@Matt:

Reading through the responses, I can see that we come down on opposing sides of the viewpoint of what are the rights of the speaker and the rights of the listener when it comes to words that are perceived as offensive.

Now before we strip to the waist and engage in a manly brawl, I will say that we are not directly opposite: you appear to defending the right of the individual to not have to put up with attacks, abusive behavior, words that are intent on inflicting personal pain. I respect that, and for the most part, agree with it, with the caveat that it CAN be taken too far.

Conversely, I defend the right of the individual to choose what they will expose themselves to, and am vehemently against governing bodies, whether they are truly representative of the majority or not, deciding what words, ideas, and messages may be spoken by declaring what is offensive and what is not. I believe that only the individual can decide for themselves what is offensive.

Where I think the fine line is between us is over *control.* Do I have the right to control what I am exposed to? Yes, I believe that's reasonable. Do I have the right to control what others say and do? No, I don't believe that's reasonable beyond a point of inherent danger (such as screaming "fire" in a crowded theatre, or bearing false witness in a court of law).

I would remind folks that where this whole topic got started was not, should people be allowed to swear, insult, attack, etc. but instead from the question of, should a LGBT guild have the right to openly recruit? I personally believe there is a world of difference between someone dropping the N-bomb to be shocking or intentionally hurtful, and a LGBT guild in earnest trying to find like-minded members, but I do acknowledge that many people consider the very idea of acknowledging, much less accepting, the LGBT community to be highly offensive. So again, we are back to our fine line of control.

No, I do not approve of people who are abusive attackers, but neither do I think broad censorship at an administrative level that catches many other elements in its net is the answer. The profanity filter is there for a reason, as is ignore. It's not a perfect solution, but given the realities of the game (and of the world) it's a better solution than most.