Blogtopia (that word was created by this guy) is (supposedly) self-policing and now a new characteristic has come under the microscope: the use of vulgar language on blogs. Read James Joyner and Steven Taylor (who have other links as well).
As far as TMV is concerned, early on I made a decision that this site would use daily newspaper and broadcast standards in terms of language — not cable TV or comedy club standards. While we might link to a post that has some adult language, we try to remember to warn readers. We go on the assumption that all ages might read this site. In emails to cobloggers when the issue has come up (and it has) I’ve noted that no post loses its central point or is worse off if the words are left out. We’ve also removed some of this language in comments when we spot it (if we look at comments). In my own case? I’m not a prude in my private conversation (as bloggers who’ve telephoned me know) but I personally stop reading many posts that are filled with non-family language — regardless of political orientation.
The view from here is that it’s irrelevant whether the left or right does it more or one side allows more of it. BOTH do it. The vulgarization of 21st America in music, art, comedy, and depth and dignity of political debate is already bad enough. Do we REALLY have to consciously contribute to it by not just “enabling” it, but encouraging it (i.e. if you use the words you’re cutting edge)? But, in the end, each weblog publisher makes his/her/its own choice.
It’s a different matter when it comes to readers. We have been called every one of the words, and perhaps a dozen more (and in the interest of accuracy, in answer to several recent emails here, my mother is a person and my head is not made out of that).
UPDATE:The issue is issue is growing faster than Bob Dole on Viagra (a smutty and horrible thought — not a dirty word). To wit:
Powerline
TBogg (who throws in one of the words).
And Jesus General comes up with a slightly different twist on it.
TMV thanks Crooks & Liars for the tips for these links.
Joe Gandelman is a former fulltime journalist who freelanced in India, Spain, Bangladesh and Cypress writing for publications such as the Christian Science Monitor and Newsweek. He also did radio reports from Madrid for NPR’s All Things Considered. He has worked on two U.S. newspapers and quit the news biz in 1990 to go into entertainment. He also has written for The Week and several online publications, did a column for Cagle Cartoons Syndicate and has appeared on CNN.