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Lots of Controversy About Appropriate Language

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Broadpoint Properties Cal BRE #01324959

I've noticed a few blogs today discussing the use of appropriate language in blog posts, particularly in titles. Apparently, Jeff Corbett's blog post which used some garlic and onions in its title offended many readers. (Garlic and onions is my husband's euphemistic way of referring to the use of foul language. I guess that there is some parallel between foul language and foul breath. Don't ask; it's his phrase.) Anyhow, as a result of the controversy, there seem to be two main questions:

  1. Is it appropriate to use foul language in an Active Rain blog post?
  2. Is it appropriate for an Active Rain blog post that uses foul language to be featured?

Foul language breeds controversy. Controversy breeds discussion. Discussion breeds attention to you and your post which may result in business and may result in Active Rain points (as well as some other things).

Of course, no matter what side you are on, there is always that little thing called the First Amendment to the US Constitution that protects freedom of speech. Now I'm pretty sure that our founding fathers were not sitting around a table discussing the possibilities of this impact on Active Rain blog posts. But, in essence, blogs allow us the freedom to make whatever statements that we so desire, and sometimes we have to pay the price for doing so.

As for me, I'm here to make friends, learn more about real estate, and perhaps generate a little bit of business. So, in general, I mind my p's and q's. Sometimes I even watch my garlic and onions ;-)

Comments(9)

Lori Cain
Own Tulsa - Tulsa, OK
Midtown Tulsa Real Estate Top Producer

Melissa, as a card-carrying member of the ACLU, I always say there's a reason the First Ammendment was FIRST!

Aug 26, 2009 12:34 PM
Brian Block
RE/MAX Allegiance, Managing Broker/Branch Vice President - McLean, VA
Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate

Melissa, everyone can make their own deicsion about how much spice or garlic and onions they need or want in their lives.  If someone is offended, they don't have to read or watch.

Aug 26, 2009 12:40 PM
Robert Solomon/Broker/Owner
I Net Realty Group, Inc. - Hudson, FL

Very well said and it is everyones right about what they wish to say in there blogs as long as it is not over loaded with garlic and onions.

Aug 26, 2009 12:46 PM
Joseph "Cathan" Potter
Coldwell Banker - Sebastopol, CA

I can see the points made by both sides on this issue, but I don't think the word referenced (or any curse, swear, etc.) should have been used here on activerain.  I just don't see any purpose in using such words in written form, as they usually will not aid you in convincing those that you are trying to convince.

It's also worth noting that Jeff does not mention any particular companies or individuals by name in his post, you might argue that if he had he is protected by the first amendment.  Not so, the constitution is a social contract between the government and the people (not between individual citizens), and does not protect speech to the degree that many individuals so often believe it does.  If it did then tort cases involving libel and slander would not be possible.

Aug 26, 2009 12:58 PM
John Mulkey
TheHousingGuru.com - Waleska, GA
Housing Guru

Quite honestly I found the controversy much ado about almost nothing. I'm not offended by such language--I'm not easily offended--but I wouldn't use it. And if I don't agree with it's use or the topic at hand, I can turn away; sometimes I do.  

Aug 26, 2009 01:54 PM
Mary Douglas
United Country Ponderosa Realty, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado - Red Feather Lakes, CO
REALTOR, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado

Hi Melissa, I missed the whole thing!  I would defend the right of freedom of speech, (limited in many ways as Joseph said)  I always try to write in a way that would be OK if my Mom read it, or even my grandkids ... so no swearing for me.

Aug 26, 2009 02:00 PM
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

I think we all need to remember that we are not owners or editors but fellow readers of activerain.

Aug 26, 2009 03:09 PM
Lee & Carol Barbour, REALTORS
Murphy and Hayesville, NC; Hiawassee, Blairsville, Blue Ridge GA - Murphy, NC
Mountain Living Team in Murphy NC and North GA

I personally wouldn't speak in a way to offend others in person verbally or through any media. However, if someone else chooses to in a post, article, movie, etc. it's my choice to listen, turn away or to speak up.

Aug 26, 2009 03:24 PM
Kryste Adams
RE/MAX Key Properties - Luxury Homes, Golf Course Homes - Bend, OR
Bend, Oregon Real Estate

I am not offended by such content.  I guess it all depends who the post is targeting - the potential client may be offended or gravitate towards offensive language.  Does it have to be offensive to create controversy? I say - say what you want and be prepared to reap the benefits or the consequences.

Aug 26, 2009 07:12 PM