A template asking users to avoid using LGBTQIA+ slurs on discussion pages. I’ve removed like 15 instances of [REDACTED] in the past 20 minutes. I haven’t made a rough draft yet, but if anyone wants me to I can.
I think we generally don’t edit the messages of others on talk or discussion pages. Discussion pages are meant for people to share their thoughts, as it can serve as feedback for editors or helpful info for readers. Swear words and brash ideas, or even straight up misinformation, are typically not moderated on discussion pages. Not sure whether this applies to slurs and how far it should be allowed in general because, as far as I know, there isn’t a set discussion page policy. Naturally, having such content on wikiHow pages is contemptible, but it does in a way go against discussion pages if we start reverting or censoring anything but advertisement/spam, with the question being “where do we draw the line?”
When I come across this kind of thing on discussion pages, I just go with the safe route and add {{id}} to the top of the page. It produces a message like this:
“ This discussion page may contain offensive language. If you are easily offended by such language, please do not read the contents below.”
Please, please anyone fact check me on this, I’ve also been unclear about disc pages for a long long time.
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If that holds true, I would absolutely like to be let know. It seems unclear to me, seeing as the N-word is blacklisted but the F-slur is not, although both have similar social impact.
I draw the line at unhelpful advertising and slurs (used in a manner that they are NOT informational, I.E. retard as a medical term)
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I agree in that there are definitely some words that are bound to be added in a blacklist update. However, as you point out, the offensiveness of certain terms is context-dependent and wouldn’t warrant such action, but in those cases, manual removal seems inefficient and subjective, too…
That’s what patrollers are for!
Probably should blacklist words that are only (as far as I know, lol?) used for slur purposes (The N-word, The F-Slur, etc).
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LANGUAGE WARNING
Fag is also british for cigarette
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I mean using the six letter version of the F-slur, but that probably can also mean something else?
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I don’t see the need for such a template. 99% of occurrences are old and from people who would never see the template on their talk page because they’re just not here, and these messages can just be removed from the discussion pages easily. Any occurrences in the present or future can just be rolled back and reported or coached as needed.
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I agree.
I hate to say this, but virtually no one checks discussion pages. And the odds of vulgar language appearing is even smaller.
