Are we no longer allowed to curse in our articles on HubPages?

1. 92

   Theophanesposted 10 years ago

   Are we no longer allowed to curse in our articles on HubPages?
   
   I am going through editing old articles and it seems every time I am finished a bunch come up with the no-pay warning out of the blue. I have to go through and edit out every measly curse (which didn't bother it before) and then it comes up fine.. I mean I get it that my article about Nature's Most Extreme Dads drops the dreaded p word too many times and I am OK with leaving that up for free but being forced to edit out the word "sexes" in an article titled "battle of the sexes" and censor out petty cursing from my satirical review of old children's movies?! This is getting retarded...

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2. 85

   AlexK2009posted 10 years ago

   sounds like an algorithm designed by a simpleton. Hub pages has been getting less and less  adult ( i.e Mature)  as time goes on.  Maybe they appointed a 97 year old nun to the policy board. 
   
   The next step will be to remove anything that might offend someone.  I give it three months.

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      Theophanesposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I already had that problem... you know you can't use medically correct terminology, even when you're writing an article on biology or medicine? Sorry, not going to edit those articles to fluffy euphemisms. Hence my earlier comment about the p word.

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3. 77

   kidscraftsposted 10 years ago

   Usually I don't curse...so it's not really a problem for me :-)

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      Theophanesposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I didn't think I cursed much either. Wake up call? Perhaps. Still it has its place in satire.

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      kidscraftsposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Yes in satire probably... but may be you can use some * and other characters like in comic books sometimes?

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4. 63

   CrescentSkiesposted 10 years ago

   Ah another hubpages stupidity engine, I vote we all curse in the comments here damn't!

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      TToombs08posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Hell yeah!

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      DS Dubyposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I second the hellz yeah!!

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5. 74

   Barbara Kayposted 10 years ago

   I've heard this complaint before. I don't think cursing is necessary, but when you write medical hubs, not being able to use proper terminology is crazy. Your other example is a bit extreme too.
   
   This rule might be in force because Google has certain rules about content.

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   1. 84

      DS Dubyposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      googles rules change frequently

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      Marisa Wrightposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Everyone has to remember that Google prohibits "adult" content, and Google's robots (which police that rule) can't read context.  Instead, they look for "naughty words", e.g. body parts, bodily functions etc. It's Victorian, but that's the way it is.

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      Natashalhposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Yep - I've been told it is part of the contract with Google. HP staff is aware that it can be excessively prohibitive, but them's the G rules.

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6. 74

   somethgblueposted 10 years ago

   I never knew that cursing was accepted however what intelligent human requires curse words to express themselves?
   
   To me they are just a sign of ignorance, I mean that the English language is augmented by the diversity of the adjectives one could use so why would any one bother?
   
   If you like to curse there are sites for that kind of thing but I find it to be insipid.

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      lanablackmoorposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I definitely understand where you're coming from, but at the same time, I've found through my experience as a comedy writer on a couple of other sites that a sparing and well-timed curse does have its place in crafting a colorful turn of phrase.

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   2. 85

      AlexK2009posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Some cultures play ritual insult games and these tend to involve a lot of offensive words. The loser is the first to lose his cool. 
      Show me the link with the evidence for your implication that using offensive words implies lack of intelligence.

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7. 81

   jlparkposted 10 years ago

   I tried to write a hub about the importance of getting regular cervical smears - which as a nurse and as a woman is a completely non- curse word thing to do and to write.
   However, the dreaded V word being unacceptable makes it a little difficult to write

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   1. 92

      Theophanesposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Yes, I wrote two article on women's rights, one they won't even list. It's non-paid, non-listed article about the whole transvaginal ultrasound controversy. Funny enough my views dropped dramatically after I wrote it even though it was just to inform

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      daydreamsposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I think it is outrageous if that word is unacceptable. Since when is that cursing (or swearing as we Brits say)? Is it an American prudish thing or something?

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8. 79

   SoundNFuryposted 10 years ago

   I have suspected that profanity would be a problem and have refrained from using it in my hubs, although I agree that oftentimes satire really benefits from it, and it is frustrating.  I don't understand the problem, if people don't want to read it, they don't have to.

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      Express10posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I totally agree with you. I too refrain from it and out of 40 hubs with at least 40,000 words in them, I might have used a curse word just twice at most.

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      DS Dubyposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      absolutely my friend have a vote up on me.

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9. 83

   Deborah-Dianeposted 10 years ago

   I have always been told that cursing occurs when people do not have the vocabulary to speak their mind clearly.  I think this also applies to writing.  This new challenge will encourage you to be a better writer, since you will have to be satirical and humorous without cursing.  Of course, I have to agree with you that it is hard to describe "battle of the sexes" without using that word.  However, challenge yourself to see if you can come up with something even more creative.  Good luck!

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   1. 85

      AlexK2009posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      It depends. Some people can use "cursing" creatively and there was once a journal dedicated to studying insults and for such studies "cursing" words are essential. I suspect Hub Pages is becoming over prudish.

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10. 64

    Jewelz1313posted 10 years ago

    I don't know if being allowed is an issue. I have had people leave comments with foul language even after asking them not to do so. I did post their comments, just to show how rude they were after being asked to not use this language. I am sure, especially in a story telling situation that it would not be so bad if it was necessary. However, I have always viewed people that must use profanity as that persons lack of knowledge of better words. Now, that being said I have used that language before, but only if it was funny. Rarely and very rarely I may allow one to slip out just to let the person know I am serious because people who know me know that if I ever cuss in anger I mean business. As far as "battle of the sexes" that seems a little too far. As in many cases, things seem to be taken out of context.

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    1. 85

       Express10posted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Typically I do not use these words. However, I've used a curse word 1 or 2 times on HP only when quoting it from an incident where it was used, rather than editing it out.

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11. 87

    B. Leekleyposted 10 years ago

    Some months ago my hub on marriage based on equality had ads pulled by the HubPages system robot censor. I kept complaining, and a monitor kept putting ads back in, and then a monitor took them out. I asked for but never got an explanation. The hub breaks no HubPages or Google guidelines and does not contain any curse word or any vulgar word. It is a level-headed, moderate, philosophical discussion of such topics as sexual morals, same-sex marriage, patriarchal versus equal marriage, and so on. I don't like getting cheated out of ads. Such censorship makes no sense. I'm sorry to learn the problem is getting worse.

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       jlparkposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       My Biblical Homosexuality hub had the ads taken off after an edit...so I'm avoiding editing the Bibically Homosexual 2 - Leviticus one at all so the ads stay! So far so good!

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    2. 92

       Theophanesposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Sometimes I think its political too. My articles on women's rights do mention the V word (oh God!) but I also had an article they refused to list I think because it was on culling. I've had mixed results mentioning same sex issues like marriage.

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       jlparkposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Algorithms need to be written by someone before the robot can do its job....so I do wonder sometimes if it's the code writer who has an issue with marriage equality, or 'naughty' sexual terms...like vagina. (gasp).

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12. 86

    ComfortBposted 10 years ago

    I too believe that this is no place for vulgarity. Curse words should not be used in trying to express oneself in such a platform like this regardless of the subject.

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       DS Dubyposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       so you say censorship?

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    2. 81

       jlparkposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       So, how do you explain to someone where a speculum goes for a Cervical/Pap smear if you cannot use the V****a word??? I'm not cursing, I'm trying to talk about something medical

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    3. 72

       LauraD093posted 10 years agoin reply to this

       I don't use profanity in my hubs but do feel as I stated earlier that censorship in regards to the word "sexism" in the manner Theopanes used  it is ridiculous . I can understand  how issues of censorship will begin to perhaps surface.

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    4. 86

       ComfortBposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       No, I don't say censorship. Simply, that every writer needs to write intelligently as allowed on the platform in question.

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13. 60

    MohsinGhafoorposted 10 years ago

    That's one of the reason, I don't curse :p Although I want to do it sooo much :p
    I think they will reconsider this policy in future.

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14. 72

    LauraD093posted 10 years ago

    Whoa..."sexes" was censored? I see a similar problem in my future. I loved AlexK2009's response. The only face I have been given (at least here) is Simone Smith's ,(Hub's Facebook-page is more staff oriented.)They very well may have a 96 year old nun on staff. As long as she's fair I'll grin and bear it ...but "sexes?" Come on now.

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15. 84

    DS Dubyposted 10 years ago

    A true writer would never advocate censorship, those of you who do should be ashamed to call yourselves writers. I don't personally curse in my hubs because I choose not to but taking away my right to do it is constricting and wrong. Everyone wants freedom but nobody wants others freedom to go against their beliefs. Can you say hypocrites.

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       kwade tweelingposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       I try to be less... confrontational, shall we say. But I agree with your sentiment 100% Plus, most people who don't "curse" do so with substitute words. Hypocrisy indeed.

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       ComfortBposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       I am a writer, and a true one. We're talking about common sense use of words here. I don't curse. Not here, nor anywhere else for that matter. The use of profanity doesn't have a place in intelligent writing. This has nothing to do with religion.

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       DS Dubyposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       I'm sorry but there are many, many successful, intelligent writers who would have to disagree ComfortB. By belief I wasn't referring to your religion but rather your belief that you are the deciding factor on what is considered intelligent writing.

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       SoundNFuryposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       I agree with you DS Duby although, like kwade tweeling, I'm maybe a little less...intense about it.  Words are just words, even curse words....It is up to the writer to give them meaning and to use them wisely.

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16. 81

    brsmom68posted 10 years ago

    I haven't submitted much here lately, but have never had an issue with not being paid for an article due to cursing. I try to refrain from it in my articles as I think it is unprofessional to swear. I do think some things should be allowed, as in your "battle of the sexes"; how else would a person word that?
    
    Personally I would just say stay away from the cursing if at all possible and all should be fine. If you are not happy about it, send a message to support and see what they suggest.

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       AlexK2009posted 10 years agoin reply to this

       You could say "gender conflict" but then that would leave me thinking about the multiple genders recognised in some countries like Thailand. Also it seems like wimpy political correctness.

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17. 90

    Geekdomposted 10 years ago

    I have stopped updating my hubs because they were automatically coming up with the sensor warning.  It got frustrating having to contact them every time.

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       Theophanesposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       That's the problem - I was editing all my hubs to be appropriately linked to each other to get more traffic. That worked... until I kept getting these warnings. UGH.

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18. 84

    lanablackmoorposted 10 years ago

    At least it's good to know I'm not the only one who's run into this. While I don't use profanity in any of my Hubs (at least that I remember, LOL!),I wrote a 100% all age appropriate article on Gay Marriage and New England and for a long time it was flagged with the dreaded dollar sign. I figured some algorithm was just flagging my use of the term "same sex" multiple times because eventually it became ad-enabled.

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       Theophanesposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       I had to wonder if it was just me being picked out for some reason. All my unpaid articles have medically correct terminology to describe things like animal reproduction and women's rights. Its not like I was just dropping mofo's and C bombs!

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19. 94

    cam8510posted 10 years ago

    I've written two hubs recently on racism.  In each I used a number of racial epithets including the ultimate "N" word.  My ads are still showing and I have not received any type of warning.  In both hubs I began with an author's note explaining the reason for the use of these words.  I don't agree with censoring hubs even if the language is gratuitous.

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       Theophanesposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       That's bizarre. Maybe the N word isn't on the big bad list of banned words? If not I wonder why. Surely that's way more offensive then the petty stuff I was getting trouble for...

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20. 80

    kwade tweelingposted 10 years ago

    Hubpages always had the feel of being a little on the prudish side to me. I'm not surprised they have tightened measures to stop profanities. I do find it a pity though. So many things are contextual. "Son of a stinky biscuit snatcher" for example is so many innocent words it'd obviously be overlooked. I'm sure we all get  how it could be so much worse though. Likewise, it's impossible to shut out certain words and phrases without limiting appropriate talk as well. Maybe one day we'll all get over our silly obsessions with words being inherently bad and just accept them for the context that they are.

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21. 77

    Paul Maplesdenposted 10 years ago

    If your hub gets its ads deactivated due to content, and you believe it stays within HP and AdSense TOS/T&C, you can write to team@hubpages.com and they will enable ads on your hub.
    
    This happened to me with my hubs on nude modelling (they mentioned the word 'nude') and a polite email tot he team got hubs enabled shortly afterwards.

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       B. Leekleyposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       For my hub that had ads pulled, I did that several times. Each time I made some minor update, the robot censor pulled ads again, and I asked again. Then after my edits satisfied the robot censor, a monitor pulled the ads and would not reinstate them.

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22. 61

    Miller2232posted 10 years ago

    I think you simply have to be careful with what you write in your Hubs.

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       AlexK2009posted 10 years agoin reply to this

       The filtering process appears to be retarded. It is  like the woman who said she had no objection to the discussion of sex as long as the proper medical terms were used rather than "penis" and "vagina" etc.

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       jlparkposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Alex - that is stupid I agree (hate the R word..sorry)! Does she not know the medical terms for sexual organs are just that....vagina and penis...maybe she wants us to say "HooHoo" and "Diddle"???

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23. 61

    Sphinxs Sanctumposted 10 years ago

    As a person that writes more from my creative side and from emotions, I find it unfortunate that I would need to censor myself.  This depends upon the type of writing you are doing and the sentiment expressed.  Sometimes while trying to create a gruff and unrestrained stage, it can be appropriate to throw in a curse word here and there.  I think that everyone here lives in the real world and should be adult enough to know that not everyone is soo lily-white as to adhere to strict newscaster language.  We come from different backgrounds, economical levels, types of families, different neighborhoods and different parts of the world where forms of expression vary widely and as "grown-ups," this should be understood!  Every now and then, I'll use a heck, darn or dang from my southern roots!  But when I'm fuming and really need to let it out or express to another, gut-wrenching, emotion-- you'd better bet your sweet-petuties that I'm gonna let it ALL hang-out, let 'er fly, drop 'em high and low and that's my prerogative!  My reality is colorful while some choose to live in black and white, which would suffocate me.  It is never okay to impose your ideals and practices upon another!  That being said, I have shown restraint thus far as a "newbie" while testing my own waters of what parts of me I'm comfortable to share.  This could change in the future and should I choose to reveal that side of myself, I'll certainly forewarn any potential readers as to the adult nature they're stepping into.  I think that HP and Google should allow us all that choice.  If you could see an "Adult Content" rating stamped on a hub before choosing to read it, wouldn't that solve the problem at both ends?

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       DS Dubyposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       excellent answer

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       Sphinxs Sanctumposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Well Thanks for your support, kind Sir D S Duby.  And I agreed with you 100% which gave fuel to my big mouth - or fingertips in this case!  LOL

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    Prada Coladaposted 10 years ago

    I think it's a big downer that there is no category for people who wish to write for the adults as a rule. I don't believe that the great writers are afraid of the "F" word, nor that the public is so easily scared off by it these days.
    
    But I guess you have to pick your battles. You want freedom of speech, find another place for it. Here it's a family show, babe. Think ABC Network, not HBO.

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       Theophanesposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Well, they keep reinventing what "adult" means. You used to be able to swear... now I posted an article on the history of ancient suicide cults. Too adult. It was taken down. Don't know if I want to bother trying to "fix" it. I don't think I can.

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       AlexK2009posted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Well Theophanes, it looks like the 90 year old nun on the HP board of directors has got you in her sights.   I no longer bother arguing with HP.

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    3. 92

       Theophanesposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       I am not bothering to fight either. It's just not worth it. I'll go behave myself and see what I can dig up on freaky frogs until I stumble onto something else "offensive," maybe a follow up piece to Nature's Most Extreme Dads-my favorite unpaid hub.

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       DzyMsLizzyposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       I always have to laugh and shake my head when the "family show/site" argument comes up.  Shoot--today's kids could teach us words they've learned from their peers that are as bad or worse ... yes, in private schools, too. Time to get real.

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25. 88

    DzyMsLizzyposted 10 years ago

    I've not had this problem, and don't expect to, as the types of Hubs I write do not call for either medical terms or foul language.  However, I've just read through all the answers and comments, and frankly, I'm both outraged and insulted.  We are adults, presumably writing for other adults, and to be treated like little children  whose  "virgin eyes and ears" must be protected is condescending in the extreme.
    
    I agree that constant cursing is indicative of a limited vocabulary, and is not the best way to express oneself.  However, from what I've read here, 'constant cursing' is not even at issue.  An anatomically correct mention of ANY body part should in no way be counted as 'cursing.'
    Medical articles, especially, should be exempt--how can you provide information on penile or vaginal dysfunctions without using those words?? OMG--I just used both, together, in a single sentence!!   :-O  No proper term for any body part should have any more onus attached than any other--"arm" and "lips" and "buttocks" should be equal on the language scale.
    
    It is very Victorian, and this entire country needs to get over itself and do away with these outdated taboos.  What shall we do?  Go back to the rest of Victoriana, in which tables and chairs had "limbs" instead of arms and legs, and tablecloths had to drape to the floor, lest some gentleman catch a glimpse of a (gasp!) leg, and succumb to "inappropriate thoughts?" 
    
    As far as HP kowtowing to "The Big G," that's no better.  I don't use curse words in my articles, but should I want to, I should not be censored, and censorship is just what this is, no matter how you slice it. 
    If you write fiction, and have a seedy character, they are not going to say, "Oh, dear," or "Goshdarnitall anyway," when their plans go awry. No, they're going to drop 'f-bombs,' or use gutter terms referring to excrement or someone's ancestry.  It's just the way it is.
    
    I, personally, am not offended by so-called "bad words."  I can use them and sling them about with the best of them.  I am equally capable of proper language to entertain the Queen Mother or the President for tea, or language that would make a sailor blush.  It's a matter of knowing your audience, and behaving appropriately to the situation.
    I have NO use whatsoever for all this "PC" nonsense and prudery.

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26. 92

    daydreamsposted 10 years ago

    This is quite interesting to read through, and also to see what words are acceptable and unacceptable...
    I come from Britain and my idea of what 'cursing' is, is obviously different. Since when using the medical word for a women's private part cursing (or indeed the mans)?
    I have also been surprised at what I have and haven't been able to publish - as I do seem to be able to get away with minor swear words in one of my hubs - it is the title of a card game I have written out the rules for (although needs improvement)
    I think it is really hard to make blanket rules about words that are and aren't acceptable. It depends so much on context. Most words are acceptable in some contexts. There are also many perfectly innocent words that can be easily put together in a way that is offensive.

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27. 92

    Theophanesposted 10 years ago

    I found an answer - instead of cursing with today's choice 4-letter words we can try out some antiquated cussing! http://news.yahoo.com/10-old-fashioned- … 00556.html
    
    I'm in an odd and fun mood today...

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