Introducing "Think Twice" Word Detection System To OpEdNews

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Tag(s): Bigotry; Censorship; Community; Internet Social Networking; Issues; Language; OpEdNews; OpEdNews FAQ; OpEdNews FAQ; Writing
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September 6, 2007 at 13:53:48

Introducing "Think Twice" Word Detection System To OpEdNews

by Rob Kall Page 1 of 2 page(s)

http://www.opednews.com

We're about to go live with a new innovation that we think is important to keep our site a place where courteous, intelligent civil discourse is maintained. We're proud that we can claim that to our knowledge there is no high traffic (top 6000 sites in USA according to Alexa.com, top 500 blog sites according to technorati) where as wide a range of discussion on issues is allowed. Many sites ban discussion of some of the topics we allow or only allow one-sided discussion and advocacy.

We call the new innovation our "Think Twice" system. It uses software we've custom designed to detect the use of words we add to a control panel, then delivers a message to the content submitter. The message has two parts-- one specific to the word and the other describing the category of word. We've identified three categories of words to be detected by the "Think Twice" system, listed immediately below, and explained in detail further below.

-Foul language,

-Hurtful, Offensive and Hate

-Languaged words

When a person submits content (article, diary, comment, quicklink) the "Think Twice" system will, when the writer previews the writing, present a screen that lists the word or words, the explanation of our concerns and suggestions, with a button to return to revise the article or proceed to the next step to publish it. There will be no censorship.

We will track the use of this language. Currently we will do nothing with the tracking except look for patterns. If a member uses the same words and language very often, we'll be able to easily see. Is the person a thread hijacker, bringing up issues that are not really relevant... often?

We may decide to post a warning icon on comments, below the user name, signifying the category of word that is in the comment (remember, comments are not moderated before coming live on the site.) This is a way to protect readers, let's say, who don't want to encounter foul language. But that function is NOT currently up and running.

This whole project started after a passionate discussion on banning the words zionist, zionism, islamicist and islamicism, here Banning some words HERE on This Website.

That led me to realize just how wide a range of discussion we allow, and how rare it is. For example, I was speaking with a widely respected leader of a local peace group and he told me that one of the reasons they'd been able to stay in existence for over 26 years was they do not allow discussion of the middle east. He explained that this was a policy that higher ups above the local level instituted as policy.

The Middle East is a very difficult, challenging area for conversation and it is often abused as a vehicle for bigots and members of hate groups to express veiled hate.

Here at OpEdNews.com we welcome discussion by advocates for and supporters of both the Palestinians and Palestine and Israelis and Israel. But we require that it be civil, meet the basic rules of netiquette and never engage in hate.

This project is an experiment-- an attempt to raise consciousness and awareness using the technology we have available to us, and to let haters know we are keeping an eye on them. If your intention is serious, sincere, well intended advocacy or just creative discussion of issues, your participation, your contribution of content is welcome and encouraged and we hope you'll see the "Think Twice" system as a handy reminder that helps you write more effectively and considerately. If you find it intrusive, consider that there are, to the best of our knowledge, no other sites on the web where such a wide range of discussion of issues is allowed. This system is part of what enables us to make it possible.

First, here are the three word categories we've identified and the message content submitters get when using them:

Languaged Words You've used a "Languaged word."

"Languaged words" are words that certain groups have sort of taken ownership of, expending much effort in imbuing upon those words overlying meaning, often creating a reflex reaction to the words. For example, "death tax" is a phrase that right wingers use instead of the more neutral inheritance tax. Another example is "iraq war" which is a phrase that the war and occupancy opponents believe is better characterized as the "Iraq occupancy."

This note is just a suggestion that you think twice about your use of this word and consider using alternative wording. But the choice is yours. You make the final decision.

Foul Language -You've used a word that we consider "foul language." We suggest and request that you consider using other language. There are times when foul language is the best way to express an idea. But we've found that over-used, it lowers the discourse and professionalism of the conversation, the community and the website. Very often, writers regret the use of the foul language later. Also, there are some readers who do NOT ever use foul language and they find its use offensive. Many in this category will just stop reading your article. If your goal is to communicate, then for them, you have failed, even though they might otherwise find your message valuable. This is just a suggestion. The final decision is yours. View Modify

Hurtful, Offensive and Hate -You've used a word that we feel is often abused, used as a foil to hide hate and bigotry, or inappropriately used, often causing hurt and communicating bigotry or hate. We encourage you to be very careful in your use of this word and, preferably, to use an alternate word, particularly if you are not certain that your use is precise and clear, not potentially labeling with too broad a stroke.

It may be that your use of the word is totally appropriate. This message is an automated software function aimed to get our content contributors to be more conscious of their use of words. That's why we call it "THINK TWICE."

The final decision of whether you use the word or not is up to you.

Next, we've begun identifying words that are worthy of the "Think Twice" approach, that we want our writers to seriously consider how they use them.

Word: cunt
Explanation: This is a highly offensive word to most women. There are very few times when it is ever necessary to use it. If you do chose to use it, your content will be carefully scrutinized for potential troll rating and if it is an abusive, hurtful use, you will, as would be the case at any site, be subject to consideration for banning.
Type: Hurtful, Offensive and Hate

1 | 2

Rob Kall is executive editor and publisher of OpEdNews.com, President of Futurehealth, Inc, inventor . He is also published regularly on the Huffingtonpost.com. He is a frequent Speaker on Politics, Impeachment, The art, science and power of story, heroes and the hero's journey, Positive Psychology, Stress, Biofeedback and a wide range of subjects. He is a campaign consultant specializing in tapping the power of stories for issue positioning, stump speeches and debates. He recently retired as organizer of several conferences, including StoryCon, the Summit Meeting on the Art, Science and Application of Story and The Winter Brain Meeting on neurofeedback, biofeedback, Optimal Functioning and Positive Psychology. See more of his articles here and, older ones, here.

The framed magazine cover, with the word "IDEAS" spelled out in lightbulbs, is based on an article Rob wrote for Writers Digest, telling the magazine's quarter million readers how to come up with and pitch article ideas. To learn more about me and OpEdNews.com, check out this article.

and there are Rob's quotes, here. To Watch me on youtube, having a lively conversation with John Conyers, Chair of the House Judiciary committee, click here Now, wouldn't you like to see me on the political news shows, representing progressives. If so, tell your favorite shows to bring me on and refer them to this youtube video

My radio show, The Rob Kall Show, runs 9-10 PM EST Wednesday evenings, on AM 1360, WNJC and is archived on www.whiterosesociety.org Or listen to it streaming, live at either www.wnjc1360.com or here.

Or check the archived interviews at: whiterosesociety.org A few declarations. -While I'm registered as a Democrat, I consider myself to be a dynamic critic of the Democratic party, just as, well, not quite as much, but almost as much as I am a critic of republicans. -My articles express my personal opinion, not the opinion of this website.

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90 comments

Rob Kall is executive editor and publisher of OpEdNews.com, President of Futurehealth, Inc, inventor . He is also published regularly on the Huffingtonpost.com. He is a frequent Speaker on Politics, Impeachment, The art, science and power of story, heroes and the hero's journey, Positive Psychology, Stress, Biofeedback and a wide range of subjects. He is a campaign consultant specializing in tapping the power of stories for issue positioning, stump speeches and debates. He recently retired as o...

to see more of bio, click on member name
Rob KallRob Kall is executive editor and publisher of OpEdNews.com, President of Futurehealth, Inc, inventor . He is also published regularly on the Huffingtonpost.com. He is a frequent Speaker on Politics, Impeachment, The art, science and power of story, heroes and the hero's journey, Positive Psychology, Stress, Biofeedback and a wide range of subjects. He is a campaign consultant specializing in tapping the power of stories for issue positioning, stump speeches and debates. He recently retired as o...

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try it out. Use one of the words in your comment

See what happens when you use the word zionist or islamofascist

by Rob Kall (728 articles, 3775 quicklinks, 311 diaries, 1521 comments) on Thursday, September 6, 2007 at 2:05:09 PM

Steven Leser specializes in Politics, Science & Health, and Entertainment topics. He has held positions within the Democratic Party including District Chair and Public Relations Chair within county organizations.

Steven Leser writes for www.opednews.com, an internet only media site that has grown to become one of the highest traffic news sites in America, reaching more traffic, according to alexa.com, than all but the thirty largest daily newspapers in the US. Mr. Leser is one of t...

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Steven LeserSteven Leser specializes in Politics, Science & Health, and Entertainment topics. He has held positions within the Democratic Party including District Chair and Public Relations Chair within county organizations.

Steven Leser writes for www.opednews.com, an internet only media site that has grown to become one of the highest traffic news sites in America, reaching more traffic, according to alexa.com, than all but the thirty largest daily newspapers in the US. Mr. Leser is one of t...

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I tried it and like it!

I used the Z-word.

by Steven Leser (189 articles, 35 quicklinks, 32 diaries, 1265 comments) on Thursday, September 6, 2007 at 2:27:54 PM

An ex-Pat for going on 30 years and still no sign of homesickness. Oh how sweet it is to be free to roam and never go home.
Tony ForestAn ex-Pat for going on 30 years and still no sign of homesickness. Oh how sweet it is to be free to roam and never go home.

The Z-word ?

Which Z-word ?

Can ya spell it out fer me ? I'm a little slow. Help me out, willya ? Use spaces in between the letters. It'll makeya a l e t t e r m a n

by Tony Forest (4 articles, 10 quicklinks, 120 diaries, 1066 comments) on Thursday, September 6, 2007 at 2:33:39 PM

Brett Paatsch is an Australian born secular humanist with degrees in management and science and an interest in politics. He is a former pro-American that wishes to be pro-American again and thinks the impeachment and repudiation of President George W Bush for the invasion of Iraq in March 2003 is necessary to reestablish trust in American signatures on international treaties and confidence in the global rule of law.
Brett PaatschBrett Paatsch is an Australian born secular humanist with degrees in management and science and an interest in politics. He is a former pro-American that wishes to be pro-American again and thinks the impeachment and repudiation of President George W Bush for the invasion of Iraq in March 2003 is necessary to reestablish trust in American signatures on international treaties and confidence in the global rule of law.

Good work.

I find that I am getting tired of saying the same old things over and over and in frustration start to put in swear words.

I'm not sure that I should take them out all of the time. Sometimes they may actually be appropriate - they may convey meaning and humanity, but often they don't. Often it is probably a better use of one's invested time and emotional resources to spend just a little bit longer and to try to communicate a little better.

Kudos for taking onboard the criticisms that were made (not by me) Rob.

by Brett Paatsch (0 articles, 2 quicklinks, 17 diaries, 784 comments) on Thursday, September 6, 2007 at 11:31:53 PM

Rob Kall is executive editor and publisher of OpEdNews.com, President of Futurehealth, Inc, inventor . He is also published regularly on the Huffingtonpost.com. He is a frequent Speaker on Politics, Impeachment, The art, science and power of story, heroes and the hero's journey, Positive Psychology, Stress, Biofeedback and a wide range of subjects. He is a campaign consultant specializing in tapping the power of stories for issue positioning, stump speeches and debates. He recently retired as o...

to see more of bio, click on member name
Rob KallRob Kall is executive editor and publisher of OpEdNews.com, President of Futurehealth, Inc, inventor . He is also published regularly on the Huffingtonpost.com. He is a frequent Speaker on Politics, Impeachment, The art, science and power of story, heroes and the hero's journey, Positive Psychology, Stress, Biofeedback and a wide range of subjects. He is a campaign consultant specializing in tapping the power of stories for issue positioning, stump speeches and debates. He recently retired as o...

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boy, can I relate

I have to work hard to NOT curse. I've resolved to avoid it as much as possible in my writing, because I think it lowers it. But sometimes, I have moments of weakened resolve. I'm hoping this system will help me to maintain my resolve, though I doubt it will ALWAYS do that. And I'm hoping it will persuade some writers to make the resolve, and that to think twice, when their resolve weakens.

by Rob Kall (728 articles, 3775 quicklinks, 311 diaries, 1521 comments) on Friday, September 7, 2007 at 10:41:20 AM

A writer is a rogue goose. All other gees fly in a flock formation; every goose knows his place and time for honking. The rogue goose is undisciplined. He leaves the formation indiscriminately to have a look at it from aside. He roams back and forth, takes a peep at the leader, honks a little bit from behind, distracts everyone and writes on what he sees. Time passes and as he wants to return back to his place he discovers someone else there. Thus he either has to wait until they land for rest...

to see more of bio, click on member name
Mark SashineA writer is a rogue goose. All other gees fly in a flock formation; every goose knows his place and time for honking. The rogue goose is undisciplined. He leaves the formation indiscriminately to have a look at it from aside. He roams back and forth, takes a peep at the leader, honks a little bit from behind, distracts everyone and writes on what he sees. Time passes and as he wants to return back to his place he discovers someone else there. Thus he either has to wait until they land for rest...

to see more of bio, click on member name

I do not want to sound like a party pooper

although that's how my family calls me, but isn't that a little too complex?

Like here is an example:

I use a word- Idiot

Idiot- this word is overused and misused, some people can consider it offensive, please, use some aonother word..

So I use another word..- Moron

Moron- that word is rude, also misused since JD Salinger's 'All morons hate when you call them moron' and it is used by Bill O'Reilly ( mea culpa,- MS). Please, use another word..

So I use another word- spiritual eunich

That word is acceptable because no one had used such a connotation before...

******************************************

Think twice? Cogito ergo sum, but twice? I tried above to show the inadvertent consequences in a humorous way. I am sure there will be more comments...

Cogito- consider revising because this word can be easily mixed with Coito and that means a copulation- an offensive word for some people..

Oh, my!

by Mark Sashine (44 articles, 19 quicklinks, 228 diaries, 3268 comments) on Thursday, September 6, 2007 at 2:11:44 PM

Rob Kall is executive editor and publisher of OpEdNews.com, President of Futurehealth, Inc, inventor . He is also published regularly on the Huffingtonpost.com. He is a frequent Speaker on Politics, Impeachment, The art, science and power of story, heroes and the hero's journey, Positive Psychology, Stress, Biofeedback and a wide range of subjects. He is a campaign consultant specializing in tapping the power of stories for issue positioning, stump speeches and debates. He recently retired as o...

to see more of bio, click on member name
Rob KallRob Kall is executive editor and publisher of OpEdNews.com, President of Futurehealth, Inc, inventor . He is also published regularly on the Huffingtonpost.com. He is a frequent Speaker on Politics, Impeachment, The art, science and power of story, heroes and the hero's journey, Positive Psychology, Stress, Biofeedback and a wide range of subjects. He is a campaign consultant specializing in tapping the power of stories for issue positioning, stump speeches and debates. He recently retired as o...

to see more of bio, click on member name

ahhh, another way to think about it

idiot, moron... they may be words worth considering adding. and when you seek alternatives, it inspires you to be more creative, almost like an editor helping you to avoid tired, hackneyed words.

First there was the thesaurus, then "Think Twice" to alert you it may be a good idea to consider a thesaurus.

Hmm. can we do a mashup that integrates a thesaurus that suggests alternate words?

by Rob Kall (728 articles, 3775 quicklinks, 311 diaries, 1521 comments) on Thursday, September 6, 2007 at 3:06:39 PM

duh duh duh

good work or glad to see you have been working in the right direction, old Rob, ya fart. Software is where it's at. Or so.

Test ( and I sure as hell hope this passes this goddamn test otherwise bye bye Rob + OEN )

fuck off asswipe censorship kings !

This was a test, nothing but a test.

on edit: okay, my favorite word is being banned / censored. Not cool. Second try coming up. I wanna use it, my favorite word despite the very heavy censorship here on this website.

by Tony Forest (4 articles, 10 quicklinks, 120 diaries, 1066 comments) on Thursday, September 6, 2007 at 2:27:18 PM

good

it worked. I was warned and given a choice to use the word "f u c k" anyway. Coll beans. I know it offends some people. So far so good. Ban that word alltogether and it's fuggoff.

by Tony Forest (4 articles, 10 quicklinks, 120 diaries, 1066 comments) on Thursday, September 6, 2007 at 2:29:36 PM

just jousting

I'll always find a way to express myself in a satisfactory manner. Your software will be a heap of knots by the time you get me and my faul mouth tied up.

The above was a test, nothing but a test.

Reminds me of the 60s. Super coo coo beanfartz.

Yay Rob! Glad I could assist...as a lab Rat (Biker bastardo)

by Tony Forest (4 articles, 10 quicklinks, 120 diaries, 1066 comments) on Thursday, September 6, 2007 at 2:37:55 PM

Writer, poet, traveller currently living in England.www.armsagainstwar.info
tinalouiseWriter, poet, traveller currently living in England.www.armsagainstwar.info

Word abuse...

I hate limitation and censorship...but have huge respect for any effort to enable communication between people to be less antagonistic.

Nothing is ever only black or white and the effort here to find a way to alert the writer to possible crap (test) treatment of another is a good idea worth trying.

Namaste,

Tina Louise
www.armsagainstwar.info

by tinalouise (1 articles, 1 quicklinks, 2 diaries, 20 comments) on Thursday, September 6, 2007 at 5:18:58 PM

I'm an ex-yellow-dog democrat who won't vote for anyone that votes to fund the Iraq war from now on without withdrawal timetables.
llaitnerI'm an ex-yellow-dog democrat who won't vote for anyone that votes to fund the Iraq war from now on without withdrawal timetables.

What is the point of the colors?

I'm wondering what is the point of the color choices. Is the medium the message? I purposely picked the colors to make this impossible for color-blind people to read. Actually, I can barely read it myself.

by llaitner (1 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 4 comments) on Thursday, September 6, 2007 at 5:51:26 PM

Margaret Bassett is an 86-year old, currently living in senior housing, with a lifelong interest in political conumbrums. She hopes to hold out for one more presidential election. Bachelors from State University of Iowa (1944) and Masters from Roosevelt University (1975) help to unravel important requirements for modern communication. Early introduction to computer science (1966) trumps them. It's payback time. She's been "entitled" so long she hopes to find some good coming off the keyboa...

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Margaret BassettMargaret Bassett is an 86-year old, currently living in senior housing, with a lifelong interest in political conumbrums. She hopes to hold out for one more presidential election. Bachelors from State University of Iowa (1944) and Masters from Roosevelt University (1975) help to unravel important requirements for modern communication. Early introduction to computer science (1966) trumps them. It's payback time. She's been "entitled" so long she hopes to find some good coming off the keyboa...

to see more of bio, click on member name

Use the mouse

Run it across what you want to read and it will be white on blue. Trust Mrs. McGoo.

by Margaret Bassett (19 articles, 1122 quicklinks, 24 diaries, 620 comments) on Thursday, September 6, 2007 at 8:30:42 PM

Sandy Sand began her writing career while raising three children and doing public relations work for Women's American ORT (Organization for Rehabilitation through Training). That led to a job as a reporter for the San Fernando Valley Chronicle, a weekly publication in Canoga Park, California. In conjunction with the Chronicle, she broadcast a tri-weekly, ten minuted newscast for KGOE AM. Following the closure of the Chronicle, Sand became the editor of the Tolucan Times and Canyon Crier newspape...

to see more of bio, click on member name
Sandy SandSandy Sand began her writing career while raising three children and doing public relations work for Women's American ORT (Organization for Rehabilitation through Training). That led to a job as a reporter for the San Fernando Valley Chronicle, a weekly publication in Canoga Park, California. In conjunction with the Chronicle, she broadcast a tri-weekly, ten minuted newscast for KGOE AM. Following the closure of the Chronicle, Sand became the editor of the Tolucan Times and Canyon Crier newspape...

to see more of bio, click on member name

It works!

How'd you figure that out?

I kind of like white on really dark green, but can't decide how readable it is.

by Sandy Sand (130 articles, 0 quicklinks, 153 diaries, 1174 comments) on Thursday, September 6, 2007 at 8:59:15 PM

Dr. John Moffett is an active research neuroscientist in the Washington, DC area, who has published articles on the nervous and immune systems. Dr. Moffett is also the author and webmaster of the political opinion website www.Factinista.org, and is a Managing Editor at OpEdNews.com.
John R MoffettDr. John Moffett is an active research neuroscientist in the Washington, DC area, who has published articles on the nervous and immune systems. Dr. Moffett is also the author and webmaster of the political opinion website www.Factinista.org, and is a Managing Editor at OpEdNews.com.

This could be fun...

I think George Bush is a dummy.

Republicans are zombies.

Dick Cheney is worse than Darth Vader.

...

Rob is a genius.

Hmmm. Nothing got flagged...

by John R Moffett (79 articles, 14 quicklinks, 2 diaries, 591 comments) on Thursday, September 6, 2007 at 6:11:05 PM

I host the website TroubledTexan.com and the weblog Troubled Texan Blog. As long as there's crooked politicians there'll be a Troubled Texan.
TroubledTexanI host the website TroubledTexan.com and the weblog Troubled Texan Blog. As long as there's crooked politicians there'll be a Troubled Texan.

"Introducing "Think Twice" Word Detection System To OpEdNews

Rob,

The word Zionism is listed at dictionary.com:

Zi·on·ism (zī'ə-nĭz'əm) Pronunciation Key
n. A Jewish movement that arose in the late 19th century in response to growing anti-Semitism and sought to reestablish a Jewish homeland in Palestine. Modern Zionism is concerned with the support and development of the state of Israel.

The word Zionist is also listed:

zionist

adjective
1. relating to or characteristic of Zionism; "the Zionist movement"
2. relating to or characteristic of a supporter of Zionism; "the Zionist leader Theodor Herzl"

noun
1. a Jewish supporter of Zionism

Ok, so let me try to understand what you're trying to do here. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

You're instituting a program that would urge article posters and article commenters to change the wording of their posts if it didn't fit the pre-conceived ideals of that program? In other words, because some article posters and article commenters use these words in a derogatory manner you're willing to subject all article posters and article commenters to this form of censorship.

Also, you're keeping track of article posters and article commenters who use these words so, what, you can ban them at a later date?

I understand freedom of speech is a difficult subject but if you and your editors would just deal with the individuals you find offensive the rest of us article posters and article commenters wouldn't feel offended.

Troubled Texan

by TroubledTexan (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 89 comments) on Thursday, September 6, 2007 at 6:46:11 PM

Rob Kall is executive editor and publisher of OpEdNews.com, President of Futurehealth, Inc, inventor . He is also published regularly on the Huffingtonpost.com. He is a frequent Speaker on Politics, Impeachment, The art, science and power of story, heroes and the hero's journey, Positive Psychology, Stress, Biofeedback and a wide range of subjects. He is a campaign consultant specializing in tapping the power of stories for issue positioning, stump speeches and debates. He recently retired as o...

to see more of bio, click on member name
Rob KallRob Kall is executive editor and publisher of OpEdNews.com, President of Futurehealth, Inc, inventor . He is also published regularly on the Huffingtonpost.com. He is a frequent Speaker on Politics, Impeachment, The art, science and power of story, heroes and the hero's journey, Positive Psychology, Stress, Biofeedback and a wide range of subjects. He is a campaign consultant specializing in tapping the power of stories for issue positioning, stump speeches and debates. He recently retired as o...

to see more of bio, click on member name

amber

As I said in my article, the community will discuss these words and we'll try to reach some concensus on meaning, appropriate use and misuse, rather than going with some un-cited random dictionary definition anyone throws in. I must have 100 dictionaries. One, dated 1806-- a Johnson Dictionary-- defines electricity as "an unusual property of amber." I think it's the first definition, maybe the only one.

My point is that your citations are not necessarily relevant, contemporary or appropriate. The system we have working today will be getting smarter, with enhanced info and links as we develop it.

Now, about your suggestion that we just edit our little hearts away,,,

How about if you come up with $120,000 to OpEdNews.com?

That ought to pay for three underpaid editors to do what you suggest.

We don't have any paid editors. In my opinion, the "Think Twice system is a fair and reasonable way to approach what has become a common problem on this site. Since we don't have the money to pay the editors we'd need, I came up with an alternate way that is based on asking people to function with integrity. There's zero censorship. Yes, we're going to track writers who use these words. I don't know what we'll do with it yet. But, by the end of the year, we'll have a new search system that will allow us to do searches within searches, like, for a specific word, like zionism, then by author, so we could come up with the same thing. It's not like people are anonymous here. Keeping records is a way to make it easier to see patterns. I reserve the right to use technology, that is not invasive, that merely analyzes what is already public, to get a better handle on the use and abuse and participation on this site.

Sorry, but we believe we have the most open site for discussion on the web. We want to keep it that way but keep it civil. It will require some rules and some self regulation. This is one means for increasing writer awareness of words that can hurt or be abused.

by Rob Kall (728 articles, 3775 quicklinks, 311 diaries, 1521 comments) on Thursday, September 6, 2007 at 7:19:15 PM

"Introducing "Think Twice" Word Detection System To OpEdNews

Rob,

I'm done.

It's you're website. Do with it what you will.

Adios Amigos.

Troubled Texan

by TroubledTexan (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 89 comments) on Thursday, September 6, 2007 at 7:45:04 PM

Introducing "Think Twice" Word Detection System To OpEdNews"

Rob, what the Hell are you thining about?

by TroubledTexan (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 89 comments) on Friday, September 7, 2007 at 6:58:21 PM

I'm a citizen and resident of Cascadia - a province of the FORMER USA.

*************

Other than that, what is there to say? I don't really matter... My vote doesn't even count. ***
And who really cares what I think! So I'm free to think anything.

***

The broader story: it's NOT about "me" or my ego or seeing my name in print... I'm a fleeting ephemeral whirlwind of energy patterns and I will soon be gone...

It IS about many m...

to see more of bio, click on member name
mrk *I'm a citizen and resident of Cascadia - a province of the FORMER USA.

*************

Other than that, what is there to say? I don't really matter... My vote doesn't even count. ***
And who really cares what I think! So I'm free to think anything.

***

The broader story: it's NOT about "me" or my ego or seeing my name in print... I'm a fleeting ephemeral whirlwind of energy patterns and I will soon be gone...

It IS about many m...

to see more of bio, click on member name

What's a "Klansman"?

What about Klansmen?

I can't see what how this Language Gestapo schtick will prove or improve anything about this site.

¿Did someone got their panties in a bunch over a point that may have hit a little too close to home?

Zionists are a distinct faction/group/element and we have to call them "something" if we are going to talk about their (usually odious) activities, their (openly racist) philospophy and their (often illegal) activities...

by mrk * (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 295 comments) on Thursday, September 6, 2007 at 7:03:53 PM

Rob Kall is executive editor and publisher of OpEdNews.com, President of Futurehealth, Inc, inventor . He is also published regularly on the Huffingtonpost.com. He is a frequent Speaker on Politics, Impeachment, The art, science and power of story, heroes and the hero's journey, Positive Psychology, Stress, Biofeedback and a wide range of subjects. He is a campaign consultant specializing in tapping the power of stories for issue positioning, stump speeches and debates. He recently retired as o...

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Rob KallRob Kall is executive editor and publisher of OpEdNews.com, President of Futurehealth, Inc, inventor . He is also published regularly on the Huffingtonpost.com. He is a frequent Speaker on Politics, Impeachment, The art, science and power of story, heroes and the hero's journey, Positive Psychology, Stress, Biofeedback and a wide range of subjects. He is a campaign consultant specializing in tapping the power of stories for issue positioning, stump speeches and debates. He recently retired as o...

to see more of bio, click on member name

So, define what these odious, illegal, etc people are

and be careful, because you're making some nasty accusations.

The goal here is to keep things civil, precise, to prevent bigotry and antisemitism, including sloppy use of words that bleed into hate. Get it? Because another goal is to get rid of haters who we are happy to out by this process.

People who want to talk about the issues won't have any problem, except they may not like to be called on their claims, if they make unreasonable ones.

Now you hide behind some initials, tell the community almost nothing about yourself. That takes away from your credibility. I've looked at a number of your posts. It's almost like youare several people. Some posts are literally no words, just a header,some are lengthy, intelligent discussions.

We're asking you to be responsible for the words you use, especially ones that are abused.

You wrote:

Zionists are a distinct faction/group/element and we have to call them "something" if we are going to talk about their (usually odious) activities, their (openly racist) philospophy and their (often illegal) activities...

So... what's your definition? You say that zionists are a distinct faction/group/element. Who are you calling odious, illegal, racist, etc.? And don't forget, when you point one finger at someone else, there are three pointing at you. I still say there are other words far less at risk of being abused, misused and misinterpreted.

By the way, I dont' think most bigots and haters are very intelligent. It doesn't take much to see through them and they aren't very good at hiding their true feelings. I expect to catch a number of them with our system. It's not the goal. The goal really is to keep the site civil and to keep hate out. Well, in the keeping hate out, it may be necessary to catch haters. That's a good thing in my book and not the kind of censorship that anyone who would stop someone from shouting "fire" in a movie would disapprove of.

by Rob Kall (728 articles, 3775 quicklinks, 311 diaries, 1521 comments) on Thursday, September 6, 2007 at 7:34:28 PM

NOT That You'll EVER Read this Reply

NOT That You'll EVER Read this Reply - but here it is "for the record."

You know the old saying: "There are two types of people in the world:..." often employed as the set up for a joke or quip.

So here we are: according to OpEdNews, "There are the people you can name, and the people who must not be named"?

HOW are we going to discuss the activities of a group of people who believe in the racial/ethnic superiority of their particular crowd/gang/sect/family/whatever, if we are verboten to use their common name?

I tested the much touted new PC filter using the word "klansmen" to see if the software would flag it... IT did not. Yet - that word describes an American Christian group that exhibits some of the same objectionable attitudes as "the people who must not be named." Am I expecting too much... equal treatment for all hate groups?

RE THIS
you wrote: "Now you hide behind some initials, tell the community almost nothing about yourself. That takes away from your credibility. I've looked at a number of your posts. It's almost like youare several people. Some posts are literally no words, just a header,some are lengthy, intelligent discussions."

Excuse me: Hiding behind initials? As if five letters could tell more about who/what I am than three letters? Seriously WHO CARES "who I am"? I am a person - another intelligent being responding to some of the subjects discussed on this site - adding my flavors to the pot for more stirring and additional food for thought. If a post is brief - since when is brevity NOT the soul of wit? If it can be said in fewer words all the better.

Know what...? I don't care about THIS discussion enough to waste any more time on it.

It just isn't worth it.

This all appears to me as if you are trying to protect the feelings of a small group that engages in continual outrageous attacks on others as a matter of course, as a matter of principle even, and denying anyone else the right to raise an objection to their behavior by making it impossible to call them on their crapola by name?

…

by mrk * (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 295 comments) on Friday, September 7, 2007 at 5:22:24 PM

"So, define what these odious, illegal, etc people are"

Zionism: Natio