Censor: to examine (as a publication or film) in order to suppress or delete any contents considered objectionable (from Dictionary.com). I had a few people tell me that only the government can censor things, but that’s not what I read. I am a censor who performs censorship, usually on my own writings, but occasionally on others’ work. I did change a few things in this particular article, but not that much.
When I got the first draft of this and read it, I got the following: - Practice for your interviews, preferably out loud, to prepare yourself for a smooth delivery. (I agree) - Don’t mention your religious beliefs. (I agree) - Play follow the leader with regards to profanity. (I disagree)While I thought it was a bit of a rant, it wasn’t offensive to me, or too far off topic for me. I have had lots of people ask me how I handle interviews, and specifically if I ever curse. I won’t deny that I ever have, though to my current recollection I haven’t. Those who have worked with my know that I am prone to dropping a few four letter bombs at times, but definitely I am careful who and where I am, and rarely curse in front of women unless I know them well. That’s usually because women tend to be more offended, in my experience.
Tolerant - Inclined to tolerate the beliefs, practices, or traits of others; forbearing. See Synonyms at broad-minded. (again, dictionary.com). It seems most of the more vocal complaints I’ve read focused on the religion and cursing aspects of the article. There also have been complaints as to the “gay” reference, which I will apologize for. I missed that in my editing. I’ve even had a couple people ask that their accounts be deleted, which I did. Or rather deactivate them since removal would seriously mess up the forums. To me that shows a real lack of tolerance.
I’m not the final word on anything, except perhaps to my kids. And even then there’s someone nearby that has veto power . I don’t write my opinions here or in articles and expect that anyone would take it as “fact” or “expert advice” without reading the commentaries about the articles. That’s what the forums are for. Mr. McCown ranted a bit, and offended a few of you. I apologize for that and if you feel strongly, let me know. I read the forums, lots of them, and I will take the community’s opinion into account. The definition of offensive is not mine to make here, but everyone’s, and not everyone was offended.
I’d ask that you show a little tolerance for the opinions of others. Mr. McCown stands behind his remarks and they are public record, as are those remarks made by many of you that have been linked to the article. And I’ll be a little more careful about the rants that we publish. I’ll leave you with this quote from my wife, which we apply to many situations that we do not agree with.
It takes all kinds.
Steve Jones
Hi Steve,
I think the following text from Sean's article on SSC should have been edited:
You're there to sell yourself, so keep the 'God bless you' and the 'Go with God', and the 'I'll pray for you' crap at home.
Religious expression is not appropriate in a job interview. The demeaning of religious expression is not appropriate for a SQL Server web site.
Thank you very much.
Respectfully,
Chuck Boyce
chuck_boyce@sqlpass.org
http://chuckboyce.blogspot.com
I was going to post a long-ish reply but the site timed-out losing me all of my typing!
In short, gay has three meanings:
1 - gay n. happy, cheerful, "The holiday made us all feel gay and relaxed."
2 - gay n./adj. of or pertaining to homosexuals (often male), "He was so gay his hips sashayed as he minced up the street."
3 - gay vulg. adj. rubbish, pants, crap, an object of ridicule, "wearing big hooped earrings is so gay."
Gay (3) I have encountered most often in British school playgrounds. It should be noted that gay (1) gay (2) boys aren't necessarily gay (3) - they can be quite cool.
The point is, people who choose to be offended are choosing to use the definition which they find offensive - Christians included.
David
I have to say that I agree with the use of "crap" in the article. The word "stuff" could just have easily been used and wouldn't have detracted from the author's meaning, nor would it have offended as many people. I only say "as many" because people would have found a way to be offended no matter what. I had actually refrained from posting in the original thread because I agree that it was taken way too far, but this was just my two cents.
The "gay" comment probably would've offended me a few years ago, but as it is, it just surprised me that that language was used in a professional article.
It made for some interesting reading in that thread, though! I'll give it that!
I thought Sean's article was fine and I made it a point to subscribe to both of his blogs after reading it; however, some things may have been misstated and, as a result, misunderstood. Upon re-reading the article I see how some people might have taken offense. My recommendation to anyone writing articles for SQL Server Central is to use proper grammar. When I write a paper for work or school I try to get it done a few days ahead of time and then I proof read it right before it is due. By stepping away from it for a while I can read it later with a less biased viewpoint. While Sean's article may have sounded the way he intended as he was writing/reading to himself, we do not get the intonations and such that he may have assumed. The best way to present an idea in print is to use proper grammar; despite the fact that the English language and its associated grammar rules are convoluted they still provide a framework for common understanding and should be respected as such. Conversational writing is fine in the discussion board but articles need to be a little more polished.
From a technical standpoint, Microsoft Word (and I am sure many other word processors) has a nice grammar and spelling checker built in. While SSC does not accept submissions in Word format, authors can still use it to write an article and then cut & paste the text into an HTML editor and add the appropriate markup.
This is as much as a "The Rape of the Lock" situation, as it is anything. A good deal of the 'common scold' like activities was done by a few imaginary people as well, i think.
While Steve is supposed to fix all the wrongs in the world, can you make sure everone spells "colour" correctly, and it's "anyway" not "anyways", if at all. Further, "At any rate", Shushy you should know better.
Also, my Cd's skip sometimes and Outlook freezes, plus my hamburgers I order have sometiems come with onions on them, I do not like onions.
Nor green eggs with ham, Sam I am.
"I do not like them in a house.I do not like them with a mouse.I do not like them here or there.I do not like them anywhere."
One has to sign up to be a member of this forum, there are disclaimers. Could be expanded to include the following warning:
"Stupid things might be said by other people and possibly yourself. Try to have fun and keep your stick on the ice."
