@EvanAnderson And how sad is that? :D

I probably qualify as a "regular." ;) I've been trying to hook my techhie friends on the site, but perhaps my explanations are lacking because so far I only have the one hanging out. My favorite reaction to date was, "Oh! I get it! Server Fault is an ONLINE GAME!" I told him yes, one based on Cory Doctorow's Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom. ;) (craphound.com/down/?page_id=1625) Anyway. I find the site equal measures of educational and fun, and highlighting both can only help, right?

I don't think anyone wants to hold us to preschool standards. :) Honestly, I came into this meta thread because I felt I was getting mixed signals about what type of language was appropriate. I don't really feel enlightened beyond "use your best judgment and the community will decide."

I really do understand the point you're trying to make, @HopelessN00b. You're making an argument to culture and community standards, while I'm making an argument to inclusiveness and standards of public discourse. I think the point where we're diverging is partially the nature of SF itself: public or private. Are we assuming everyone reading us is one of us? and what does the phrase "one of us" entail?

:( It's a good answer, @HopelessN00b, with or without the language. That was never in question.

"technical peers, who, let's not forget, have a well-earned reputation for being insensitive and using sharp language." I personally grew up on military bases and am comfortable with profanity. Not everyone is. For example, I had a mentee/employee who was a Christian and very uncomfortable with that kind of language. He never said anything, but the few times I slipped his wince always made me sorry I had. Similarly, many women are less comfortable with that language than I am. Do we want all new colleagues to look and sound exactly like us, or do we want to welcome everyone who's skilled?

I did flag it. It was memorable. :)