Do you f%&$#ng swear in your videos?

56 replies
I have been using harsh language as an actual strategy in my poker videos for years now, as I just found they hit a nerve on Youtube. It was entirely by accident at first, now I actually plan for it, like in this video:

LANGUAGE WARNING

Maybe it's just the poker market, but I was wondering if anyone else has used a "harder edge" in their niche, and have you had any success or back-lash because of it.

I know for myself, I cannot remember a single complaint about it, but rather more like, "OMG, That's just how I feel" comments.

Now I would also like to clarify that I can articulate without using poor language in this market, like here:

FAMILY AUDIENCE APPROVED

I just find the edgy videos to be more popular.
#f%and$#ng #swear #videos
  • Profile picture of the author Brad Gosse
    I swear in my natural life like a trucker. When I started blogging I tried holding back with mixed results.

    Then I learned something valuable. Your fans are the people who match YOUR personality best.

    WHen I started swearing and talking like I do with my friends, traffic increased and so did engagement.

    The best video bloggers, speakers etc know that when they piss one person off they create 2 rabid fans. I swear now more than ever.
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    • Profile picture of the author Jill Carpenter
      Originally Posted by Brad Gosse View Post

      I swear in my natural life like a trucker.
      I was raised by a pack of wild truck drivers (well, my excuse after a few cocktails anyway )

      I try to steer toward "shucks, darn, wacko" - when doing video stuff.

      But there are times when "goodness gracious, or Pickles!" just does not express the angst enough. Like this morning when I bent down to pick up some laundry and hit my head on a shelf that was sticking out too far. I think a dirty word came out when it happened. Luckily no one was around when it happened so I may still be perceived as a "young lady." :p
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    • Profile picture of the author dannyadams
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      • Profile picture of the author 4morereferrals
        Then, many years of building houses made sure that certain swear words became used as nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and other parts of the language.
        Classic there sir ... as a youthful construction worker, can attest to this as a fact. Now ... when you can weave them into the tunes playing on the jobsite radio without skipping a beat - you are in the upper echelon of "Potty Mouths".
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  • Profile picture of the author Marty S
    Originally Posted by John McEachern View Post

    Personally, I am entirely turned off by anyone who swears in any manner whatsoever. And it would not be in any way a "positive aspect" as to whether I would choose to buy a product or not.

    To me, it reflects a person who cannot put into words a thought in a creative and thought-provoking way. It takes things down to the lowest common denominator and that is not where I choose to associate myself.
    Fair enough, I realize it's not for everyone. However I was wondering about actual experiences with using crude language with some success.
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    • Profile picture of the author tpw
      Originally Posted by Marty S View Post

      Fair enough, I realize it's not for everyone. However I was wondering about actual experiences with using crude language with some success.
      I was surprised that you did not share any actual numbers with us from your youtube experience... (I am not going to click through the videos to get the data... just me...)

      I know The Rich Jerk did it, and he seemed to do fine by it...

      Although I am married to a trucker (yes, I can hear your snickers), and foul language tends to slip out of my mouth occasionally, I don't buy from people who using cursing as a sales prop...

      The Rich Jerk did it, but I am not going to do it...
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  • Profile picture of the author jlucado
    Naw, I try not to use harsh language in my videos. I normally use my face and my voice, so it is too revealing in character.

    That's not to say it doesn't happen. Interruptions or unexpected noises usually trigger some harsh language. I just edit it out or re-shoot. But I have saved some doozy bloopers.

    However, harsh language as a strategy can be worthwhile, especially in your niche.

    My best to you,
    Jerry
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    • Profile picture of the author evamelendez
      Originally Posted by jlucado View Post

      Naw, I try not to use harsh language in my videos. I normally use my face and my voice, so it is too revealing in character.

      That's not to say it doesn't happen. Interruptions or unexpected noises usually trigger some harsh language. I just edit it out or re-shoot. But I have saved some doozy bloopers.

      However, harsh language as a strategy can be worthwhile, especially in your niche.

      My best to you,
      Jerry
      Reading this thread made me wonder how many "bloopers" warriors have kept just for their own amusement. I think it would be funny to have someone compile them and put them on the forum. It would liven things up and make everyone (especially the gurus) appear more human.
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      • Profile picture of the author ronr
        Swearing totally turns me off. It has no shock or added value at all for me and just makes them seem less credible that they think they need to swear to communicate or that somehow they will be more cool. I remember when swearing seemed cool as a teenager (like smoking) but it doesn't as an adult. I used to like Frank Kern until I watched some of his videos that involved a lot of swearing. To me it's very juvenile but I know he's doing just fine without my money :-)
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  • Profile picture of the author MichaelHiles
    I think it's market specific.

    I'm in the B2B market, so swearing won't win many points with my customer base. But then again, I'm not one to swear as much anyway. I can come up with very creative ways to tell someone to go fu&k themselves.
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    • Profile picture of the author Marty S
      Originally Posted by Brad Gosse View Post


      WHen I started swearing and talking like I do with my friends, traffic increased and so did engagement.
      Interesting. Niche specific, or anything you do?

      Originally Posted by MichaelHiles View Post

      I can come up with very creative ways to tell someone to go fu&k themselves.
      Haha Michael. Reminds of a friend who went through some professional Security Guard training, and he said they taught him that "Have a nice day" is apparently code for "Go F yourself".
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      • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
        Marty, I don't intentionally plan on inserting fowl language - maybe I'm just chicken...

        Now that I have that out of my system, I can say that I don't intentionally curse and I usually try not to use too many vulgarities. That said, in some market niches, it probably does convey a sense of belonging the same way knowing how to use the niche's jargon does.

        But I don't think it's a requirement. The NFL Network runs a show called "Hard Knocks", which follows a pro football team through training camp. A few years ago, Brian Billick (then coach of the Baltimore Ravens) cursed like a sailor and later had to apologize for it. This year, Rex Ryan (coach of the New York Jets) also caught some heat for his garbage mouth. And this is around professional athletes - for some of them, taking away their F-bomb would render them effectively mute.

        Tony Dungy, former coach of the Indianapolis Colts, was known for keeping it clean both in practice and on the sidelines. He recently said in an interview that even he occasionally let something slip in the heat of action, and that's why he never allowed the networks to fit him with a mic during games.

        My guess is that your videos' popularity difference has more to do with the warning than it does the actual language you use...
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  • Profile picture of the author Dean Jackson
    I personally trust people who swear more.

    I don't know why. Maybe it's just the fact that their being honest, and not just putting on a face to desperately try and sell me something.

    I saw a website not too long ago which said I could get a "whole lotta free ****" and listed its benefits below. I signed up because it was different and just real. LOL.

    Anyway, I think its just a personal pref.

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    • Profile picture of the author Midas3 Consulting
      Originally Posted by xplosivmon View Post

      I personally trust people who swear more.
      F**k you.

      By the way , did I mention I have an awesome biz op I could let you in on ?
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    • Profile picture of the author shabit87
      Originally Posted by xplosivmon View Post

      I personally trust people who swear more.

      I don't know why. Maybe it's just the fact that their being honest, and not just putting on a face to desperately try and sell me something.

      - Dean
      I wouldn't say I trust someone who swears more, but there is a more authentic appeal to them. I guess becasue they're not trying to be some perfect somebody just to impress you.

      As long as the swearing is offense, such as f you, I don't see an issue with you. Swearing directed at the viewer is a definite NO...but again thats my opinion.
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  • Profile picture of the author Plish
    I've played poker for the last 7 years and had to stop a couple of months ago to make the switch to full time IM so this thread has definitely made me nostalgic. I think swearing is a great way to communicate with younger audiences, however there are definitely areas of my work where it would absolutely inappropriate. I.e. if you're going to create an instructional video, your listener wants to hear quality advice from an expert, and any swearing would just lose you that image in most instances.

    Online poker is filled largely with 18-30 year olds who are on average, are far more comfortable with swearing. Great way to communicate with them imo.
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  • Profile picture of the author Midas3 Consulting
    Have a friend who did a bunch of videos similar to your robot one,
    all based on some stupid kid who bought into supplement hype.

    He swore like f'ing crazy throughout the videos.

    They are currently his highest watched videos, 20k+.

    Really just depends on how you've built your list and your market.

    If you've built it being Mr Clean Cut, and then you start effing
    and blinding it's probably not a good move.

    If it's congruent with what's expected and in a market that's less
    relaxed, they seems to work rather well.
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Oksa
    Originally Posted by John McEachern View Post

    Personally, I am entirely turned off by anyone who swears in any manner whatsoever. And it would not be in any way a "positive aspect" as to whether I would choose to buy a product or not.

    To me, it reflects a person who cannot put into words a thought in a creative and thought-provoking way. It takes things down to the lowest common denominator and that is not where I choose to associate myself.
    Hi John,

    That is exactly the way I feel about swearing...usually.

    However, in this case, Marty has proven it isn't a shortcut, but rather done on purpose. I hardly ever swear, but when I do it's with forethought and a specific purpose. In fact, it's meant to be creative and thought-provoking.

    In general though, I think there is way too much swearing in the IM community, but what can I do about it? I just move on to the next site.

    All the best,
    Michael
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  • Profile picture of the author Scott Ames
    I started a similar thread a while ago and stated that I was shocked that someone like Anthony Robbins would ever swear in a product. I didn't think he would do that.

    Recently however I discovered that he uses his swearing as a tool to get the audience to pay attention.

    Chef Gordon Ramsey swears like a trooper in his Kitchen Nightmares shows. After a while there is no shock value it's just part of his personality. The audience just gets used to hearing it.

    I took a flight to the Philippines once and sat next to a Marine. He couldn't say two words without using F****. I found myself immune to hearing it and I'm sure he didn't realize he was using that word in every communication.

    I think swearing can be a tool or simply words that turn off half the audience.
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    • Profile picture of the author Midas3 Consulting
      Originally Posted by Scott Ames View Post

      I took a flight to the Philippines once and sat next to a Marine. He couldn't say two words without using F****. I found myself immune to hearing it and I'm sure he didn't realize he was using that word in every communication.
      For some reason I find listening to somebody else constantly swear like that during
      a normal conversation really tedious. The occasional swearing in context, no problem
      with it, but folks who never stop during a normal day to day exchange rapidly get
      on my tits.

      Still, probably let a Marine get away with it......
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      • Profile picture of the author Midas3 Consulting
        Originally Posted by John McEachern View Post


        Must be a British thing or something.:
        Brit thing for sure.

        Probably doesn't need translation, however it's just past annoying but not quite f'ing annoying.
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        • Profile picture of the author Michael Oksa
          Originally Posted by SimonHarrison View Post

          Brit thing for sure.

          Probably doesn't need translation, however it's just past annoying but not quite f'ing annoying.
          I always wondered if there was some sort of deeper meaning to it, what it specifically means.

          The first and only time I heard it until now was on Queen's B-side of "Another One Bites The Dust", which was "Don't Try Suicide". I wasn't titillated by the lyric, and just assumed I was hearing it wrong.

          Rock on!
          Michael
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      • Profile picture of the author Richard Van
        I have to say I've thoroughly enjoyed reading this thread. I don't swear in my stuff but I must admit most of it's pretty mild like dog owners etc. Can't really go up to an old lady and say "Hey woman, your dogs got ear canker, watch me fix it you f*****g w****r!" and realistically get a sale.

        Having said that I even heard Ed Dale say W*****R on a challenge video the other day and he even sent an email out to thousands of people the other day saying how we were all rocks only he made a typo and called everyone c***s!

        Main thing is most of the guru's swear and in the OP's industry I think it must work, just depends what niche you're in and a bunch of other factors. Loved Simon Harrissons response "F*** you, buy this!"

        Get on my t*** is definately a brit thing, I said it 20 minutes ago. And John you guys have fanny bags, that has a very different meaning here too, if i said "where's my fanny bag" I'd be dead in 20 seconds.

        Anyway. I'm going to go and make a new video with some bad language in it for my make daisy chains niche.
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        • Profile picture of the author Rikki_Fawkes
          In my line of business online, that would be considered highly unprofessional. Since my videos are online writing tutorials for my membership, if I swore that would likely throw up a huge red flag that I didn't know what I was doing, had a small vocabulary and probably wasn't a professional writer.

          So no, absolutely not. But I could see where that would work with certain niches - mine just isn't one of them.
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        • Profile picture of the author Lance K
          Swearing wouldn't be near as effective if nobody took issue with it.
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          • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
            Originally Posted by Lance K View Post

            Swearing wouldn't be near as effective if nobody took issue with it.
            Hence my comment that, in Marty's case, the warning probably has more influence than the words themselves. By the time a viewer knows what he's going to say, they've already clicked 'play' and recorded a view.

            Now if he'd said that the videos with the cursing generated more sales...
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    • Profile picture of the author dbarnum
      Originally Posted by Scott Ames View Post


      I think swearing can be a tool or simply words that turn off half the audience.
      Agree. Working with inmates, we have to use clean language in all aspects - -writing, videos & PowerPoint shows we bring in, etc. But you hear some foul words here and there (from tough staff or other prison workers mostly), coded-type lingo, too. And that's OK.

      Ditto at IM events I've been to. Presentations are generally clean. But networking in the hallways, hotel bars, etc. can include some rough lingo, yet be made in fun mode.

      Heck, when I'm on the phone with my sister, words slip in there. We grew up around poker tables, so the words and using them are a part of that type lifestyle, I think - ingrained.

      So just depends upon how, when, etc.
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  • Profile picture of the author Shannon Herod
    No, I do not swear in my videos. But, I very rarely swear in real life as well. So, I guess that's why I don't do it.
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  • Profile picture of the author talfighel
    To be honest, I have never used any bad words in my videos.

    If I do find a video that has great info in it but the person or persons are using bad words, then I might leave that video right away. I am not sure what others here would do but I am sure that some would not even mind it at all because it is a part of their language.

    Tal
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  • Profile picture of the author Maddi
    Swearing on purpose, erm, no. But I do swear in real life occasionally.

    What I find interesting is, if I take my time getting to know my coaching clients whom I personally interact with regularly, than I easily through in an F bomb unintentionally but what I try and do is, find out first if my client will be comfortable with that at the first place, so as not to turn him off or offend him.

    As for my emails, I try not use offensive language in my emails, I've had my peers tell me that stuff like 'Kickass Product' have got them emails from their subscribers where they were seriously offended.

    On my Blog, I am very casual and personal but try not to swear there either.

    So yea, depends on the market you are working in, plus if you can somehow profile them or your business involves communicating one on one, you can easily find out if your client will comfortable with it or not. But I'd rather be safe than sorry, wouldn't want to lose a $2k-5k a month client just because you threw in words like sh*t and a$$ during a phone conversation would you?

    Maddi
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    • Profile picture of the author mcmahanusa
      Gotta say, that it's interesting to read the well-reasoned responses to the OP. It speaks to the quality of the members of this forum that they react in this manner.

      As several people stated, it can be effective in certain markets. But for that to play out, you really have to know your target audience. It seems to me, though, if you could accomplish the same results without the swearing, you might be better off. Swearing doesn't offend me, but I confess that when I hear people swearing in public I am not favorably impressed. So.....to me, the best solution is be become a more effective speaker/writer and attract your audience through your wit, humor, and intelligence.
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      • Profile picture of the author Marty S
        Originally Posted by mcmahanusa View Post

        Gotta say, that it's interesting to read the well-reasoned responses to the OP. It speaks to the quality of the members of this forum that they react in this manner.

        As several people stated, it can be effective in certain markets. But for that to play out, you really have to know your target audience. It seems to me, though, if you could accomplish the same results without the swearing, you might be better off. Swearing doesn't offend me, but I confess that when I hear people swearing in public I am not favorably impressed. So.....to me, the best solution is be become a more effective speaker/writer and attract your audience through your wit, humor, and intelligence.
        Well I for one am certainly not measuring the quality of individuals on this forum by their judgments on foul language. Without getting into the morals of such things, I do in fact agree with you that most niches would probably be better off without... but it would still be one way to stand out from the crowd.

        Also, swearing in public or in normal conversation is not what I am about either. There is however an entertainment factor in video production that sort of removes videos from the social connections you and others are talking about. I just think it's different.

        Originally Posted by John McEachern View Post

        Bill Cosby is one of the most successful comedians ever - and he did this all without ever uttering one swear word.
        If you would like to draw parallels, Chris Rock made millions from last year's HBO 3 city tour. I don't think Cosby has ever had pay days like Rock, or Eddie Murphy or even Bill Maher who is a rather sharp political analyst (and rancid-mouth host) as well. However, in the world of comedy, a tamed-mouth comedian could probably build himself a profitable niche right now!
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      • Profile picture of the author Marty S
        Originally Posted by John McEachern View Post

        Even if you are marketing something to people who typically swear, even these people cannot help but respect someone who chooses to eschew this for other well thought out and meaningful words to express thoughts, views, and opinions.
        Like Howard Stern perhaps? He brought Sirius Radio from 5 million to 20 million subscribers telling it like it is, the way his listeners would say it on the street. One of the reasons I believe he is so popular is that he communicates the way MOST people communicate - using swear words that are obviously offensive to some, but ingrained in most vocabularies.

        Does this mean Howard Stern is NOT respected? I think not. Does this mean he is NOT articulate? Not really. He is well known for a smooth delivery and fluid diction. In fact, Howard Stern delivers some of the media's BEST interviews and puts shames to the silly talk show interviews by the likes of Jay Leno and Oprah Winfrey.

        Without judging anyones character here based on how they use certain language, there is always a place and time - there is no definitive bottom line like someone mentioned above. I just think it would be interesting to know who does use colorful language in videos, and to what end.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mohammad Afaq
    I am totally not into online poker so I can't say what your niche market wants and responds to but I was totally turned off by the first video (so much that I didn't even watch the second one).

    I am ok with two or three curse words in regular speech and I also don't mind a little bit of cursing for being funny (frank kern is who I'm referring to here ) but when I hear a curse word every five seconds, that's when I lose my respect for that person and I am pretty sure I am not the only one.

    Bottomline,

    A little bit of occasional cursing is good and can be used to grab your listener's attention but when you curse after every two lines, I can't take it.
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    • Profile picture of the author Rikki_Fawkes
      Originally Posted by Mohammad Afaq View Post

      I am totally not into online poker so I can't say what your niche market wants and responds to but I was totally turned off by the first video (so much that I didn't even watch the second one).

      I am ok with two or three curse words in regular speech and I also don't mind a little bit of cursing for being funny (frank kern is who I'm referring to here ) but when I hear a curse word every five seconds, that's when I lose my respect for that person and I am pretty sure I am not the only one.

      Bottomline,

      A little bit of occasional cursing is good and can be used to grab your listener's attention but when you curse after every two lines, I can't take it.
      My thoughts exactly
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    • Profile picture of the author Marty S
      Originally Posted by Mohammad Afaq View Post

      I am totally not into online poker so I can't say what your niche market wants and responds to but I was totally turned off by the first video (so much that I didn't even watch the second one).
      The first video was comedy. And you missed the FAMILY AUDIENCE APPROVED heading for the second video.

      Any online poker player will tell you that cursing is virtually impossible!
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  • Profile picture of the author John Atkins
    Swearing can have negative effects and positive effects. It depends
    on who's watching. Personally, it doesn't bother me if I hear a swear
    word every now and then. I may like the video even more, or not,
    depends on the person I guess.
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    • Profile picture of the author Kevin Riley
      I grew up riding herd with crusty old cowboys, so swearing just became part of my language (and got me in trouble at school numerous times). Then, many years of building houses made sure that certain swear words became used as nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and other parts of the language. I swear quite well in Swiss-German, English, and Japanese.

      However, I refrain from swearing in videos and during presentations. It's not always easy, but to me it's a part of being professional and respecting my audience.
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      • Profile picture of the author Marty S
        Originally Posted by Kevin Riley View Post

        However, I refrain from swearing in videos and during presentations. It's not always easy, but to me it's a part of being professional and respecting my audience.
        To me, I think it's obvious you have to have respect for your audience. (I too have been in business many years.) However, I don't agree that respect is always tied to specific use of language. In fact, I am convinced that a lot of my colorful videos have earned me respect in my market.

        I am not surprised MOST IMers avoid foul language. Nothing earth shattering there. I am currently working on another Warrior's product launch video and it didn't even occur to me to have anything BUT clean and helpful language in the script. What I was curious about is who has included swear words in their videos and had some success, and in what niches. ??
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        • Profile picture of the author Hesaidblissfully
          I think whether or not it works for you depends on:

          A. Your market.

          B. Your personality (or the persona you're trying to convey).

          If your market is primarily guys in their teens and 20's, then cursing can make you seem like...well, like one of the guys.

          If your market is women aged 60 and up, then it'd probably be a good idea to refrain from cursing.

          If you want people to perceive you as professional and courteous above all else, then I'd avoid profanity.

          But if you want to be seen as Mister No B.S., Tell-It-Like-It-Is, then some occasional swearing might be appropriate.

          Also, there are LEVELS of profanity that we've been trained to be okay with, or not okay with. Some people who don't mind the occassional "damn" or "hell" or other sort of tame cuss words might still take offense to F, MF, or other creative variations thereof.

          I think if you are going to use profanity, it's better to keep it to PG-13 level profanity and not cross over into R-rated profanity - unless, like someone pointed out above, you're in the adult market or another one where R-rated language is a given.
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          • Profile picture of the author ronr
            I agree that the level and type of profanity can make a difference in how offensive it could be to your audience.


            Originally Posted by Hesaidblissfully View Post

            .

            Also, there are LEVELS of profanity that we've been trained to be okay with, or not okay with. Some people who don't mind the occassional "damn" or "hell" or other sort of tame cuss words might still take offense to F, MF, or other creative variations thereof.
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  • Profile picture of the author David Frey
    Personally, I would never want to be involved in a niche in which swearing was a popular thing.

    Your business and personal life are intertwined.

    I'd rather spend my time in a niche that I love and that reflects my personal value system.

    Just my 2 cents.

    David Frey
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  • Profile picture of the author Paul Myers
    John,
    To me, it reflects a person who cannot put into words a thought in a creative and thought-provoking way.
    I always chuckle when I hear or read this.

    There are times when it's appropriate, and others when it's not. Often, it's simply in the conversation for gratuitous shock effect, and that's just tacky. But suggesting that someone swears because they're unable to express themselves in more Mom-approved ways is a leap.


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    • Profile picture of the author Marty S
      Originally Posted by John McEachern View Post

      but I have found that people who habitually swear in place of using words that would more clearly express an attempted thought, view, or expression, do so out of laziness.
      For sure John. To be clear, that's really not what I was asking in this thread or advocating in any way whatsoever.
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    • Profile picture of the author Paul Myers
      John,
      And very possibly, had I put put more thought into the post, I would have written "chooses not to" rather than "cannot" put into words a thought in a creative and thought-provoking way.
      I wouldn't argue with that. I do think that it is sometimes more effective to express a thought with less coarse language, but it should never become a habit, or used to the point at which you stop being aware of who you might be unintentionally offending.
      Maybe your experiences in life are different than mine, but I have found that people who habitually swear in place of using words that would more clearly express an attempted thought, view, or expression, do so out of laziness.
      In some cases, that's true. In others, it might be a lack of awareness of their surroundings, simple bad manners or upbringing, less education, or any number of other factors acting in concert.

      It can be a useful style of communication, but it should never be the default style.


      Paul
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      Stop by Paul's Pub - my little hangout on Facebook.

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  • Profile picture of the author theory expert
    Banned
    I'll never forget what a professor once told me years ago. "Cursing is used as an intensifier".
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  • Profile picture of the author Marty S
    Originally Posted by precious007 View Post

    Here's one

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FL7yD-0pqZg

    This one's funny as hell, went viral too.
    LoL. Very funny. 7.7 MILLION VIEWS!!! Crazy.
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