A comment about language in the chat room

Question

I have enjoyed speaking with many members of the forum in the chat room here, but I have to make one comment.

I've noticed some problems with members using offensive, abusive, or obscene language during the chat. These problems occur most often in the early afternoon, when many American young people are accessing the site.

I regret the necessity to say this, but I encourage you to refrain from using these types of terms and idioms during the chat. In a case this afternoon, a very obscene word was used in the chat at the time a young girl from Lebanon was attending. She, I'm thankful to say, probably did not recognize the word, since her English speaking skills were probably not at that level (thankfully).

Remember to have a little respect for other people, for customs, and for language. Not everyone is so abusive in their encounters. Let's make it a good environment for everyone.

Well said, that man! - Sheily, Oct 19, 2011

Thanks bruce well said! - pacofinkler, Oct 19, 2011

I am a new member, as of yesterday, and I couldn't agree more. It's good that this forum exists. It would be a shame for it to deteriorate. - ljmc, Oct 22, 2011

Answer 1

It is a good point Dogwood and apparently no one is moderating the room. Even though she may not have recognized a particular word she is probably asking around for its meaning right now so the problem is still there. It is not just a matter of respect, it is grounds for banning.

Answer 2

Thanks for this post! I'll let Chris know what's going on.

Answer 3

That is a good point, i haven't come across any problems, yet, but can people be banned from chat if they are reported?

Answer 4

To be honest I don't see the point to having sound and video in the chat room. Unless moderated it is a recipe for disaster. If it is just a text messenger type facility, chat filters can be applied for offensive words and people abusing the rules can be easily identified and banned if appropriate.

On the few occasions I've been in the chat room I don't think I've even noticed a desire to learn English\Spanish. It's been full of kids (I assume) randomly chatting.

If people want to actually chat, then why not use skype, google etc?

I have been there in the evening, UK evening that is, and most of the people have been adults and we have had some useful conversation. I do like skype though :) - MaryMcc, Oct 22, 2011

I hang around for a while to see who is there, if it is just kids messing around I leave. - MaryMcc, Oct 22, 2011

I've yet to figure out Skype... I guess I need to figure it out! ;-) - Gillygaloo, Oct 22, 2011

lol gilly, if I can do it, anybody can! - billygoat, Oct 22, 2011

oh I'm pleased to hear that Mary. I've never really waited long enough then I suppose. - billygoat, Oct 22, 2011

Answer 5

Maybe not hosted as such but a moderator present, to make sure people behave. That wouldn't be feasible for 24 hour cover but maybe a rota for a few hours a week?

Although if sensible people do go to chat and do report those who abuse the privilege maybe the behaviour will stop.

It's hard to do, with just reporting... without proof. Unless SD has transcripts of whatever is said in the chat rooms, which I hope they do! Then, they can see who said what, and some how ban that person, or kick them out of SD completely. - Gillygaloo, Oct 22, 2011

Answer 6

Yes, thanks for this post, Dogwood.
I have avoided the chat room, since I checked it out back when I first joined, for that very reason. Too much nasty language going on. I agree with Billy, it doesn't appear that many people really want to LEARN anything when in the chat room.. which is a shame.

It would be great if we could get a 'bot' to stop the profanity, however, it doesn't get rid of the abusers nor does it catch people who are harrassing others. I use to be a chat room monitor for a now defunked social website. It is a lot of work to keep an eye on everyone in chat rooms.. depending on how busy they are. But it was great to be able to keep the good chatters from being abused.

Has anyone ever thought about having a few hours a week of a 'hosted' chat? Where we can keep the chat 'on topic'? I use to do that too.... but of course, I am only a beginner in Spanish, so I wouldn't be any help for SD I suppose.. would only know if someone was swearing in English!