January 9, 2011

  • The F Word Again

    Yesterday, I decided to see what Xangans are recommending in the front page of Xanga.  There was a post with the big F word, another one with d* bag, another one with the f word partially spelled out.  Now I’m not some innocent guy thinking of nothing but pure, wholesome thoughts.  I’ve been known to drop the F word and other ungentlemanly words every so often.  If you cut me off in traffic, I’ll let you have it… and in Greek too (it’s the only other language I can swear in). 

    What troubles me is how others who may be checking out Xanga and seeing this juvenile writing will think of Xanga.  Is it that hard to express your thoughts and feelings without swearing?  Are we not able to get our ideas and perspective to others without degrading our writing?  When you’re writing, you have the luxury to do some very basic editing.  It’s not just words that are spewing out uncontrolled from your foaming mouth.  I don’t understand why people feel they need to swear to get one’s point across.  I also don’t understand why people feel compelled to recommend these entries.  Maybe one day I’ll drop in and read them.  But for now, I think there are other more interesting things to read.

    I am not looking for Pulitzer Prize or Nobel Prize winners.  Here are just a few of the bloggers that I follow.  They are good reads  Rob writes interesting, concise and though provoking observations.  Chris’s writing is always crisp and clear – just take a look at his last entry.  Zakiah’s observations about her roots, her family (especially her grandchildren) and the treasures in her life are always good to read.  Alex’s entries are always entertaining and fun to read.  Daniel is a blogger who writes with sensitivity and maturity.  David is another blogger that I follow who writes openly about the issues in his life.  They are all good reads.  Now my taste and interest aren’t necessarily the same as yours.  But these folks have a way of communicating with their readers very well.

    Maybe I’m just getting to be a grumpy old man.   censored Growl…

Comments (56)

  • I’m a grumpy old man too, but that shit don’t bother me.  My kids are on Xanga and my wife and my whole family but we all cuss, so it’s no big deal to me haw haw.  So I don’t think it’s the grumpy old man reason. Maybe some other reason.  I don’t think any day of the week the list of top blogs will make or break Xanga.  I think Xanga is breaking itself, but that’s not what’s doing it in this grumpy old man’s opinion.

  • Get. Off. My. Lawn.
    Damn kids.

    But then again, I swear like sailor. My justification is that I was here first damn it.

  • I’m neither particularly old nor a man (though I can be grumpy), but I do happen to have an English degree and so therefore you shouldn’t be surprised to hear that I agree with you. While there is certainly a time and a place for colorful language, to use it in every sentence gives the impression of stupidity, or at least a lack of education. Smart and intelligent individuals will come up with alternate words to express even their unhappiness rather than resorting to inflammatory ones. It also seems like some people use these words not just to express anger but joy and pleasure and even boredom. They begin to lose their meaning as words of anger.

    It astonishes me sometimes how ignorant people are about methods of
    communication and how they present themselves when they write. But as for me, I don’t usually bother to go on the front page or read any of the top blogs. I read the people I’m subscribed to or friends with and I read what they recommend. Like this one. :)

  • Oh sorry. Don’t read my last post. There’s way too many profanities there – “f word (twisted spelling) included. :D Anyway, I get your point. I don’t usually use that word all the time, heck I don’t think I use the f word IRL that much too – depends on situation. 

    I do agree with your xangan recommendations. I love reading there stuff too.

  • I think your opinion on this matter is probably similar to a lot of people.  Sometimes cursing might be appropriate, but I find at times that you can easily replace those curse words with something else and still get your point across, maybe even better.

  • I thought the same thing when I looked at some of the crap on the Xanga front page.

  • Yes, the front page is pretty embarassing all around. That’s why I give people in real life the address straight to my personal Xanga, in the hopes that they won’t ever go through the front page… :

    I agree about swearing. I understand why some people do it, but in writing especially, it makes you seem erratic or extremely cynical rather than having a well-thought-out opinion or a proportionate amount of passion for your topic. It requires some extra thought to express strong emotion without swearing, which in turn gives a greater opportunity for people to respect what you say. In my opinion, anyway. :P
    ~V

  • @Roadlesstaken - I like your answer.

  • I was going to do a post on this very thing!  But you have done it so nicely. People get to Top Blogs because they are popular with other Xangans. So I recommend fighting the low class posts by recommending good stuff. Each of the popular Top Bloggers seems to have a following that is very faithful.

    But the classy bloggers only have spotty supporters.

    I almost did a pulse: Hey guys! Let’s get Douche and F*(K off the Top Blogs by recommending MY post!

    But that would have been begging.

  • I agree with both Alex and leaflesstree But as far as to what others may think about xanga as a whole solely based on what’s on the front page, well, if they’re truly interested then they would dig deeper. Plus, there are some very good posts that do make it on the top blogs so they’ll see that Xanga is a lot like any other site — even life itself: If they want to see the good, then by all means they will and vice versa. =)

  • Gosh, I never even look at that home page.  But I do think it’s a symptom of getting older.  I often look at my younger cousins and wonder why they act so strangely… :)

  • Wow someday I wont be surprised if I see my father turned out to be a blogger in xanga. 

  • I very much agree. I’m glad someone said this.

  • Thanks for talking about my posts, Matt.

    It has been such a long time since I read ANY of those ” top blogs ” on the front page. It appears to me, that the more cuss words you use or ther is more profanity in your writing, then the powers to be at xanga think that that particular post is a real good post. Au contraire. It is disgusting to read such posts. As you have remarked there are excellent posts written on xanga, humorous and otherwise, that never see the sunlight of the front page. But who cares! Many of us don’t even bother reading the stupid stuff there.

  • funny that I ran across your post just when all I feel is using the F word in every sentence. I know it is an easy way out to just drop the F bomb here and there and everywhere but damn it feels so good sometimes just to see it, sprawled out, scribbled out..but yes I think it is a lazy person’s outlet. Still, I’m still thinking of swearing until I am blue in the face just to get the twisted frustrations out of my mind. 

  • I don’t see a reason to use of such language. I feel that the English Language or any language for that matter has enough words to make your feeling understood. Maybe some of these people suffer from lack of vocabulary.

  • If you can’t write without profanity, you aren’t very creative.

    I HATE cussing on Xanga.  It’s pathetic that the site has come to this.

  • No s***, stop f***ing swearing you juvenile d*****bags!

  • We use these words so much that they lose their power. It ceases to become shocking and something that gives people pause and just begins to look juvenile. 

  • Xanga’s frontpage is basically BS.  It wasn’t like this 2 years ago. 

  • unfortunately, many people who blog elsewhere and/or used to be on Xanga DO thing Xanga is juvenile. if not for the swearing, than certainly for the focus on juvenile things, like what the ish sites put out.

  • -sob- what happened to whoosh? he is a great writer who enjoys trolling! D:. it’s cos i’m asian isn’t it?! you always prefer the non-asians, such as alex. RACIST!

  • I don’t really feel bad about my post, and I am not going to censor who I am because some people don’t like it. Everyone has the free will to not read it if they wish to do so. I guess it might be my upbringing, but curse words don’t really mean much to me. Most of them are just words. As far as the post making it to the front page, it’s a front page worthy post, in my opinion. The content isn’t really that vulgar, and I bring up some very good points.

  • Actually the “F” word is a pretty powerful word. Maybe people feel offended by it, because its an act that we all try to ignore or even suggest that its not even there. But, the truth of trhe matter is, if it wasn’t for the “F” word and do to the fact that our parents “F” around all the time, you – me and everyone else in this “F” world wouldn’t be here today alive and doing well. So, if I were you I would embrace the “F” word. It will actually make you feel younger and it actually does wonders to your health.

  • I don’t read things if the writer chooses to use such vulgar language. Others may enjoy it, but I certainly don’t. Maybe it’s just me, but I feel very uncomfortable around people who curse. I can’t even bring myself to say those words. haha

  • All words have their appropriate use, and swear words are no exception.  So often, though, people use them as a lazy way to avoid actually articulating their thoughts.  These same people seem to also play fast and loose with facts and spout opinions without knowing what they’re talking about.

  • thank you for this post. 

  • I swear sometimes too, but never in my blogs. I like to write without using swear words.

  • i am young and am surrounded by the trend of swearing. every now and then a new one will come up and suddenly, people who have never sworn before, feel the need to swear to prove themselves..

  • I use the F word from time to time.  I don’t care about the word one way or the other.  On the other hand, posts about “D-bags” that lack humor, wit and/or maturity don’t interest me.  It’s hard work to sift through the blogs and find a group you like, but I think it’s worth it.

  • It seems to me that it almost a social norm these days. We all grew up with it and now there is nothing really anyone can do if they use it on their blog. I guess the less you think o fit, the better you will be.
    Maybe you should pick up some swearing words in chinese since you in live TO. It might be more helpful that swearing in Greek. lol

  • While I can appreciate your preference and your concern about new traffic to the site, I disagree with the sentiment that vulgarity has no place in artful discourse. I have a tendency to write about taboo topics that others consider “intense” and “scary” which make appropriate use of profanity and vulgarity. One of the most recent was a piece that was featured on Top Blogs entitled “Mature Content: Little Saigon.” At the top of such pieces, however, I do include something like I did with that one: [[Warning: This entry contains foul language, drug use, and sexual content.]] I consider this warning sufficient. Similarly, I have been known to include information on getting help when I write about topics like domestic violence, as I did in another Top Blog post entitled “Mature Content: It’s A Trick,” which was prefaced with this warning: [[WARNING: The following contains descriptions of drug use, sexual acts, and domestic violence. If you are sensitive to these issues, please do not read it. Between the asterisks, there is some information and resources regarding domestic violence.]]

    No, these topics are not pretty and I sometimes make use of ugly language to help express that. Could they be written without vulgarity? Yes, but I think it appropriate in a story about a teenage crack smoker and her adult enabler. I will not apologize for that.

    Gratuitous use of profanity has made it into the general populace’s daily vernacular. People are not as easily offended by it today. In some ways, I am sorry about that, though I can’t claim personal responsibility for it.

  • Every once in awhile a really great post makes it to the Xanga front page. I look for those to read.
    I don’t see this as you being a grumpy old man…I see it as a valid point. We should be able to talk and express ourselves without swearing.
    HUGS!

  • I think it’s the excess and gratuity of it all that really bothers me. I enjoy cussing and I believe it is one of many tools of language and communication, but only when expressed with intent and purpose. 

  • Well I dont swear at people. I probably just annoyed with people who drive speed limit on fast lane ;) . The only time I swear is when i hurt myself, or i forget something really important. (Usually is intended to myself) and I use S*, instead of F word.

  • i agree; i think there are a lot of other ways to express one’s feelings than by having to swear.  i’m not totally opposed to such words, but there’s a time and a place for them.  i personally have never employed one, either in speech or in writing.

  • I wholeheartedly agree. 

  • I’m with you on the quality of posts that seem to recommended these days. Some are interesting at times, and some are like… eh?!?!?! Oh and since you mentioned Greek, I couldn’t help but think of this line: “eho tria orchidea!” xD

  • @New_dog - I like that your family all blog on Xanga.  I just get a bit sensitive and defensive about Xanga from time to time.  It’s got its flaws but I’ve been here for many years now and hope it stays around.  Thank you for recommending. 

    @supanamja - hahaha… I remember when I was delivering magazines, my parents warned me never to walk on other people’s lawn.

    @leaflesstree - I agree with what you wrote and wished I could have said it as eloquently as you did.  Thank you for dropping by and for recommending. 

    @Roadlesstaken - very true, it’s just too easy to swear.  Thanks for recommending – appreciate it. 

    @x3style - Yeah, I wish the front page could be a bit better.  I just feel it’s Xanga’s brand that’s on the line so it has to meet some level of standard.

    @TheMarriedFreshman - you said it better than I did.  Sometimes the front page could use a firm hand of an editor or someone like that.  Thanks for visiting and recommending.

    @LoBornlytesThoughtPalace - there used to be someone (the backpage or something like that) who would recommend well written but not popular entries.  The number of comments doesn’t correlate to the quality of writing all the time. 

    @nov_way - yes, although a lot of people won’t necessarily do a bit more digging (although I hope they do).  Maybe this entry was more of a complaint about Xanga’s front page.  I do get a bit sensitive about Xanga because I enjoy it here. 

    @brooklyn2028 - hahaha… I can just picture you shaking your head.

    @Elizabeth_Ho - you made me chuckle with that comment.

    @Like_A_Tigah - thanks for the comment and for recommending. 

    @ZSA_MD - it’s always a pleasure mentioning your blog.  I think the top blogs are generated simply by the number of comments.  You’re right, there are so many other blogs that are well written and I wish they would be more prominent.   Thanks for recommending. 

    @awoolham - hahaha… I guess it was a timely coincidence.  I hope you got all your frustrations out.  Thanks for dropping by.

    @Fatcat723 - yes, I couldn’t agree with you more. 

    @NightCometh - a bit of creativity never hurts.   I think that’s part of the craft of being a good writer. 

    @yang1815 - ahh…. you do have a way with words Andy… hahahaha.

    @Kissy_Cole - juvenile is a great word to describe Xanga’s front page on some days.  Thank you for visiting. 

    @Keeko1 - yeah, our front page deserves more.  Thanks for the comment.

    @TheBigShowAtUD - hmm… that’s going to be a very difficult perception to change.  Thanks for the comment.

    @pika_whoosh - yikes… never get a Pikachu angry.  (non Asians such as Alex? hmmm….)  And I hope you’re getting lots of hugs and support. 

    @crazy2love - well, I don’t know what else aside from comments (and I guess the number of visits) that drive a post to be on the front page.  I appreciate your input.

    @The_Eyes_Of_A_Painter - hahaha… yes, the literal meaning can be very healthy.

    @twentyse7enn - well, I do swear from time to time so I’m not exactly a model.  I guess it depends on the context of the entry.  Perhaps if it was a short story or something that added to the mood, it probably does have a place.  But it’s something I think the writer should use with some thought.

  • @christao408 - these must also be the same people that are vocal about freedom of speech as well.  Thanks for recommending. 

    @ThePrince - you’re welcome.

    @Shining_Garnet - Bravo… thanks for popping by.

    @amazingly_sane27 - it must be hormones, people can prove themselves in different ways.

    @ordinarybutloud - it is tough to find good blogs.  I wish they get a bit more visibility.

    @icebladz - my bf won’t teach me those naughty words.  lol…

    @Automaton_Emotion - actually I agree with you on some points.  What I don’t like is just using it without any thought at all and people just recommend blindly for whatever reason.  Maybe they think seeing the word makes them believe the writer is defiantly or rebellious.   The description of your entries sound intriguing.  I’ll have to visit your site. 
    Thank you for visiting.

    @adamswomanlost - unfortunately I don’t browse Xanga’s front page a lot anymore.  Maybe I should.  Thank you for the comment and for the hug. 

    @secade - I remember a video on Alex’s site.     You’re right, when deployed properly and carefully it can have a better impact. 

    @vsan79 - I thought I heard you on the highway the other day.  hahahaha….  I get annoyed at those drivers too.

    @kunhuo42 - I think this is due to your upbringing (your mom’s influence perhaps?). 

    @you_were_the_song_all_along - thanks for the comment and for visiting.

    @bengozen - I had to look up that line – hahahaha!  It’s time for some groping (j/k!!!)

  • @ElusiveWords - A recent post of mine on how a stranger saved me made the front page. I was happy…because many people read it and were encouraged.

  • @ElusiveWords - I am worried that that may have been a back-handed insult, lol…

  • Bwahahahahahaha. But aside from the hilarity of your comment, that line was from My Big Fat Greek Wedding!!!

  • @ElusiveWords - See what these people don’t realize is…  The more you use the cuss words, the less meaningful they become.  For example, if you seldom swear, and all of a sudden you do, then we know something is obviously very wrong.  Whereas for these people?  It just gets annoying.  It’s like they’re dialing 911 for a papercut.

  • @ElusiveWords - I guess I could agree to that. 

  • Agrred. I don’t get why people that cuss their heads off get recommended. I would find my head hurting from reading so much hate. haha

  • hahah. and i follow you still waiting for the moment to see a face pic posted here. thankful that most of the people i consider friends here in xanga don’t swear that much. in the internet world one gets to express himself/herself on higher levels than the real world. he/she uses all the bad words ever thought of as an expression of feelings. but, the question is – is it a norm here in xanga? a culture perhaps? coz if the answer is yes, definitely i’m nowhere near normal.

  • @xchinkylaydee - yeah, I’m not sure why too.   Maybe people think it’s a cool thing to do. 

    @Renatojr3 - you’re gonna have to follow for a long, long time my friend.  I had a hunch you rarely, if ever, swear. 

  • @ElusiveWords - i don’t. my grandparents would rise from their graves and slap me if ever :p

  • I don’t bother with the front page but occasionally a good blog will sneak in there.

  • You’re not the only one who thinks the same–I can’t mention Xanga to my friends without hearing their opinions (which are valid) about how childish and immature so much of the content is. The fact that you have to do REAL digging to find the awesome bloggers really deters a lot of people, and I wish that wasn’t the case. Can’t Xanga change things up in 2011? ‘Cause I’d love to see that happen. *crosses fingers*

  • no, you’re not grumpy and no, you’re not old.  you’re just you.  i too prefer to read something without the addition of curse words, but every now and then some of us just can’t find the right words to strongly convey how we are feeling at the time.  so emotional that our brain just can’t correct itself and can’t find another word as a substitution for that particular curse word we’ve been thinking about all day.  granted, i always try my best never to use them and prefer to read blogs of writers who can translate thoughts, opinions, and feelings into eloquent words and sentences that move your heart and provoke your thoughts without the use of any curse word.  i guess everyone writes differently.  

    what i understand is that xanga is open to different ways of written expressions.  it is not HOW you write, but WHAT you write what will be put under the radar.  we need to encourage those who have the interest to write to continue writing, no matter how bad they write, with the hope that his/her exposure to other people’s blogs and as maturity sets in and with more knowledge of vocabularies installed in their brain, they too will be able to write better and have the interest to convey their thoughts in a more decent way.  that’s what i personally strive for.  this is why i’m here.  blogs such as yours and other great writers’ what make me keep coming back and try to learn something from, even if i don’t blog as often as others.

    xanga can be and is a tool of an education in writing.  so what if there are blogs out there written poorly and with inclusion of curse words?  that just sets apart good writers from the bad ones.  the difference is more evident for others to see.  if i were as good of a writer as you are, matt, i wouldn’t mind to see those bad ones posted here on xanga because then i can pat myself on the back and smile, knowing how much better i write in comparison to them :)

  • @rudyhou - I’m so touched and humbled by what you wrote.  Thank you for your kind words.  I didn’t really start to write until I started to blog.  There was someone else on Xanga that continued to encourage me and gave me tips and advice on writing.  btw – you’re a lot better writer than you give yourself credit for.   

  • aaww… so sweet.  almost make me want to blog something right now.  well, almost :p

  • Well I have this philosophy on it – While I agree that it should not be necessary to use such language – I respect others rights to post what they want on ‘their’ blog, but I also reserve ‘my’ right not to have to read it. Therefore, I won’t visit a site where such language is used and I won’t stand for anyone using it on my site. 

  • I curse whenever I feel like it, and I post racy pics sometimes.  But, even if I got an offer to be on the front page with one of my racier posts, I’d decline it.
    I agree that stuff like that doesn’t belong on what is the “face” of the website for the rest of the world.

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