your hard work to make this site the haven that it is for all of us.

Well there you go. I had thought the issue was trickiness of software. YOu did it without raising the cost of OD! Thanks, and can we go back to deciding whether to censor pictures that *T*W*I*N*C*K*L*E* now? (only kidding) ..

October 20, 2009

I also don’t see what people are complaining about! I mean…it’s much more convenient to be able to write as freely as you want to in a note, rather then having to be mindful of how you spell a curse word, if you so choose to, for whatever reason! (And, not risk losing the entire note!) I don’t see it as a form of “censorship” at all! So, don’t really know where people are

Ever want to smack a b*tch when people start about stuff liek that? ahem. ^_^

October 20, 2009

, “getting that idea,” from! I also found it to be annoying, to have to lose a note, by accidentally slipping up, whenever I’d spelled a swear word, without including the asteriks! So, at least now, I don’t have to be concerned about it! Thank you!

Hi, I had a not so nice note left to me today. I was wondering if you could possibly tell me the location or who it was. It was anonymous noter – however, you would probably be able to scan it. It’s my last entry dated this: 10/20/2009 6:09:01 PM It would be WONDERFUL if you could help me out! Thanks!

October 20, 2009

thanks it’s great that you fixed this

October 20, 2009

I thought the filter you made was perfectly fine and not a voilation of rights XD But thank you 🙂 People are silly.

you’re so nice. I could care less either way because yes I may cuss in my diary from time to time but I find it foul to cuss at someone else .. I do think it’s nice you are so accommodating… 🙂

October 20, 2009

DUDE. You are the best! I do hope you find a few seconds to go check out Search Result’s latest entry, which made me realize you did this. I think you really need the laugh after this brouhaha!

**applauds** Look at you guys! I couldn’t have thought of a better way to handle this! Way to go! Now everyone’s happy, and you still keep the community together! 😀 … and THAT, is why I love it here at OD!

I hope you know that you and the Admin team not only run one of the BEST sites on the Internet, but y’all really do a great job at it. 🙂 I honestly don’t know how you managed to deal with such an onslaught of criticism with such tact and grace, but you have my sincere respect for doing so. Thank you for giving us this amazing place and for trying so hard to make sure that everyone here is able to enjoy it to the fullest. Take good care.

October 20, 2009

This was an awesome entry.

🙂 Good idea either way. Profanity isn’t tolerated in our places of work or schools… so it shouldn’t be such a huge deal if we’re already used to it. 🙂

October 20, 2009

People have such a passion for Open Diary – I’ve never seen anything like it anywhere else. The profanity notes setting is a good idea, it really is. Democracy wins? I dunno, I never had a problem with the new system.

October 20, 2009

Now, where are these kitten photos???

October 20, 2009

thanks. Fortunately myself and most of my noters don’t use bad language anyway, but it is reassuring to know that if a lurker does so then its not seen. Have a great day DM…we love you.. P

October 20, 2009

Good Grief.

I didn’t care either way, but I think the screening option is a good idea and pretty cool at that. At least now you won’t have to listen to people bitching at you over something stupid! Especially given the fact that it wasn’t “infringing on their freedom of speech…blah blah blah” when the note with “bad words” was blocked….pfft. If they’re going to bitch and moan, perhaps they should pay attention and do some research. Anyway. Enough of that drama. Good call. YOU’RE SUPER!

Thank you.

Awesome sauce. I’m so glad you’re open to our ideas and are willing to listen to our varied points of view. This is why I like OD so much.

Personally, I think it would be wonderful if we were able to choose which offensive words we wouldn’t mind, and at the same time block those that we would rather not have used in our notes. Is this a possibility?

October 20, 2009

I was thinking more about the lifetime membership complainers. *I* think you should give some of us the option of contributing an additional $200 — $100 would be for a refund to the complainer, and the other $100 would be for the privilege of choosing which complainer that would be. Okay. It’s mean. But whiners are my pet peeve. Thanks for indulging my little fantasy.

October 20, 2009

yes, but where are the pictures of kittens…..:) M

October 20, 2009

ive never used bad words in notes. i am sure alot of people will be happy not to lose their notes 🙂

Well done 🙂

October 20, 2009

Well said, Brave DiaryMaster Sir!

October 20, 2009

And yes, where ARE the pictures of the kittens???

October 20, 2009

Thank you. 🙂

October 20, 2009

Haha. Theres a list of bad words. that made my day.

October 20, 2009

I am glad you introduced this option. On a more random note – it would be nice to have a link to your diary on the front page again. Often times I find out there are updates from another diarist’s posts – it would be nice to just be able to see it on as soon as I pull up the home page.

October 20, 2009

I thank you for giving us such a wonderful site. I don’t think it is a loss of freedom to try and prevent a few words that are really not necessary. There has been censorship in much of my life and I don’t find it interfers with much. In fact, the really awful cuss words really are not necessary unless you are too immature to use decent language.

October 20, 2009

*chuckles* well you did a good thing but isn’t it just as easy to block a person’s notes if they start harassing you than run tattling to ‘mom’? *giggles* I mean that’s what I would do anyway hehe Thank you for all you and your Admin group for all your hard work I haven’t a clue how you all do this but I sure am glad you do 🙂

October 20, 2009

Kitten pictures! I knew that was where I was going wrong with my diary.

October 20, 2009

It’s always when some little change like this happens and the whiners come out that I find myself losing respect for people who write long ranting entries about it and pull out the “I pay to be here, so I should get whatever I want” card. I just can’t respect people who are asshole customers. Thanks for all the hard work you do.

For us, the censorship or starring helps us. generally we do not use curse words and generally we do not befriendthose who are obsessed with using the words. beinghuman, once in a while people do get angry,however, for us, it’s those diaries that are cursing all over the place, that turn us of. For the most part, we believe that those who have no communication skills, usually resort to cursingas a way to expand (not really) their vocabulary. anyways,that’ s just one opinion. have a peaceful day.

October 21, 2009

heh…I truly enjoyed reading over some of the notes left to you in your last entry…some were very amusing. But I just wanted to say THANKS for everything…(I’ve only been using OD for a couple of years…but there has been some great changes….and I LOVE this site) I wil defo. stay a plus member( I would never move to lifetime…becomes I think that supports the site less, in the long run) Anyways…thanks for all the work you do! &hearts ….

October 21, 2009

Some people seriously have too much time on their hands… I read your entry went oh that’s nice, it’s annoying when you’re writing something completely innocent and the word gets blocked meaning the note goes bye bye and you have to start again. And, then I saw the furore…. and just continued on with my life with a bit of a chuckle. Ah, the diversity of humans.

October 21, 2009

good solution! well played 🙂

*looks up at your notes* Honestly, DM, regardless of what you assume I think about you (and some things I definitely do think about you), I’m glad you’re running this place and not some of these people. At least you can see reason. Some of these people are incredibly worrisome.

October 21, 2009

I don’t understand why people are getting so upset about this issue. The rules haven’t changed, you made it easier for people…the unacceptable words are the same as always and no one had a problem with it. Although I do tend to complain when things don’t work well (I admit I’m impatient), I see no reason to complain about something that’s always been…lighten up people!!!

October 21, 2009

I am very happy. This is goshdarn wonderful.

October 21, 2009

Fantastic. If only the rest of the world was as thoughtful and reasonable… 🙂

October 21, 2009

Thank you for making it an option and letting us see what words are being blocked. I knew the c one because that is what I aforementioned in my previous note. And I believe I knew the F word was one of them as well… I really do appreciate the way the admins of this site listen to the people using it. Other sites seem so impersonal and it’s frustrating. Keep up the good job!

October 21, 2009

I still say it’d have served the conspiracy whiners right if you had just put it back the way it was. THAT came much closer to censorship than the new way. Of course, these fools wouldn’t understand that since it’s all clearly outlined in The Rules, it’s not really any kind of censorship either way.

October 21, 2009

Thank you! Such a clever improvement! Very intuitive and a great interpretation of free speech rights. I’ve always loved this site, and I appreciate your sincere involvement. The customizable word blocks is an interesting idea.

RYN: Im sorry it took an admittedly childish insult for you to actually come and note me after the numerous notes I had left you with helpful suggestions and being nothing but polite and respectful in explaining why I wish to have a choice in the whole note/swear debacle. And also thanking yourself and the Admins for what you do for OD. Believe it or not I actually remain grateful for the existence of OD, despite my not being one of the shining stars of the OD elite. I am also sorry that you read my original entry (I have a tracker so I know you read it) and didnt feel the need to even leave me a blank note. However you did note a very popular fave of mine who argued pretty much the same as I did and you THANKED her for her ‘well reasoned and thought out entry”. It hurt DM, I cant deny it. I am an emotional person, as you may have perceived. I wonder sometimes you may not be able to see past the Pixels and OD Prescriptions and see the people who pour out their souls on a wonderful website as this is. I may be childish for feeling ‘slighted’ but my God after what I went through and having the welcome distraction of this debacle to take my mind of it…

…I think Im allowed to be oversensitive and want even the most blah response. And yes, Ive held a grudge from 3 years ago when I got harrased on her and got squat back in support from yourself apart from deleting the diary. We’re people man, not PC’s! Rebooting doesnt work for us!!! (Im saying this with a slight dash of humour here). I hope you dont now feel Im a complete uncouth nasty ingrate little **** who is polluting your site with vitriol and swear words (I asterixed that word out myself) and I cannot see past my own pathetic little existence to be grateful for all the hard work that has been implemented over the past couple of years. I love my OD and I admire the hard work you guys put in. Heck, I would love to be involved in OD more and give something back to the community. But I have minimal computer skills. However, if you ever need an online Doctor or OD agony aunt then I would happily offer my services. There is nothing I love more than helping people, although others may not prefer to help me. I doubt I will get a reply to this note. But I am grateful for all you’ve done DM, I just cant help being a bit hurt at being ignored when I needed support back

Best wishes, Laura.

I love your title. LOL! Brilliant solution to the issue. If some ****** want to use **** or **** or **** and even want to have someone else use those words in notes to them, they can enjoy it for all it’s worth! I personally prefer to be protected from the vulgar meanies!

October 21, 2009

You’re so awesome! This made me laugh my ass off!! Best DM ever you are!~ :o)

October 21, 2009

Thanks DM, much appreciated. I think that giving people the option is the best way forward.

Oh FUDGE! 🙂

October 21, 2009

hooray! thank you so much. very, very much appreciated. 🙂 you rock.

October 21, 2009

Is there a setting that would FORCE people to curse at me and insult me? That would be great!

Entitlement at it’s best. 😉 I had to go see what the 4 dirty words were and even I was a little surprised. I expected the first three, but the “n” word was a surprise. Not offended personally but wow. What rational reason does anyone have for using that one?

October 21, 2009

“rush to the top of their barricades and declare victory” ahaha. that made me ell oh ell! you card, bruce 😉

October 21, 2009

Bruce, I really appreciated that you made it possible to not lose your entire note because have I lost SO MANY notes because I forgot not to use the f-word. I thank you for continuing to improve our community even though there are some people that don’t understand your motives. I will be using the screening ‘off’ button in my diary, not because I think it was wrong to have the screening, but simply because I am not generally offended by them.Keep up the good work!

October 21, 2009

well bruce! i went to change my settings and clicked the list of offensive words, you know, out of curiousity. seeing them all lined up like that made me snicker like a ten year old boy; i went back to allow such words, not being the sensitive type and my entire computer froze and i had to restart! is that something you wrote into the code? i repent. 🙁

October 21, 2009

After taking the opportunity to fully swear in a couple of notes, I want to thank you once again for the option to turn this off entirely. It is fully awesome.

October 21, 2009

Thanks

October 21, 2009

Thanks for letting us know about these changes. At least now we know if we swear in leaving a note (and for some of us it’s just a way of “speaking” rather than attacking) then we can do so without “tricks” and the note won’t be “errored.” I like the fact you have left the discretion up to the author so that it’s not really stifling or censoring the noters (at least not right away… only on the receiving end!). Um… question though, how do/will these notes appear? will others see just the *** or will they see the actual word? or will that depend on their own settings?

October 21, 2009

Potty mouths, all of them =D

October 21, 2009

You are a bigger man than I. I would have told them to **** off.

October 21, 2009

Yup, the OD community is really important around this house. 🙂

Well done – again.

October 21, 2009

Thanks to everyone for giving me a good laugh. Drama! Excitement! Is this the Maury show?

October 21, 2009

People complain about the dumbest things, the fact that they have a place to come and write their thoughts is not enough. I can’t believe people were actually complaining over stars. Television censors the 7 dirty words, and people don’t get all up in arms about that. I was quite happy just to read that the notes would not be lost anymore.

October 21, 2009

Though I suppose it should not be, it remains truly unbelievable to me how unreasonable and disagreeable so many people can be |shaking my head|. You sure do exhibit an inordinate amount of patience and tolerance.

October 21, 2009

I agree that there was an overreaction to the original “censorship” but this really is the better option.

Hello Bruce. First of all, I don’t kiss anyone’s hiney, so this note isn’t going to be a lot like the others. I have a love/hate relationship with you. But, I’ve been honest. Let’s face the facts that you do allow nudity pictures and profane language, when you have a specific rule against it. Hmmmmmm. I’m also still mad about how much you raised the new OD rates. Do you know how many hundreds of dollars I have given to others on this website? Now to be very kind to you. This site is the BEST!! I’m ticked off that we aren’t on the Today Show. I mean seriously. Am I going to have to use my mouthy ways to get Open Diary popular????? :))

Happy Birthday OD!

October 21, 2009

I choose to have swear words in my notes goddam it! It is my right as a citizen of the good ole USA!!! LMAO ****!!!

October 22, 2009

I’m sorry you had to endure all the hoo-hah!

October 22, 2009

probably your funniest entry title ever

October 22, 2009

you da man.

October 22, 2009

This whole saga has at least had me in stitches of laughter. I realise it must have been majorly frustrating for you though as people have blown it out of all proportion!

October 22, 2009

No, I have no problem with you using my diary name in the entry! Though I do write mostly FO entries, I’m pretty open to adding new faves. Thanks for the recognition! btw, LOVE the title of this entry!! hehehe

October 22, 2009

Ha. Even better. Hopefully you don’t get any more complaints.

October 22, 2009

lol. 🙂 i think the system automatically starring out the words is brilliant. good call.

October 22, 2009

THis is my …third? diary, and I’ve never been upset that one cant leave curse words. Makes you actually have to *think* before responding to an entry that might make you angry. But I do think having the option up to the author is a good idea. As for myself, I’ll leave the filtering on. Good job though. 🙂

October 22, 2009

so appreciate your patience and time in dealing with all the angst and chaos involved with this. Very grateful for the time and care you invest into managing this site.

Hi DM 🙂 Sorry to bother you but I can’t seem to find a link to the rules policy… I would like to have an entry titled “Funnies” and post comics that I’ve scanned to share with other members. I’m not claiming to create them, just wish to share. They are printed as copyrighted & I’m not sure if posting them would violate any terms of service here. Please advise. Thank you 🙂

I want to say that all of drama that ensued over this issue was unnecessary. I am ashamed of the majority of people that took issue with this. There were some that were respectful and voiced their concerns in an adult way and there were others that acted like childish bullies. I wish that they could have voiced their concern like adults, it is amazing to me that people don’t realize what this place is. This place has given me some of the best friends I’ve ever had. It has given me an outlet that I never would have had otherwise. I can talk candidly here without it affecting my life. I want to thank you, but not for what you changed, but for creating this site, for giving me friends that I would not have had otherwise, for caring enough to find a way to keep this site afloat when it didn’t look promising. Yes some of us pay for this service, however that doesn’t give any of us the right to treat you the way you were treated. You treat all of us with respect and courtesy and it should have been returned.

this is a first time for me to blog and the admin really notes…thanks, it does wonder to my ego.

October 23, 2009

Wow, you get almost as many notes as me. 😛 So kidding. I’m honoured, and you shall get the first one!!

Rarely but never note you, since you’re the DM and I am but a humble and sporadic diarist. Still, wanted to say “thanks.” Sometimes I’m on the fence about changes but this one feels right and I appreciate the time and effort that went into it. Truly.

The king’s head is NOT on a pike! The castle is NOT burned to the ground! Okay everybody, back to writing. Good job DM.

October 24, 2009

I’m just glad I don’t get the error message anymore. So thank you for that!

Him
October 25, 2009

When are you going to address the ads that pop up over the log in box? This is the second time I’ve asked.

October 27, 2009

If you are looking for things to fix that should not make people angry, how about fixing OD+ notes so we can leave the full 1200. Currently, if you try to fill it to the limit, or close to it, 1 character gets truncated for every newline in your note. This is annoying, as, unless you do mental calculations while typing, you don’t know whether the end of as long note will be cut off or not, eventhough the counter says you have enough room. Davo

October 27, 2009

Also, could you please allow Note History to be downloaded with the diary? Thanks Davo

October 27, 2009

I have a ex friend that has found my name on open diary, he has left comments on my page since I like to keep an open diary, he has somehow manage to find me, It is truth410 and chip774, how can I block him and keep my entries and my home name? I will know if is any random name, I know is him