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Question of the day

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* Things are getting a bit tense in comments these days, so in an attempt to make this environment more civil, I’m going to start banning more words.

Words like “moron,” “idiot,” etc. are currently banned now. You might be able to see your posts, but nobody else can. I’ve too often allowed those words to slip through the net, but no longer.

This morning, I banned “dope” and “stupid.” If you use those words, your comment will not post. There will be no exceptions. I’m tired of the vitriol. Repeat violators will be banned for life.

* This is not a public space. This website belongs to me. No one has an inherent right to say anything that comes to their minds here. Go scream in a park, or on a street corner or wherever. Not here.

You’re obviously free to disagree with me, the subject of a post, another commenter or whatever your heart desires. But the level of hostility is just getting out of hand. So keep it civil or you’re gone.

I don’t sell ads based on the number of page views or impressions. Ad sales are based on the fact that most everybody at the Statehouse is on this blog and some of y’all are becoming an embarrassment to me and could wind up driving my target audience away. If you are among those commenters who are getting too hot-headed, just know that I don’t need you here, I don’t want you here and you are harmful to my business model. I will not hesitate to kick you to the curb.

/rant

* Look, I fully understand how people can get angry at times. I do, too, as is clear by the above rant. And I also understand how posts here (like that horrible idea to lay off all state employees) can get people truly fired up. But we can criticize and even ridicule without becoming personal and without resorting to nasty words. We all need to elevate ourselves, and I’ll try to do the same.

* The Question: Your nominations for newly banned words in order to hopefully foster a more civil commenting environment?

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 10:54 am

Comments

Its your rodeo, and it has always been first rate.

Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 10:58 am
I want to publicy apologize for adding to the exacerbating.

I’m sorry.

Saying anything else diminishes that statement.

OW

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 10:59 am
The phrase “job creators” Perhaps the most dishonest phrase on the planet.

Past that, suggestions that people take reading comprehension classes or learn to use “the google” are not too helpful.

Not to be a suck-up, but I absolutely love your instructions about commenting. Should be on every news publication.

Comment by The Way I See It Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 10:59 am
Rich, I’ll go with ignorant. We can say things like, “read up on it” or “educate yourself.” We don’t need to call someone ignorant. It taints the conversational tone.

Comment by john Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 10:59 am
Perhaps any mention of the Open Meetings Act?

Comment by A guy Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:01 am
Fair, welcome, an well-justified.

My own fear is that there are so many purely partisan comments, without enough other solid content, that truly interested parties will not continue to follow.

Comment by walker Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:03 am
I inadvertently used one of the banned words yesterday. My sincere apologies. It did not lift the debate and I’m disappointed in myself for using it. The Liberty tree needed a shake.

Comment by A guy Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:03 am
Hear, hear. Good policy on your part Rich. Civility is hard to manage on a message board, but without civility the good posters eventually leave and you are left with those that want and enjoy only street brawls.

Comment by Peoria Guy Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:04 am
how about “Oswego Willy”….

Just a little humor

I also am sorry for stirring the pot.

Comment by The messenger Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:04 am
Any neologism ending in “tard”

Comment by Soccermom Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:04 am
Willy
On behalf of Raunerbots and trolls everywhere, I forgive you. Although you have called me a d$pe, pathetic and other demeaning names, it is I that owe you an apology for provoking such ire.

Comment by ABC Lawyer Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:04 am
“tax eater”

Comment by Graduated College Student Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:04 am
Can we put a hiatus on “Detroit” for a while. People have to constantly be reminded that it’s not relevant here.

Comment by Casual Observer Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:04 am
Good move!

Comment by In the Middle Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:05 am
People, either take this seriously or get the heck out. After that rant you wouldn’t think I’d have to delete any comments, but I’ve already deleted two. Bannings are gonna commence.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:05 am
Make that three deletions and a banishment.

Anybody else wanna try me today?

Don’t.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:06 am
the more words you ban, the harder it is to type! I don’t know that I’ve ever used any of these words in my short time here, but a comment on them. The first three are words to describe people pejoratively. No problem banning them. No need for em. The last one, though, could be used to describe all sorts of things. A person, an idea, an outcome. Lots of things can be dumb, not just people!!

Comment by Johnny Pyle Driver Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:06 am
…and in other news, Rich Miller of Capitol Fax has been credited with a 500% jump in thesaurus sales in Illinois. Word on the street is that some newly ‘banned’ words have severely limited blog posters ability to clearly and succinctly critique the Gov’s policies and proposed legislation.

Comment by How Ironic Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:06 am
Absolutely agree with you Rich! We all can be civil and polite. One day, I feel, “empowered” may be added to that list.

Comment by Rufus Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:07 am
I have a hard time with folks using terms that offend and slight those with mental illnesses, i.e, “Psycho”, “psychotic”, “mental”. I think you have done a good job monitoring use of the R word.

Comment by Jake From Elwood Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:07 am
I think the key is to avoid making comments personal —- agree or disagree but no need to attach the person saying it. I have friends that think and have said to me that the state can not afford out of control pensions. I start educating them and not attaching them. The truth never changes and facts are very stubborn things.

Comment by Facts are stubborn things Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:08 am
One of the reasons I read this blog is that the comments are generally more civil than other blogs. Most places are troll havens and nothing productive is found. I have learned much about Illinois politics here.

I will endeavor to meet your standards.

Comment by FormerParatrooper Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:08 am
6 deletions and 2 banishments.

This is actually working out pretty well. Self-weeding.

lol

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:09 am
THANK YOU, RICH!

Comment by Kodachrome Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:10 am
Rich,
Let me say how much I appreciate how well you police this site. I can’t tell you how many times I didn’t click “say it” because I feared your wrath. Keep it up.

Comment by Casual Observer Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:10 am
For the record, I don’t think Willy is mean-spirited and only occasionally shows frustration. I’m kind of tired of “Bite Me”. That could go away.

I think the biggest winners of this policy will be the Governor, the Tribune and Ty Fahner to be honest.

I’d love to see the nickname ascribed to the LG go away. It qualifies as “not nice”.

Comment by A guy Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:11 am
“democrat” when used as an adjective. the proper word is “democratic.”

“rePUGlican.” i’m not sure that i’ve ever seen this one used here.

both are sly attempts to denigrate that political party and its adherents.

Comment by bored now Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:13 am
Turnaround

/humor

ALL CAPS

/serious

Comment by Juan MacLean Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:16 am
Love this rule…I always believed sharing of ideas goes a lot further than sharing insults.

Comment by illinifan Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:16 am
Alright… I can be Minnesota nice… so when I write, “bless his heart” or he is a “very special person” everyone will get the point….

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:16 am
To maintain consistency with principles of civility, I don’t think anyone should be told who should be bitten either.

Comment by AC Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:16 am
Is there a banned word list posted somewhere?

Comment by #5 Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:17 am
I found a couple phrases very useful in my 30+ years in state government: “We can agree to disagree” and “I respectfully disagree and this is why……..”

Comment by Former Merit Comp Slave Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:17 am
I thank you, and commend you, Rich, for your taking this stand against inappropriate language. You are unquestioningly helping make this blog a “Must-read” for all of us. We appreciate all of your time and efforts to make this blog what it is: absolutely top-notch.

Comment by Capitol Fax Follower Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:17 am
this is gonna be an up day

Comment by silly pants Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:17 am
I don’t like the use of the word “troll’. I think it encourages, rather than discourages, this kind of behavior. It’s best to ignore these individuals.

Comment by Wensicia Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:18 am
The “Where’s the Tylenol” rant from Christmas Vacation contains a pretty representative sample of words to consider banning.

Comment by From the Stateline Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:19 am
What? No four game suspension for over-inflated goofballs?

Comment by walker Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:19 am
===I don’t think anyone should be told who should be bitten either===

I reserve that one for myself.

lol

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:20 am
I love it here Rich, you are an amazing asset to the IL political realm. Thanks for keeping all in check. And while it’s true, and we ALLLL know this.. could ‘elections have consequences’ be retired?

Comment by Mad Brown Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:21 am
One of the things that has always impressed me here was the civility of the discussions. This makes this blog even better and it was already head and shoulders above anything else out there.

My nomination for a banned word is “psycho”.

Comment by Sangamo Sam Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:21 am
===Is there a banned word list posted somewhere? ===

Nope. When in doubt, don’t write it.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:21 am
Thanks Rich for making this a place for civil discourse. Unfortunately I have nothing to contribute to this post so I’ll just leave it here.

Comment by Levois Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:21 am
I don’t like the word “parasite” and would like to see it banned. I don’t see it often, but it is really nasty. This word has been used to refer to government employees and recipients of social safety net benefits. There is bad in every human group, but “parasite” is stereotypical and highly demeaning.

Comment by Grandson of Man Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:21 am
Parasite and psycho are pretty good nominations. Any objections before they go on the list?

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:22 am
I heartily endorse this event or product.

Comment by Chicago Hack Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:23 am
While not as inflammatory, “recall” and “Detroit” would make my list.

Comment by Skeptic Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:23 am
This is not a word, but I’ve sometimes seen people speculating on a commenter’s profession or bias — calling people shills for a particular person or party, etc.

Truthfully, I know that happens. But I have in the past seen that Rich is pretty good at weeding it out and has the better tools for finding out who the trolls are. It might be better to leave accusations like that — accusations which, I might add, are sometimes just plain wrong — out of comments and rely on Rich and his IP detective skills.

Comment by the Other Anonymous Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:24 am
If Parasite goes, should Leech?

Comment by CharlieKratos Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:24 am
Recall is difficult to ban because it has legit uses.

Detroit is occasionally on the list. But if we discuss Detroit, it has to be taken off.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:25 am
Rich
Agreed, this is your site and people should act as adults…

Hopefully, the posters will be more civil.

Comment by ah HA Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:25 am
What is nice about this blog, is that Mr. Miller is very willing and able to take control.

Comment by Huh? Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:25 am
I read the site several times a day but seldom comment, and I really think that given the site’s subject matter and diversity of your audience, the comments are relatively restrained. However, it is your site, and adherence to a code of conduct should be the least we can expect if we want to participate. I’m a member of Ricochet.com, and found that its code of conduct has been a great self-policing mechanism, and has certainly helped draw people to the site. I’m sure it will be so here.

Comment by Steve Reick Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:26 am
Thank you for what you are doing Rich! It has been getting bad that I haven’t read the comments much recently because of the constant attacks and nastygrams

Comment by Publius Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:26 am
Any Kaas phrase? Chumbalone?

Comment by sss Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:26 am
If psycho is out, should we ban sociopath?

Comment by Wensicia Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:27 am
Context matters. Let’s try to keep that in mind. I think Rich’s point is to exercise judgement. That requires more than a list of banned words or phrases, it means you shouldn’t intentional smear or label others you disagree with, regardless of which words you use.

Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:27 am
I have a limited vocabulary being from Southern Illinois. Now you have forced me to spell words that I have to google to see it they are safe to use. Thank God for my state pension that allows me to sit in my recliner drinking beer and watching NASCAR. I will only read comments from now on and can only hope that Willy and the other full time commenters on here will express what I am thinking from time to time.

Comment by Nieva Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:28 am
===walker My own fear is that there are so many purely partisan comments, without enough other solid content, that truly interested parties will not continue to follow. ====

I mostly agree, but I don’t know that the following falls off so much as solid content in the replies falls off (or gets lost) among the partisan and holier-than-thou comments from both sides.

Comment by Shemp Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:28 am
Rich - the pension/budget debate is a story with truly national implications. It’s been heartening to see some specific and constructive ideas put forward by your readers. Given your target audience, wonder if there’s some merit to editing out “snark”, not just banned words. The, the blog might also serve - among other things - as a hub for policy ideas on important issues.

Comment by Summerwind Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:28 am
I gotta say, I applaud the intention, and like i said earlier, a lot of these words could easily be banned and never said again. But now we’re starting to add words that have various meanings, not all of them negative, in a number of different contexts. Why not just warn/ban offending people, and let the words be words?

Comment by Johnny Pyle Driver Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:28 am
What about collateral damage? For example, I think funding should be restored to prevent the spread of parasites and blood borne pathogens? If the ban list gets too large, it could limit legitimate uses of words, rather than just those used pejoratively.

Comment by AC Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:28 am
I have mixed feelings on dorm room

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:29 am
Ban all adjectives with the letters a,e,i, o and u.

Been watching the John Adams series. Setting aside some minor inaccuracies, we have lost the art of the polite insult. Our forefathers we so much better at it i blame social media…. Because otherwise i would have to look inward… And society tells me to look outward for responsibility

Comment by Ghost Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:29 am
Rich 11:20 - As Dredd would say, I knew you’d say that.

Comment by Norseman Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:29 am
“Goober” has some negative connotations these days….though when I learned it yesterday I had a hard time not using it in conversation…..

Comment by General Aubrey Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:30 am
Chiraq?

Comment by Cabildero Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:30 am
My vote is to add the following to the banned word list:
Goof. Goofball. Blather. Stupid. Idiot. Idiotic. Bot. Fool. Tool. Pawn. Useless. Liar. Prevaricator. Hater. Hope this doesn’t get me banned.

Comment by Bored Chairman Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:30 am
How about obvious derivatives of names designed to demean another poster? I’ve personally always found these to be amateurish and offensive.

Comment by Stones Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:33 am
So no more cathartic releases into the privy of comments….

Comment by Ghost Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:34 am
If we ban snark, I’m starting my own blog.

Comment by Soccermom Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:35 am
===Why not just warn/ban offending people, and let the words be words? ===

Because I have a main gig, too, so I can’t monitor this site 24/7.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:35 am
I typically ignore comments that include the phrase “Democrats (or MJM) got us into this mess”.

Comment by Casual Observer Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:35 am
Rich,
As a frequent reader of Capitol Fax who makes occasional posts here, I appreciate your goal of having intelligent and civil discussions/debates here.

While I don’t have any words to suggest for the banned list, I do hope intelligent sarcasm doesn’t get banned (I’m looking at MrJM). I enjoy that even though I don’t attempt that approach.

Thank you for what you do here.

Comment by Concerned Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:37 am
I know that no civil discussion can happen in the comments section, and therefore I suggest that more articles be closed to comments.

Comment by nobiggie Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:37 am
“corrupt” without supporting evidence.

Comment by Wordslinger Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:37 am
Egads, did my request for an IPI exception get zapped? Yikes.

Comment by Norseman Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:38 am
@Bored Chairman

No way the word ‘blather’ should be banned! It has it’s uses to describe some pretty typical politician banter.

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:38 am
Great move! You can have civil discourse without being insulting.

Comment by New Kid on the Block Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:38 am
Soccermom - If this site bans snark, I’ll be more depressed and less informed about Illinois politics. Plus I’ll have to increase the amount I spend on Goose Island.

Comment by AC Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:38 am
May is the season for high blood pressure and spouts of anger… Rich, you may be asking a lot of spectators and commentators viewing what passes as governing in Illinois State Government.

Comment by Capitol View Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:41 am
I don’t have specific words, but would discourage comments referring to someone’s intelligence or mental health. This comes from my perspective as someone who has known (and is related to) a great many people with cognitive disabilities. I would not want any of the people I know to feel that either they or their opinions are not welcome and valued.

http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=32276

Comment by Earnest Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:42 am
47th has it.

No need to have an extensive list provided we avoid “gratuitous insults” (see Rich’s rules below), and ad hominem attacks, including to fellow commenters. It’s the fact or idea that may be in question, not the person.

Comment by walker Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:42 am
Wow that was a huge waste of about 5 minutes we can never get back….as long as mope and whack job are o.k. we have not been deprived of 1st amendment right…maybe our 2A rights too.
How about a review of Bruce the Buyer and what shoe drops next?

Comment by Anonin' Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:43 am
====Because I have a main gig, too, so I can’t monitor this site 24/7.====

Ah, it’s an automatic type of deal. gotcha

Comment by Johnny Pyle Driver Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:43 am
Do you mean ban the word snark; or ban snarky comments…. Afterall you could come up with a new word for snark… Such as using the phrase this is illinois…. Since we dont have blood diamonds all we have her to mine and sell is snark after all….

Comment by Ghost Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:43 am
Name calling should be banned.

Thanks for keeping our blog posts appropriate for family viewing.

Comment by Enviro Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:45 am
I’m frankly having mixed feelings about this. On the one hand I feel it’s super important for people to have a safe place to engage in unbelievably important political dialogue. On the other hand I really want people like Diana Sroka Rickert to be exposed to myriad forms of shaming phrases and words. I mean really want it. I fear poor OW will be banished and I look forward to his comments every day. Sure, he can be cruel but wisdom and truth can be that way.

Comment by Honeybear Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:47 am
===If this site bans snark===

I love snark.

There will never be a ban on snark.

However, some of y’all need to realize you’re not that good at it or that others don’t get it, so you may need to label your comments accordingly.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:49 am
Honeybear, because of her I half-jokingly asked for an IPI exception and got zapped.

Comment by Norseman Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:49 am
I couldn’t agree more. Keep up the good work.

Comment by The Colossus of Roads Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:49 am
=== I fear poor OW will be banished ===

OW ain’t going anywhere.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:49 am
I would suggest banning derogatory nicknames for elected officials, both current and past. Whether you support them or oppose them, agree with them or disagree with them, they are elected an should be accorded some measure of respect. Personally, I believe it elevates the merits of your argument if you don’t call them nicknames.

Comment by Long Time Listener Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:51 am
OW has diplomatic immunity. No one apologizes quicker than he does for running afoul of the blog. Besides, he’s here by court order.

Comment by A guy Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:52 am
“parasite” is a fine word, when used properly, and nearly any framing of a political debate that takes us out of our standard political frame of reference and places us into an ecological one should be fine.

For example, if someone accuses unions of being parasites, I’d simply retort I’d rather give a blood donation to a mosquito than a hyena.

We ought to just drop all of the personal attacks, period. Attack the argument, not the arguer.

Comment by Juvenal Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:52 am
Rich you could add a snark flag to posts….. Something pretty with a red background…..

Comment by Ghost Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:57 am
Norseman, i agree wholeheartedly.

Comment by Soccermom Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 11:59 am
“Billionaire” when used as an adjective.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 12:03 pm
Sorry … I wasn’t trying to be difficult or inappropriate. Was honestly trying to bring a little humor (obviously unsuccessfully).

On a serious note … I agree with banning things such as parasite (I might add “leach”) and psycho (or other similar words that make light of mental health issues and are meant in a derogatory way).

Comment by YNM Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 12:03 pm
Where does “Baron Von Carhartt” fall in this discussion? Because i love that moniker.

Comment by MotherJones Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 12:04 pm
I was deleted for an ignorant retort to a drive by poster while back. I am way too old not to have known better. Thanks Rich

I agree with soccermom. Snark can sometimes add humor to situations. I would miss it.

Comment by Minnow Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 12:05 pm
I think nicknames and descriptives are ok if they’re are not vulgar or inappropriate. They’re often used as snark.

Comment by Wensicia Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 12:07 pm
I would suggest

Raunerbot

Comment by OneMan Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 12:08 pm
===OW ain’t going anywhere.===

Sam/Frank. Explains it all.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 12:10 pm
Oops, “they’re not”. I’m glad we’re not deleted for poor grammar.

Comment by Wensicia Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 12:11 pm
==If we ban snark, I’m starting my own blog.==
I’d follow soccermom anywhere.
To the post, I’m glad you stepped in Rich but sorry you had to do so. For me, this is the last bastion of intelligent, civil discourse….I haven’t lived in IL for over four years and still can’t stay away. I hope it remains

Comment by Vote Quimby! Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 12:11 pm
Parents basement is thoughtless

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 12:13 pm
Also some sort of switch that could be flipped (perhaps by some of us who have been around a long time ) that would require someone to watch an Oscar video before posting a comment.

Comment by OneMan Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 12:14 pm
Here’s two;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_Kh7nLplWo

Comment by Empty Suit Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 12:14 pm
Good for you!

When I first started coming to this blog, I was impressed by how generally civil it was. But I have noticed a tendency lately for things to get heated.

It’s possible to disagree with someone - even vehemently - without personal attacks.

So thanks for this.

Comment by JoanP Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 12:15 pm
Thug.

Comment by Precinct Captain Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 12:15 pm
jeebus, at this point, Rich would need as many interns as Rutherford to patrol all the suggested words/phrases and assess the nuance of each.

I do, however, support the banning of all constructs of ‘-tard’, and would note that Rich seems to have a *very* good handle on those who are actually trolling, so there is less need to call it out than in many other forums, thus think that ‘troll’ has very circumscribed effect here.

Comment by Chris Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 12:18 pm
Ban “Slip ‘n’ Sue.”

Comment by Earl of Sandwich Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 12:19 pm
It’s getting heated because people are concerned about the way things are going. It’s not hippity hop to the barbershop anymore, if it ever was.

Comment by Earl of Sandwich Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 12:23 pm
Thanks for posting this.

I’m one of the people who was driven away by some of the personal stuff (rarely directed at me, but I just didn’t want to read through it).

My suggestion would be “Democrat Party.” It is one of those cable news phrases intended as an insult but that really just reflects on the lack of creativity of the writer.

And not to digress but as others have alluded to, when you ban certain words, you really do force people to be more interesting and creative. There are ways to make a point without calling people any of words in question.

Comment by Gooner Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 12:32 pm
A preview function would allow for thoughtful reconsideration and better spelling.

Comment by Bill White Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 12:32 pm
I love it… Headline reads….
Rich Miller’s Capitol Fax teaching ppl how to be kinder more gentler human beings!

Comment by Calling u out Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 12:33 pm
I love you guys. This is going to make me smile for a couple of hours!

Comment by Kerfuffle Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 12:35 pm
Attacking people who otherwise agree with you but don’t believe in man made global warming.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 12:36 pm
By the way, as bad as it has been, it still is far better than when conceal carry was pending.

That brought in a whole bunch of angry new people and it also brought out the worst in a lot of people.

Comment by Gooner Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 12:37 pm
I’ll suggest RECALL. Recall is not a realistic action in Illinois. In addition, recall should only be used for Blago-like corruption. Many people who are unhappy with someone will through out this useless term rather than offering serious discussion.

Comment by Norseman Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 12:39 pm
It saddens me that comments here need to be actively policed, and that without it would devolve into what you see in the comments section of nearly every major newspaper. While it keeps me coming back, it doesn’t necessarily increase my faith in humanity. Considering the unique insights that Rich offers, along with commenters here, and you realize how this is truly a one of a kind place.

Comment by AC Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 12:49 pm
Good idea. The internet and Twitter and newspaper comment sections depress me by illustrating how ignorant and mean-spirited are too many people. Don’t ban certain words no matter what the context (I just used the word ‘ignorant’ as a valid adjective). But some words - like ‘troll’ and ‘goofball’ and anything Nazi-related - have no redeeming uses whatever.

Comment by Formerpol Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 12:49 pm
Can you ban any word using the last four letters “t-a-r-d” as a means of demeaning someone’s mental faculties? It contributes nothing to any kind of dialogue and is never, ever, funny.

Comment by The Muse Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 12:50 pm
A move long overdue. Kudos, Rich.

Comment by Arizona Bob Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 12:51 pm
Can you hold off on the “Psycho” ban a little longer? The new “Psycho Governor” Talkingheads mash-up enhancement I’m working on doesn’t work if I can’t have everyone yelling out “Psycho Governor, Qu’est-ce que c’est
Fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-far better!”

Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 12:54 pm
I think the policing of comments is what keeps this site both informative and entertaining. Without Rich’s structure, and dedication to preserving it, the comment environment would degrade very quickly and this site would lose the impact and influence he has nurtured. Job well done and cudos for exercising your editorial privilege.

(I have been edited and it surely put me on pause to think! Sometimes my metaphors and humor are a little too direct and they don’t make it to prime time.)

To contribute to the discussion of what should be edited and banned, I would like to see a zero tolerance for bullying language. It’s just un-American to attack the person with hate-filled words. A few months ago I was severely and personally attacked by a regular. It was so virulent that I was thankful I had chosen to use a nickname. And, the whole thing was brought on by just thinking differently about an issue.

Thank you, and thanks for the great info and the great snark!

Comment by cdog Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 12:55 pm
I love the snark, and the spirited debate.
I hate the personal attacks.

Congrats on the new policy.

Comment by titan Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 12:55 pm
== It saddens me that comments here need to be actively policed ==

Unfortunately, that is a fact of life on any open blog or message board. I admin a message posting site that used to be open and ended up with a “banned words” list longer than my arm. Even with that, it still took a lot of my time. Finally had to made it a “closed” site in the sense you had to be logged in first before you could comment. So I completely understand where Rich is coming from.

I know I’ve inadvertently had a post caught by Rich’s filters now and then. When that has happened, I’ve just shrugged my shoulders and re-phrased it. Like most of us long-timers here, I try to avoid that but occasionally one slips through.

BTW: I always have a thesaurus on my desk; don’t always use it but it is there.

Rich, one additional “banned” suggestion that I haven’t seen made yet - dupe.

Comment by RNUG Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 12:59 pm
Longtime listener, first time caller.

Sorry that you had to go this route, Rich, but it was getting a little heated around here. I love OW’s posts, but the word “d*#e was starting to get old. Otherwise, OW, keep up the good work!

And, please tell me that “Raunerbot” is not banned……

Comment by L.A. Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 1:01 pm
Optics–way overused here

Comment by George Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 1:04 pm
a good portion of the users on reddit have started using an /s tag on comments meant to be sarcastic in nature. may be a good thing to try out here.

Comment by Anon Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 1:05 pm
Well, I been policed many times and I apologize for those whom may have seen my inappropriate posts.
Im for banning any mention of the IPI.

Comment by BlameBruceRauner Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 1:10 pm
I have not posted here before, Rich, but I do applaud your good-faith efforts to encourage intelligent dialogue. To that end, I offer a few catchphrases to employ when your sense of civility is tested: . . “Why, (Name of Offender), that is very thought-provoking. Wink.” Or . . “You make quite a point. I’m sure you must have thought about it for quite awhile.” Or simply, “Well, (Name), you certainly have given us something to think about.”

Comment by PrairieLogic Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 1:18 pm
I suggest that invoking Godwin’s Law should be banned. There is no one in Illinois government or politics that should even be mentioned in the same sphere as Hitler. Doing so only makes the person making the comment look foolish, and trivializes the atrocities of Hitler and Nazi Germany.

Comment by Old Shepherd Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 1:18 pm
Wingnut.

Comment by Confused Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 1:18 pm
Ban the word “Anonymous”
It’s frustrating/difficult when multiple posters use same handle.

Comment by zonz Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 1:27 pm
I never read the comments on other sites, but I often do here. That is a great credit to Rich and his readers. One quibble with the suggestions: While “psycho” as a standalone word is a good candidate, I do hope that won’t ban discussion on psychological services, psychotropic drugs, etc. I’m not sure how often those come up here, but they are relevant to state government.

Comment by Mildly Amused Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 1:33 pm
(It may already be banned, but) the word “Obama” and its derivations are almost never employed on this site in a manner that is relevant or constructive.

– MrJM

Comment by MrJM Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 1:37 pm
Raunervich

Comment by Demoralized Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 1:39 pm
I disagree with banning of parasite, too many legitimate and descriptive uses.
Like: Part of the problem facing Chicago schools is the parastic effect that surrounding communities have on the available resources, such as property taxes.
Or: This proposal would be a parasite because it would simply pull funding from the programs it aims to help.

Just two made up out-of-context examples.

Comment by mcb Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 1:45 pm
mcb, I think you just made the case for banning the word.

lol

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 1:46 pm
Are we still free to criticize elected officials as opposed to calling other commenters names?

Public figures can be treated differently under the rules concerning defamation according to the SCOTUS. Private citizens have more rights. Politicians chose to be in public life, so criticism goes with the territory.

Comment by Under Further Review Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 1:50 pm
Thank you, Rich. I continue to enjoy your blog, posting occasionally, and the personal attacks recently have been tiresome.

I too vote “psycho” and anything with “tard” and “parasite” be added to the list.

I’d vote against things like “Detroit” and “corrupt” and “recall” being added to the banned list.

I see a big difference between arguments that are easily defeated/ignored and name calling.

Comment by Robert the Bruce Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 1:56 pm
“low-information voter” isn’t ban-worthy, but it certainly needs to be discouraged.

Comment by Skeptic Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 2:00 pm
Rich, I second the nomination for “Democrat Party”. If people don’t know the proper name of one of the two major parties, they have no business posting on here.

Comment by Nick Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 2:05 pm
I somewhat disagree with the word “corrupt” depending on the context used. If someone hasn’t been convicted then then I agree the word is inappropriate. If we are talking about our two previous Governors who were convicted and did time then I think it’s totally appropriate.

Comment by Stones Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 2:06 pm
I nominate “bureaucrat” and “bureaucracy”. It is almost always used as a pejorative against hard workin’ people by people in the same role but do not realize the fact.

Comment by JS Mill Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 2:09 pm
I cannot think of many reasons to ban free speech but since you are not the government and this is your playground, I will abide by your rules or play elsewhere.(no enmity intended, whatsoever)

Comment by Slippin' Jimmy Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 2:09 pm
To everyone, but RNUG in particular:
Doing what I do, one of the most useful sites on the web is www.thesaurus.com

Comment by The Historian Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 2:13 pm
Have a tendency to use ’st*pid’ in regards to laws/potential legislation - guess I’ll have to change to “poorly though out”; “extremely poorly thought out”; “EXTREMELY poorly thought out”, etc.

Oh, well. I’ll make it work…

Can I still use “Technophobe” when referencing legislators?

Comment by Judgment Day (on the road) Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 2:13 pm
Thank you. When used sparingly, like tabasco sauce, snark can be funny. When used like ketchup, it’s overdone.

Comment by Bogey Golfer Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 2:16 pm
“bureaucracy” is also a process. Kind of tough to ban a ‘process’.

Just a thought….

Comment by Judgment Day (on the road) Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 2:16 pm
Nicely stated, good sir!

Comment by Big Mike Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 2:21 pm
What about “Cubs”?

Comment by Big Mike Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 2:22 pm
Not surprising that this comes up right after the pension decision. An unprecedented amount of name-calling and rhetoric has surrounded the issue all along. The “fire all the workers” yesterday just being one example. Personally, I would like to ban the use of the phrase “pension reform.” And any reference to lobby groups funded by wealthy donors as “watchdog” organizations. I find the manipulative use of those misleading titles far more pernicious than calling someone a moron or a dope.

Comment by anon Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 2:25 pm
Let’s make like Florida and ban the words “Climate Change” / snark

Comment by Biker Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 2:27 pm
I’ve often seen comments removed for disagreeing with opinions and posting facts/supporting links. I understand it’s a private space but I wish there was some way to guess what would be acceptable.

Can I just assume that supporting Rauner or IPI policies means a comment won’t make the cut?

Comment by Political Animal Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 2:33 pm
I don’t spend the kind of time on here that you pros do, but it’s a great source of information and I enjoy it. The atmosphere has been getting overheated, polarized and nasty lately in a way not even seen at the depths of the he-who-shall-not-be-named debacle. And the usefulness of reading the comments has gone down as a result. Maybe that’s a reflection of the (your banned words here) environment we have in state politics at the moment, but time to settle it down. When snark is outlawed, we’ll learn to use boojims.

Comment by Excesseively Rabid Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 2:35 pm
And Rich, just to clarify, you’re not going to make us all hold hands and sing Kumbaya at the end of the day, correct?

Comment by LaughingJane Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 2:39 pm
I’ve often seen comments removed for disagreeing with opinions and posting facts/supporting links.

If true, you consult an optometrist or a psychiatrist.

– MrJM

Comment by MrJM Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 2:43 pm
To the extent some of this is coming from public sector workers/retirees, there has been a huge period of stress and anxiety waiting for the court to rule. We need to release some of that tension by lashing back at those who so persistently have attacked us. Chalk it up to post traumatic stress and hope that it too will soon pass.

Comment by anon Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 2:50 pm
Excessively Rabid- did you mean “boojum” instead?

The Hunting of the Snark by Lewis Carroll-

last line

For the Snark *was* a Boojum, you see.

http://literature.org/authors/carroll-lewis/the-hunting-of-the-snark/chapter-08.html

Comment by Anon221 Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 2:52 pm
“another victim heard from” The phrase is dismissive, arrogant and lazy and is a poor substitute for actual discourse. It’s intent is to provoke instead of enlighten.

Comment by That Guy Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 3:25 pm
Rich - I’m glad you’re banning the name calling. It doesn’t add to the debate. Anyhow, here are the top three words that you should ban if you want to increase civility on your blog:

1. Rauner

2. Trial lawyers

3. Illinois State Medical Insurance

Comment by ChiTownSeven Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 3:26 pm
I yield to no one in my, um, pronounced distaste for the IPI. But if you want to insult Diana Sroka Rickert, feel free to send her an email — you know, with your name in the “from” line.

Comment by Soccermom Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 3:28 pm
Political Animal: Please keep reading and commenting. Many comments supporting Rauner and IPI positions have been seen here. I have written some of them. It’s not about the subject, but the tone of the message. This is about what Rich has outlined in red below.

Comment by walker Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 3:30 pm
===“another victim heard from” The phrase is dismissive, arrogant and lazy and is a poor substitute for actual discourse===

It stays. The truth is there are people who actively seek to be “victimized.” It’s tiresome.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 3:33 pm
“Self-weeding.”

Whenever I try this I just wind up overeating and watching cartoons.

I think a good thing to do is what Rich has been recommending all along: Take a deep breath. Stop and think about what we’re about to say. Maybe then we can find appropriate ways to express negative thoughts in snarky and creative ways. We can try to channel our very strong negative emotions into creative and acceptable expression.

Comment by Grandson of Man Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 3:33 pm
“Oscar the Puppy”

Comment by Michelle Flaherty Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 3:34 pm
Rule of Thumb: If you’re not MrJM, Michelle Flaherty, or Wordslinger — masters all — please label your irony.

I was funny here once. /s

Comment by walker Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 3:38 pm
Please please can I continue to poke fun at the Godhead for the BRU-CREW?
…………………..
MAY 12, 2015, 3:46 PM EDT
Brownback Has “Lots of Ideas” But No Specifics On Closing Budget Gap http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/sam-brownback-budget-gap-nope

Comment by zonz Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 3:40 pm
Well, I see I got deleted, which didn’t surprise me; but Rich read it, and the message really was to him anyway…

Comment by downstate commissioner Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 4:21 pm
political animal, no unless you are blank

Comment by steve schnorf Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 4:47 pm
I would like to change my nickname to “keg’s kid” in honor of my father who was a WW2 conscientious objector because of religious reasons but, nevertheless, became a purple heart recipient.
I do not have a single word to add to your banned list, but would like to encourage objectivity.

Comment by persecuted Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 6:26 pm
While I like Baron Von Carhartt and King Bruce, I find the words “Brucie” or “Brucey” demeaning.

Comment by Streator Curmudgeon Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 6:41 pm
Based on this thread, can we can an updated list?

Comment by Gooner Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 6:58 pm
I’m sorry but being a fan of George Carlin all this is enough to at least raise my eyebrows. Having said that and being one who has more than once been deleted without comment, Rich does keep this thing within bounds. Even though there are more than a few commenters who have no more business posting than I do, I learn a lot by reading.

Comment by Bemused Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 7:00 pm
Also, can Amalia, Walker and I get an exception for use of those words if we hijack any threads to discuss the Premier League? I don’t know if I’m capable of discussing Tottenham without use of those terms.

Comment by Gooner Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 7:00 pm
I don’t ever say much negative on comments but the “ing” thing does get on my nerves. I think any person who went to college and graduated should atleast have learned to speak proper english. Someone needs to have a talk with the Gov. It’s embarrassing.

Comment by bird Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 7:05 pm
Chicago’s debt was downgraded to junk status today. Better not ban the “D” word. We may be needing it.

Comment by Catrike Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 7:48 pm
Catrike, you confuse the fiscal mismanagement of government with overall economic decline.

Orange County, CA, one of the wealthiest areas in the country, went bankrupt.

Does Newport Beach remind you of Detroit? Disneyland, maybe?

Comment by Wordslinger Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 7:59 pm
Bemused, I was deleted earlier on this very thread, but I don’t think that Rich deleted me because I said: “I don’t like censorship.” But like you, I learn a lot from this blog; if I felt he is completely wrong in deleting me, I can either not read it or read it and keep my mouth shut…

Comment by downstate commissioner Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 9:08 pm
The recent support for Detroit being kept makes me want to plead for it’s banning. It’s a crutch for people who can’t think their way through the state/city finance issues.

Comment by Norseman Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 9:30 pm
The Raunerbot - Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 9:09 pm post is loaded with things to ban.

Comment by Norseman Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 9:46 pm
are you banning nut or nuts too?

Comment by Challengerrt Wednesday, May 13, 15 @ 7:55 am
Gooner - I was thinking the same thing about Arsenal…. We’ll be fine as long as he doesn’t ban “boring”.

Comment by ChelseaBlue Wednesday, May 13, 15 @ 11:18 am