From: utzoo!utcsrgv!roderick Newsgroups: net.general Title: Don't swear at MY computer! (A for-real news item.) Article-I.D.: utcsrgv.1141 Posted: Wed Mar 2 20:27:28 1983 Received: Wed Mar 2 20:45:47 1983 This article recently appeared in a student newspaper called "The Varsity" published here at the Univerity of Toronto. The article is entitled "Talk Dirty To Me." (Reprinted without permission.) WATERLOO (CUP) -- Students at Sir Wilfred Laurier University have to watch their language around the computers or they risk losing access. The computer department there has programmed several com- puters to ring a bell repeatedly if anyone enters swear words listed as prohibited. The computer then locks the student's file until that student explains to the dean why he or she swore at a computer. One student was cut off for using prohibited words while accessing the general account of the Faculty of Social Work. This also froze the files of 80 other people using that account. Dr. Bezner, the head of the computing centre, said every society has "taboo words," and ours has very few. But when someone crosses the threshold and uses these words, violence could ensue, Bezner said. I think this paragon of idiocy speaks for itself. I am, however, unable to resist this tremendous urge to flame. I have recently reached the sorry conclusion that one must expect this infuriating brand of prudery and con- servatism in Ontario. It is done at a level that is both ridiculous and horrifying at the same time. (You want what? The right to swear at the computer?? Get out of here. **VS** You're telling me I can't type what I damn please at a computer terminal?? Next thing you'll be restricting what I may write in a letter. Get out of here.) I am interested in the feelings of other people on this subject. Please post or (preferably) mail to me any thoughts, expressions of disbelief, maunderings, etc. you may have. I'd be especially interested in anyone who thinks they have a justification for this, uh ... thing. In all seriousness, Rod Glover University of Toronto Department of Computer Science ...!utzoo!utcsrgv!roderick