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New profanity filter, Relaxed age for adult, Required age consistency

Many have been frustrated by the new policies that allow swearing at allpoetry. In an ideal world, you'd be able to choose what kind of content you receive, so
Many have been frustrated by the new policies that allow swearing at allpoetry.  In an ideal world, you'd be able to choose what kind of content you receive, so that you aren't offended over-often.  Our new policies do just that - help you choose the content you want to see.

Profanity Filter



There is a new option on the 'display settings' page to 'hide profanity throughout the site'.  This will (currently) replace any swear words in our filter with the word 'bunny'.  This word was chosen for it's comic nature, and really spruces up some of the dirtier poems on the site.  We are considering choosing a different word at some point due to the misinterpretation of poems really about bunnies, but are trying this for now.

Age requirements for Adult Poems



Some of our teenage poets have taken to lying on their author pages in order to be able to view adult poetry.  We've decided that having people be honest about their ages is important, for the obvious reason especially of inviting flirting with inappropriate ages.

The age requirement to view 'adult' poetry has been lowered to 15.  New users between 15 and 17 automatically have their display settings set to 'hide adult' poetry, as well as 'hide profanity throughout the site'.

Consistent Ages


Poets are now asked to keep their ages set to their 'real' age.  Moderators finding obvious evidence to the contrary will ask you to update your profile. If you fail to cooperate, you may be warned and eventually banned.


Thanks for everyone's input with regard to the recent polls on swearing and adult content.  We are using the information to help provide the best community possible.  We are continuing to do research on the data, and as always, look forward to constantly improving the site.  Thanks for hanging in there, and thanks for being an Allpoetry poet!

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  • thegirlsafaultline.
    March 31
    Edit | Reply
    Hehehe;
    It amuses me how many people my age get so worked up over this.


  • BeautifulSecret
    March 28
    Edit | Reply
    I do not want anyone under 18 reading my erotica poetry...So I disagree with this. I think if they are caught lying about their age they should be banned from the site. Yes I am aware that it means they will only just make another profile but I still don't like it. In the real world if you are caught lying about your age in a bar or any other environment you get banned and even charged, so maybe we need to bring that into consideration. I think there should be an option to block anyone under 18 from reading it. I feel strongly only because I know children who are 16 and 17 and I am NOT comfortable with them reading my erotic pieces. And just because kids and teens can have babies doesn't mean they should be having babies (that was to the previous comments). Now I shall be hated by teens! lol


  • Nikki Rowles
    March 1
    Edit | Reply
    Okay I now fall with in the age range but when I first joined the site last year I didn't...now...I've been sent my warning...and I'm fixing my age...but at the same time...you have to realize that things aren't as ideal as we would like Kevin, there are 14 year olds that have babies...for child abuse poems come on now...It's CHILD abuse...children are going to be the ones to write that...and yes this new filter may help stop ppl from lieing about their age but could just as easily cause people to stop lableing correctly...cause the reason that I changed mine was because I couldn't view my own work that I labled as Adult...I labeled it for the sake of others that don't want to read that sort of thing, but I would like to be able to read my own writing...anyway...I'm sorry but this is an American based site...I understand the not wanting people to lie about their age but I think that you really should let them deside what they are going to read...
    This is just my perspective...and it won't likely change anything but I feel better about having voiced it...hoping that some one will listen...Thanx for your time Kevin, and everyone else that reads this for that matter but anyway...
    *Blessed Be*
    Lauren


  • ForeverLastingComa
    April 8, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    i know this may sound repetitive but i find this to be really crappy also!!..i mean i am 14 and i wrote A LOT of dark poetry..poetry about abuse...and even erotica!!..so?..theres 14 yr olds these days having babies!!..dispite what you do allpoetry is just one website and it wouldnt make any difference on whether they read those type of poetry or not..i would like to host contests about child abuse and most people marks those as abuse which can not be viewed..i find that very crappy..because most of the people that goes through child abuse..IS CHILDREN!!..so why can't we read eachothers poems and benefit from eachother..we can relate and such..well I'm goin to be 15 this year..so thats cool but you know what i have plenty younger friends than me that do write also about even worse things than i do!!..its not going to make a difference..i'm offically deleting all my poetry and everything from my pg as soon as i host one more contest and give away all my points i only think its fear to not waste those points

  • chuchu11384
    March 23, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    I don't really like this because my little sister joined storywrite and then got bored with it so then I use her account. I do this because she also uses my e-mail adress and most times when I try to do another account with the same email it bans it. When I change my age to my real age it bans it. I really hate that.


  • CookieZeal Greeters member
    October 31, 2007
    Edit | Reply
    I for one, appreciate the warnings,filters,and limitations given for the sake of our dear young people. It's neat when an open community lends itself to freedom, but is not coherant to that which can frustrate authority and be insensitive to the world's most depreciate values! Thanks!


  • DeadlyTurnip
    October 15, 2007
    Edit | Reply
    I have changed my age from 12 (real age) to 18 multiple times. Twice, actually. I've gotten a warning both times. The reason I do this is because I like to host contests sometimes. Sadly, regardless of the -->NO EROTICA, ADULT, OR ABUSE<-- I seem to always get some poems that fall into the above categories. AP doesn't let me view these poems so I can DQ them and you can't end a contest without viewing every poem. I'd like some help with this before I get banned.


    • Barbara gold member
      October 19, 2007
      Edit | Reply
      Contact a moderator, telling them the title of the poem, and they wil remove it from the contest.


  • MissCassie
    December 10, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    I personally disagree wtih this. We should be allowed to veiw what we want dispite our age. What we veiw should be based on our maturity and as you cannot truly measure ones maturity I think that we should know how mature we are and what content we can handle.
    In putting these restrictions up I believe you are underestimating the 'children' adn teens here at allpoetry.
    I understand that many of us have made terrible choices. I myself have made some bad choices (none of the ones stated above though.) but I am trying to make up for them because I am mature enough that I know I f*ed up and I need to fix it.
    So basically I am against this new filter andbecause of it I must now go and edit about 70 of my f    *ing poems so that my friends who are not members of this site (and are thereofr placed as minors when they are not lgoged on or some crud) can veiw all of my poetry. If can change the poetry with excessive swearing to adult, but what point is that when my friends STILL cannot veiw it!? I think this is bullsh*t and you all know it.
    Yours Truly,
    And open-mouthed, as usual,
    Cassandra


  • Marissa Ann Scott
    December 9, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Good job on this guys !

    I noticed that the majority of people who have a problem with the rules are (big surprise) teenagers! I do not understand the "we should have a choice in this) excuse though, simply because minors are minors because decisions are made for them. Whether or not they want it so. I have read a lot of people's bios on this site, particularly the teenagers and many of them when given the choice have made wonderful choices including:
    - to use drugs (and get addicted) in spite of being given all the information against it and being allowed to make thier own decision.
    - to abuse alcohol.
    - To abuse thier sexuality (and then... laughably...get offended by thier friends or famiily when called sluts or other horrid names.

    It is true that they can step outside their homes and be bombarded by profanity, but that doesn't mean AP has to propogate this negative side to our world. I think these rules are great and I would not object to AP tightening them further simply because I have read some poems on this site that are so filled with profanity and so devoid of any other vocabulaic worth that it is sad that American (and world) teens are so limited in diction. Anyone on the street can use profanities... but it takes a true intellect, a true poet, to go beyond that and learn more ways of self expression. OF all the words in the dictionary, why fight for 4 or 5 when we can use others??? So by this rule, I think poets should challenge themselves to learn more expressions and techniques for self expression.

    I like the idea of concern for age appropriateness. I do not however like lowering of the age to 15. I know that I would remove my 15 year old from AP if I caught him or her indulging in poems with heavy sexual content and / or expletives. As a teacher I know that it is imperative that children read age appropriate literature. When they indulge in literature that isn't, it can be detrimental.

    I believe also, that those under 18 should not be allowed to run erotica contests either, which is sadly what I came across today while browsing contests.

    I do applaud your efforts and support AP's growing attempts to make the site a more pleasant place.

    gypsy.

    • Nikki Rowles
      March 1
      Edit | Reply
      Marissa,
      Okay...now look before I start I'm not trying to start a fight but at the same time I do have to say that I don't agree with half of what you say....Now part of me feels that you aren't going to listen...but at the same time...I feel that I have to say this..and yes I'm repeatative here but I'm not cussing either...But just like banning books from public places I believe that what a person reads and at what age should be decided by parents and children together based on that families values...and trust....

      and if the site believes that this isn't okay...then I think that they really should talk to the teenage users before banning all of us from something due to content...because despite the stereotype that is placed on us not all teenagers are naive...so the we are made minors because desicions are made for us....

      Also "- To abuse thier sexuality " I take personal offense to this (which in kind of ironic due to the fact that you're commenting on a column that is about the sites' attempts to reduce the offensive material found with in it) because of your wording...if you had said sexual freedom...it would have been another story...but because you said sexuality it was offending because a lot of the people that are called sluts, whores and the other names that you mentioned are heterosexual but using the wording that you did causes it to sound like only homosexuals are like that which isn't true...Yes in some cases it is in other cases its not...these people are the exeption not the rule

      and age appropriate really is a dependent wording...because differnet people have different views on this....especially coming from a teacher...because as a high school student I'm currently having to read Lord of the Flies...now no there isn't any american cussing or profanity in this book, but it doesn't take a genious to figure out British cussing, and also...they go totally savage and kill one another...some of the same things that cause poems to be labled as adult on here...

      Anyway...yes I can't say you're wrong because it is all a matter of opinion...but I just thought I would point out a few things...and mention that not all of use make those stupid decisions that you mentioned...(as a matter of fact just as many adults make them as do teens if not more) that it is a stereotype....Thank you for your time...and open mindedness I'm hoping...to my opinions even if you don't agree with them...as I gave you the same respect...

      *Blessed Be*
      Lauren


  • Noxie
    September 27, 2005
    Edit | Reply

    bunny >.<

    the whole bunny thing is hilarious. There was this poem that had bunny written in almost every line and at that time I didn't know about the profanity filter... I sort of went like "what the BUNNY..." because that was the first time I logged in in about two weeks... I kind of like the idea of replacing words with bunny ...it makes reading some poetry really amusing. About the age limit, well, I don't really have an opinion...


  • B Chandler
    August 26, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    in all utmost honesty i think by lowering the adult content age to 15 isnt all that great of an idea for the reason that child's parents/guardian might be looking at what they are or could be reading and in today's society net pervs are getting worser than pervs out on the streets...but this is just my opinion nothing more


  • Torn Pantyhose
    August 14, 2005
    Edit | Reply

    STUPID!

    Okay like no offense to anyone who agrees with these, but this is some PURE BULLSHIT, HOMIES!... people should be allowed to view all the poetry on this site if they wish to, because there's well-written poetry everywhere, and younger people might want to view poetry that might be considered a little risque. Just overall, this article/rules/whatever, is just pathetic.


  • BeautifulAngelicSin
    August 14, 2005
    Edit | Reply

    Totally does not make sense!

    This whole age thing does not make sense to me. If people under 15 wish to view 'adult content' should that truly not be OUR choice? i mean if we want to subject ourselves to it so be it, it should be our choice. On top of the the whole swearing thing all you have to do it uncheck a box. If we are able to see swears should we not have the choice of reading great poetry of all genres? I think so. I also totally agree with EVERY poet on here that thinks that these rules make no sense and should really be our choice.
    Edited on Aug 20, 4:34 p.m. because ''.

  • lag
    August 8, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    well part of the problem is that a few parents just let thier children loose on the web wothout going over rules and being aware of what they are seeing and doing but that is just me oh well I am an adult and can make a decision as to whether or not to read something good luck everyone

  • Ashlend
    June 25, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    I suggest that if there is any swearing it shoudl be put under adult...there should be pople on here going through the newly added whatevers and if there is profanity then mesage the person to tell them their entry catagory needs to be switched over to adult. If it isn't then there needs to be a way for the Mods to take it off the site from underaged eyes.
    It's not for their protection at all, it's for yours.


  • fae
    June 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Now the bunny references make sense. Ha! Good now I don't have to worry about offending anyone when I get PMS [chuckles]


  • the atlantic
    June 14, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    gross.

    bunny you all.

  • PostalService
    June 11, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    I don't like that filter at all... blah..


  • 5th position Gb
    June 9, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    I find the whole bunny thing hilarious. It's really interesting to read poems with the word 'bunny' in random places.


  • iamfromabove
    June 8, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    I have to say having this option is a great idea. There are those who do not like it and those that are ok with it and now they have a choice and im refering to the younger age groups not older. You are doing a great job here
    Mia

  • Jay Is Magic
    June 6, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    "If there was a ban on adult material for all and then it was lifted for 18"

    ?

    "it does not mean that they're less mature than all older people"

    I would never have said that. If anything I would have implied (which I don't believe that I did) that the younger generation would have less experience.

    And the only way that Kevin could have got clearer on "There is a new option on the 'display settings' page to 'hide profanity throughout the site'." would have been to appear to be patronizing. Which I went ahead and did for him.

  • pozo
    June 6, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Maybe if it was made clearer people would know.
    Besides, that is not a case of age it is a case of not being informed. If there was a ban on adult material for all and then it was lifted for 18, people would be confused without clear information.
    Besides, just because someone is younger, has their life ahead of them and doesn't yet have wrinkles (spots are another matter) it does not mean that they're less mature than all older people.

  • Jay Is Magic
    June 6, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    How are they suffering for being honest?! Children from the ages of 15 - 17 are able to see the 'offensive words', they just have to uncheck a single box to see it. And yet still over two weeks later we have these smart people (always the younger group) that still hasn't been able to figure out how to do this?
    Edited on Jun 06, 9:24 because 'forgot a still'.

  • pozo
    June 6, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    No, sometimes people are honest. Why suffer for being honest?
    Of course, some people are happy to carry on their fiction into their life. I presume you're more of an author [creating the fiction of your own life] than a poet?

  • vertigo beat
    June 5, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    hey, um just to let you know, i put the word prick in a poem of mine and it showed up as bunny, as far as i am aware it's not a curse word, so you might want to check this filter of yours, it might be blocking out the wrong words, well in my case it did...just a suggestion
    ~^~Pure~^~

  • Jay Is Magic
    June 5, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Kevin, if you've noticed... the people that make up the majority of those complaining about the filter are the 15 - 17 year olds that you so kindly allowed greater privledges. Perhaps as they are too stupid to read up on how to change their filters, they truly aren't bright enough to be reading such poetry.

  • pozo
    June 5, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    BTW, I'm 17 and just clicked 'adult' to find the same empty page that was there before the age changes.

  • pozo
    June 5, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    I think that's fantastic The age limit was set a bit high when the sex-age in the UK is 16, 18 seemed a little too cautious.
    This is great. It protects the real children of 5 and 6 who could have read the swearing before whilst also giving freedoms to people of 16 and 17 who should have the freedom to read what they want

  • AloneNLyfe
    June 4, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    I truthfully hate the filter thing we cant truely express out true selves with " bunny" taking place of our expressive words. How do we show our feelings, thoughts, emotions about things that happen in our life! This is ridulicus!!!!!!!!!


  • Violaceous Rainbow
    June 3, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    the "bunny" situation is a good-hearted try, but I think you should've WARNED everyone BETTER than what you did. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to be a jerk. I was just surprised when I looked at one of my and it said "I called you A *bunny* with my face flushed" that was weird. lol! I was like WTF!!! In a way it does suck, but I can understand. It can just throw people for a loop.!. I guess what I'm trying to say is, if it's not broke don't fix it. As far as I know we were all happy(except for a few people) but for some of us that don't abuse the situation....it kinda messed up our poetry. Well, I better stop writing before I take up half the page!!! lol!

    ~HeaTheR
    Edited on Jun 03, 10:47 p.m. because ''.


  • Crazi Beautyful
    May 30, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    hey kevin just wanted to say hey haha - um i understand the new policy and eveything but iwas surprised to find all the curse words placed with * bunny * haha - i think it takes away from the poem ..i mean i miss my poems how they were intended to be haha - -- > i was wondering if theres any way to fix this..some poets have tried to explain to me how i can change it but i just dont GET IT !!! haha

    well hope u have an awesome day take care

    -sarah-beth
    Edited on May 30, 1:09 p.m. because ''.


  • Zez
    May 30, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    good idea, glad to see this bunny of an issue still being tackled, and this seems like a logical step in the right direction. BRA bunny VOO!!!

  • broken godhead
    May 26, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    This is absolutely brilliant! I personally don't care at all if someone swears but I am extremely against any kind of censorship; as far as I'm concerned if you don't like something don't read it, but this gives people the opportunity to do so, without mass censorship without specific consent. Excellent idea. And who cares about the fools that think people should be forced to read their poetry even if it offends them. Thats tantamount to verbal rape anyway!

  • kikibaby
    May 25, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    I like the new rule! I think that it will help a lot with some of the poems out there. I dont mind some of the profanity but I had seen poems posted that are every other word. To me that is not good poetry but good ranting!


  • we are nowhere
    May 25, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    I hate this new rule it's stupid and curses help enhance the poems meaning. Please take note to what I said because I'm so mad right now it's not even funny. Replacing words in other peoples poetry is a violating of their poetry, and it is not origanal. it is like you writing half of the poem, and if I'm not mistaking you put coyrights on the bottom of each poem. You are breaking the law by "editing" poems.

  • Jebus
    May 24, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    why not kittens, they're cool!


  • ShadowStalker
    May 24, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    don't change the bunny word! i love rabbits...this is a wonderful idea because I'm 14 and this new filter thing should help alot!


  • LizardKing
    May 24, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    What words are replaced by "bunny" specifically? I want to know how my work is going to be "edited"


  • Mizzundaztood gold member
    May 24, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    I think the filter suck to tell you the truth... I think it just needs to be removed, if people arent mature enough to handle i tthey shouldn't be here...


  • May 24, 2005
    Edit | Reply

    bad

    umm...i have to disagree with the profanity filter thing...whats to stop me from saying fuck or shit? there isn't anything wrong and many teenagers swear to release stress and or unwanted feelings...the bunny thing...well it screws up their poetry for one thing.


  • kryspin
    May 24, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    way to go, you have a strong argument and a mature way of handling it in comparisson to many. no wonder I invited you to SPINDICATED. It'll help you learn!

  • AsYetFaithless
    May 23, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    I like this new policy; i think that cussing can degrade some stuff, and shoudln't be used too much (although I'm guilty of that), but sometimes, if it's used right, it sound sjust fine in a poem. One of my fave (out of my own) poems swear a lot(midnight dances), but I think it works for that poem. And I'm fifteen, but I can handle 'adult' stuff just fine. so yeah


  • joshuadobbs
    May 23, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    awesome.


  • deadcolor dreams
    May 22, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    I was wondering about the 'bunny' thing. I put a bad word in one of my poems and just didn't understand mhy, no matter how many times ?I retyped it-- is still said 'bunny'! LOL! I guess I need to pay attention!


  • glazecovered
    May 21, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Hey, Kevin, I tried out this new setting and it turned out that the if the title had profanity in it, it didn't change to the bunnies, but rather stayed the same. I'm wondering if it's something that you might want to fix, because I wanted to promote a poem with profanity in its name, but I don't want to if those who prefer not to see profanity will still see it in the featured box.
    ~Anastasia

  • Rainfire
    May 20, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    First, the profanity filter: I was going through the site the other day, reading random ppl's work and saw the word bunny repeatedly. I must say, I was UTTERLY confused. Now that I know what that was all about, though, I congratulate you on your use of the word.

    Second, the age limit: I've never seen any of the items under 'adult' as I am only 16, so I don't know what kind of content there is. I am glad that the limit has been lowered, though, because most teens 15 and up - and sometimes younger - have already been through alot of those 'adult' situations written about. Of course, I understand your concern about what us young ones see, but honestly, if we havn't seen it already(which is actually quite rare) we will pretty soon. I personally don't believe in censorship(partly because I have fallen victim to it on numerous occasions in school and church) and I don't believe we should be kept from viewing things that have been deemed innapropriate by others simply because it is offensive to them.

    Anyway, that was my reel, and I think I'm done now. Thank you again for clearing up that whole bunny thing.


  • Jaded Lily gold member
    May 20, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    I, too, think that 15 is entirely too young, but have come across many that lie openly about their age just so they can read the adult material or gain access to Erotica Groups. For those that are lying... I advise them to change their age before a Mod comes along. Just helping them out. I like the idea of a profanity filter. The other suggestion I saw and like is the separation of the CB and Who's Online. I would like to turn off the CB when things are just STUPID but still be able to see who is online. Just a suggestion.
    Thanks for trying!

    Lily ~*


  • My Nemesis
    May 19, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Well,I think 15 is too young - but then this is one of those areas that no matter what you do,someone is going to be unhappy with the decision. I appreciate that you are trying to find a way to keep the site relatively safe and at the same time give people the freedom to speak and write the way they want.

  • ConkersMinion9
    May 19, 2005
    Edit | Reply

    Had to reply lol

    Just because you can do something, does not mean you should.

    But we DO have the mind to make a decision. And we are GOING to use it. Ten years of constant decisions made by our parents gets boring to us. We need to decide for ourselves, to liberate ourselves. Its something that we need to do. And we need to experience. Or else we will grow up and never learn, and finally not knowing will bite us in the ass.

    Everyone has restrictions. Maturity is the acceptance of them.

    If you subtly implied that I am immature, then I would love to prove you wrong.
    1) I do not go out and get drunk. (even adults do this, yet I have the decency to realize how stupid it is to ruin your life drinking)
    2) I take my life very seriously. I know how easy it is to lose it.
    I could go on. But Im not going to. Im nice like that.

    And secondly, we do have restrictions. But have you seen the number of adults that drink and do things like that? If thats saying that adults are mature, then obviously you know nothing. maturity does NOT come with age. Get over that fact. It does, to the smallest extent, but you either have it or dont once TEN years hits. You can go through it later on too, but I know for a fact that I was fully matured by the age of thirteen. I still have fun, Im out almost every weekend at parties, trampolining, whatever I love to do. Volleyball too!

    And if you read most of the postings here, you would realize that the ones writing are the ones smoking weed, getting drunk and engaging in things even adults should avoid.

    And if you actually read them, you would realize how much they regret them. Maybe kids should be ALLOWED to see what problems other teens are having. It helps us AVOID them. Do not judge these people, and their writing, before you understand what they've gone through. All the cutters are depressed. Your son/daughter will understand that cutting is wrong after reading "the blade against my skin is orgasmic" or some stupid thing like that.
    Oh and something else, before putting us teens into one tiny little box of depression and rage, maybe you should read my poetry. And many others.

    I am not worried about writers. I am worried about kids. Fifteen gives you the right of an opinion, not the right of doing whatever you want.

    So surfing online and reading profanity is not making the right decision? If my own parents are able to trust me, I obviously have an aduly mind. Oh and by the way, these are people who mixed coke with water becuase they didnt want me to drink it, these are people who call me every ten minutes to check where I am to see if there is an accident, and these are also people who have jumped and shrieked when theyve seen the smallest scratch on my body.

    I wish kids today would understand that some adults just want them to have the opportunity to enjoy their childhood.

    And reading profanity would stop that? I personally find that reading problems other people have gone through help me stop from doing the same.

    You have to grow up fast enough. And the next fifty, sixty years is a long time to wish you had grasped every moment of those earlier years.

    I dont want to grow up. My life right now is as incredible as could be. I could ask for nothing more.


    And two points: if you are going to mention that kids today have it worse, or that there are bad things happening to kids, I personally know about the bad things. Personally. And I am one of those who wished I had spent more time growing up, rather than rushing to meet adulthood head on. You cannot relive it; it would be better to live it now.

    I completely agree with what you said. We do have it worse off, but thats no excuse for what we are talking about here. As for reliving it, I have no regrets till now.

    You can just accept that some adults do care, or trash it. That seems to be the way of things today.

    I never trash the facts that adults care. They care because they love. We know that as children, and though we dont show it, in some way, we care for you guys too. Its mutual, let me tell you. Dont take us for granted either, we need to grow up from NOW. The earlier we finds out about these things, the more we get used to them, and the more prone we are to avoid them. Believe me, I know from my sister. Obviously you grew up in differnet conditions. Probably why you are scared for your children.

    Im not gonna pretend like I know it all, cuz sorry I dont, but I said everything that was on my mind. Thanks for listening.


  • HomeGrown
    May 19, 2005
    Edit | Reply

    A+ for effort!

    Well, I think my views are well noted, but here goes anyway. I think the whole thing sucks. I don't like the filter. I think that if we are going to use a filter we should block adult content from anyone 17 and under completely. Period. Besides, thinking that someone will read my poems (the VERY few with foul language) and see how I am so mad I want to "bunny" someone up, well, I don't like words being put in my mouth. Just making a foul word "bunny" doesn't change the meaning, which most anyone who can write SHOULD be able to understand, which really is the root issue, is it not? Sorry, just a stickler for details. But I do applaud the effort that you are putting into this, kevin. I know what the site and the happiness of her guests means to you. Sorry that I don't agree with your methods, but that's part of what makes this site so great, isn't it?

    Just my two cents.

    HomeGrown


  • Elrenia
    May 19, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Just because you can do something, does not mean you should. Everyone has restrictions. Maturity is the acceptance of them. And if you read most of the postings here, you would realize that the ones writing are the ones smoking weed, getting drunk and engaging in things even adults should avoid. I am not worried about writers. I am worried about kids. Fifteen gives you the right of an opinion, not the right of doing whatever you want. I wish kids today would understand that some adults just want them to have the opportunity to enjoy their childhood. You have to grow up fast enough. And the next fifty, sixty years is a long time to wish you had grasped every moment of those earlier years. And two points: if you are going to mention that kids today have it worse, or that there are bad things happening to kids, I personally know about the bad things. Personally. And I am one of those who wished I had spent more time growing up, rather than rushing to meet adulthood head on. You cannot relive it; it would be better to live it now.

    You can just accept that some adults do care, or trash it. That seems to be the way of things today.

  • ConkersMinion9
    May 19, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Fifteen year old here

    Any fifteen year old who writes poetry is obviously able to make their own decisions
    Maybe you should worry about the teens who run around the block smoking weed and getting drunk
    You're worrying about writers?
    Please....

  • Elrenia
    May 19, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    I am not sure about the word "bunny", but I applaud the decision. I personally do not like the profanity. I have heard it described as a lack of creativity. You cannot find something to say of worth, so just use a crude and vulgar word. I would like to think that poetry is more than that. However, outside of a handful of writers, most of the postings here are just someone's attempt at attention. So, the more crass or shocking you can make it, the better. At least now I will not be subjected to distasteful and questionable "poems" when I accidentally click on an interesting title.

    I do disagree with the new age limitations. I think, as adults, it is our job to try to protect children. I believe you should have left the limits at 17. If they lie, that is not your problem. By lowering it, you are aiding them in something that they should not be doing. Discipline is not giving in to people just because they want it. It is saying "no", this is not for you. I have a hard enough time with my fifteen-year-old and the places he is not supposed to go online; I should not have to worry about places that should be safe.

    And will this apply to comments, also? I think they rankle moreso than the poem, if that is possible. Thank you for trying to clean things up. I personally consider it an exersize in futility, considering the mien of most things here, but at least it is an effort.
    Edited on May 19, 5:41 because ''.


  • lil black cat
    May 19, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Is it ok if i star my swears? for example, f*ck? or would you rather i keep them as normal and they automatically change to bunny? please get back to me asap, as it will take me a while to change everything back x)
    lil black cat x

  • apatisk
    May 19, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    as a fifteen year old poet, i have often been discouraged by having adult poetry blocked for me, so I appreciate the change. While I understand the concern of those poets who feel that 15 is not an adult age and that we should be protected from some of the content of this site, I think it is also important to realize that 15 is old enough to judge and make decisions about what content is appropriate to read.
    I have no interest in erotica, and would not object to having erotica hidden from poets through age 18. When it comes to abuse, I have long objected to hiding it from those who are not adults. The fact that I am not considered mature enough to read poetry concerning experiences similar to what I endured at age 11, 12, and 13 has been a source of annoyance to me. Thank you for changing the policies; I particularly appreciate the change in swearing policies.


  • Johnny Wheeler
    May 19, 2005
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    I have a question... In display settings there is an option to hide the chatterbox and who's online. Is it possible to seperate the two and be able to hide the chatterbox only? There are times I would just like to hide the chatterbox and leave the who's onlne option on, anyway, just a suggestion.
    --Johnny

  • Johnny Wheeler
    May 19, 2005
    Edit | Reply

    Excellent!

    Hi Kevin,
    I think this is a terrific idea. I have used the filter option on Pogo Games, and it works..it replaces words with %^&%$ type text, but bunny will do for now lol. It is with deep respect that I thank you for all the hard work you put into this fantastic site.
    --Johnny


  • Julie Eke
    May 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply

    critical

    so, this must be a sensitive issue. Freedom of speech is important, but so is protecting ones values by not ofending them.... hmmm, I don't think I could have handled this issue better if it had been my site. I like how the filters are an option, so if sometime I don't feel like reading cuss words, I don't have to, but 15 is not really an adult age..... Yet kids and teens more often than not see worse on tv and at home than they do on here. Bravo, you have my support!!!!!


  • Sensual Sapphire
    May 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Very well done. I have a question though. I have seen erotica on this site without cussing or at least minimal. I don't want anyone under the age of 17 to read the erotica I write I don't think it is appropriate at all. So is there something that makes the Erotic labled writes off limits to the kids?

    I know it's a fine line that you guys have to walk, I wish for everyone's sake it could be broadened. Good luck with all the changes in the works I hope that most if not all are well recieved.

    April


  • May 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    15? how many people use this site that are not at least 15?

    2? 3?

  • Barbara gold member
    May 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Sounds wonderful to me (Except that peopel keep checking out my poem for my son, that has 'Bunny' in the title....I mean, it says right below it that it's for my son for his third birthday(it's from 2003)....I mean, what are they expecting to see????? ).

    But, I see this as a way for some people to expand their horizons, and vocabulary. Underage poets can try new words, phrases, euphemisms, and all sorts of things that come with putting 'pen to paper.'


  • -BlackKnight- gold member
    May 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    It's not so much a cognitive choice to be offended by a word as it is the societal value and history the word has behind it and how it affects the mind. People cannot "choose" to be offended by something--it's how they deal with being offended that makes the difference.

  • Jay Is Magic
    May 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    I know that three was always in place, I thought that one was in place... and since the brats can whine about getting it lowered, I demand that the anal sex contest be brought back. Stinkin' bunnies.


  • poetryality silver member
    May 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Wow! Am I late or what. This is very commendable kevin. You are working hard to appease us all. I agree that there should be age restrictions on the profanity issue. I think that some adult content work and of course sexually explicit poetry should be allowed at an older age eighteen eve\n, you know there is some very risque stuff on this site.

    I also am so happy that mods will alert young people to be age specifically correct on their author pages. I think that will make kids think twice about lying, maybe not but at least it is finally addressed. I know this one is a thorn, and will be completely taken care of bit by bit. I still would love to see a sister site, AllYouth or something of that nature for those under 17. I would gladly volunteer to work on that site. I like kids better than grown-ups any day of the week. LOL I am sure many teachers and children's advocates would gladly work there as well. Just something to chew on.

    Um--bunnies--oh--well, if you so! Great job kevin, hard work always pays off.

    Renee ♥
    Edited on May 18, 7:22 p.m. because 'Um--speliing and typos! '.


  • May 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    bunny
    Edited on May 18, 6:40 p.m. because ''.


  • Granny Goose silver member
    May 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Oh, dear...what are my poor little barnyard friends going to think of being used as a new form of cuss words. I guess these soft cuddly little furry creatures are just going to have to develope some thick skin.

    Seriously, Kevin, I think some filtering is good, I haven't checked out the system yet, gonna do that right now.

    And I do appreciate your efforts to make this a good site for all ages. I have been concerened since you relaxed the rules on foul language, but do respect and hold dear, the freedom of speech thing.
    Thanks again for all you do
    Dee


  • cherche -d -ame
    May 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Thank you Kevin and staff for trying so hard to keep everyone appeased on this site , it can't be an easy task , but please note that the effort is appreciated
    Reenie


  • Bluestar
    May 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    This was an ingenious idea! I turned on my profanity filter and scooted on down especially to the erotica section to have a bit of a giggle. The best thing I saw was:

    "go write some damn conservative bunny and suck my muther bunny bunny"

    This was by a poet that did not agree with the profanity filter.

    I personally love it!!



    Blue*


  • thisisnotrevolution
    May 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    i dont really like this feature much. I'm one of those people who think that we should be allowed to say what we want to in poems. like everythign should be allowed. i understand it and i think that if a teen wants to read the vulgar material then they should be allowed. but i DO understand your actions


  • AliWiseman
    May 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Personally i find it a tad daft that words are considered "bad". If i smack my hand with a hammer and say "Duck" with the same vehemence as the obvious word it is replacing, what difference does the spelling make? The enunciation negates the pronunciation or the spelling! People are offended by words because they choose to be. Not by the word its-self. Its a cognative choice. Censorship is censorship however its dressed up!


  • Cocoa Bubbles
    May 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Good lookin out Kev-o


  • May 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    ha ha ha ha. Well, bunny!


  • pattyann4500
    May 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Thank you so much, Kevin, for taking into account the feelings of everyone. I will certainly make good use of the filter. That way I can read the work of more poets without having to wash my eyes out. LOL Hugs, Patricia

  • BlaqkInk
    May 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Now howcome you can take care of the kids swearing but you can't take care of these sex ads that are placed all over the site?Do the children see these too?Something should be done about these ads before the words because they already know how to swear but may be a little behind in sex ed.


  • E A Collins
    May 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    I guess I should have read this post before I asked the writer what the hell the "bunnies" were about. I thought he was some kind of freak. I almost called PETA on him.


  • DawnBaby
    May 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Wonderful idea! Now that my grand daughter is online on her site I have profane words where she could see them, I have luckily managed to divert her attentions elsewhere. So I am grateful. Also, I have been verbally attacked with profanity by what would appear to be a teenager, yet they are listed as adults. Thank you!


  • Imokon
    May 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Putting bunny in place of various profane words is downright silly, in many cases it would degrade the poem and it's respective nature.
    Why can't you just use astreiks like other communities?


  • chanterai
    May 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply

    Undecided.

    Very amusing way to cut down on the profanity, I must say. But I must also say that in the author's notes on one of my poems, I had typed something about how the piece had an Emily D!ckinson quality to it, and it ended up saying, "Emily bunnyinson." Kind of frustrating but funny at the same time. lol


  • Ubacubissubej
    May 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Great idea! Thank you for putting it up... one thing though, and I'm not sure if it's been fixed with the new stuff you've just implemented, but in the past if I've tried to get to an age-restricted thing, it'll have the "You're not allowed to see this, yadda yadda yadda" at the top, and then just the text of the poem underneath, nothing else. Doesn't that kinda defeat the point? And I like the bunny idea... though possibly capitolize or do something to distinguish the "what the bunny" bunny from the "aww, what a cute bunny" one.

    *-Uba-*


  • onerios13
    May 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Hey now! As the offically elected Chairwoman of 'Save the Bunnies' foundation (and being born in the year of the Rabbit), I demand that the word 'bunny' not be allowed to be so abused!! I say we go with the word 'poo' instead. And if those poo-sters from 'Save the Poo' foundation give you any lip, just tell them they stink and so does their mommas!


  • Sarah957
    May 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    sounds bunny great!


  • Jennifer
    May 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Oh no! My username is JennyBunny! What will people think???


  • May 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Can we change the new filter word to "Jesus"? I think the irony would amuse me.


  • Catressa gold member
    May 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    What about Erotica? Sorry just had that thought. Isn't Erotica a bit different from adult writes? I mean there are some pretty hot writes under Erotica I know cause I have read them.. hmmm I just wish you could make it to where you had to be 17 to view them .. Like with movies, sometimes there are somethings teens do not need to read.. Sorry you all just my opinion.. Be Safe, Catressa

  • Catressa gold member
    May 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Thank You Kevin for the age change requirement. That has long been a issue for me.. so hats off to you.. I will spread the joy of this and hopefully this will make a few people happier.. Take Care and Many blessings, Catressa


  • CountryCousin
    May 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply

    Brilliant Kevin

    Frankly we are all literary geniuses right and so Bunny makes them hop to it. Brilliant if I must say so myself and I did.

  • ScarletMatriarch
    May 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Bunny! HAHA! That's great! I really appreciate the profanity filter...as well as the word bunny, HAHA!


  • SusanL
    May 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Kevin -
    Thank you this is a wonderful thing! I am so glad thatyou are proactive and attempting to keep this as open a site as possible. The world is made up of all typesa nd for the most part AP is too.
    I appreciate this filter and will bi trying it out as soon as I finish this message to you!
    Bravo Kevin...
    Susan


  • facesofnatalia
    May 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply

    BUNNY YES!

    this is, to speak plainly, bunnying brilliant. i'm really 16, & now i can say so plainly. kevin, you've been growing & growing in my esteem as you keep relaxing this security. you rock. and bunny all the bunnyfaced bunnyers that say otherwise.


  • malintir
    May 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Heehee. ^^ Seems like a good idea. I'm glad I knew how to turn it off before it made me angered. Lol... I read a friend's poem, and I am never going to be able to think of bunnies the same ever again. XD Heehee.


  • Glacian
    May 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Sounds good to me, I don't know about "bunny" though, heh. Maybe you could change it frequently just to keep people on their toes? "Hippo" or "Grandma" or some other odd words could have an interesting effect on filtered profanity in poems like a line: "Hippo you and your mamma too!" Bunny works just as well though.
    Edited on May 18, 10:11 because ''.


  • Little Eagle Greeters member
    May 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Suggestion for the word to substitute the profanity. How about the ever popular Bleep!. It works for TV. I think this is a great idea and I applaud you for taking everyones concerns about this situation to heart. As you have said this is a community and family here at allpoetry and we need to protect our young ones even if they think they are not in need or too mature to have it. That is why they are young and we are the adults. Thank you and Have a Blessed Day!

    God Bless
    Tammy


  • Martooni
    May 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    hahahahah.... bunny. the new "fuck".

    or is bunny the new "shit"?

    geezus... this is just too damn funny.


  • Unoriginal
    May 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    wow. I wanna try out the bunny thing... *wonders off*


  • kristin marie
    May 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    at first i was dispelased, but now that i see that i can change it so that i can see swears, and that the age is lowered to 15, i feel better. thanks


  • srlaine
    May 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Gotta add I love the bunny thingie!

  • srlaine
    May 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    To age gracefully requires maturity and wisdom but age itself is just a number. It does not dictate either, or necessarily ensure mental clarity and the ability to understand the whole picture. A precocious child at eight may suffer the indignation with the AP rule enforced but I find myself consoled that we, as responsible adults, have done what's in our capacity to shield his innocence... or whatever that's left of it.

    Understand there's a difference between growing older and growing up . While one has a lot to do with the chronological, physiological and (hopefully ) the intellectual aspects, the other... well, it's a rare classification of those who are not socially and emotionally retarded – that they learn from experience (in varying degrees), be less self-centered and learn to take responsibility for their actions. You may take comfort that even an adult or "grown-up" may regress to at times or never move beyond troubled adolescence .

    So to the kiddos out there, I say take your time. If age is your only offence in AP, remember you will grow older as we all do. Whether or not you will GROW UP is a different matter entirely .

    Cheerio,
    srlaine

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