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Updated: PoetrySoup Terms and Conditions of Use

Blog Posted:5/26/2017 8:25:00 AM

This is just a quick post, to all of you wonderful Soupers, letting you know that we have updated our Terms and Conditions. Please review them when you get a chance.

PoetrySoup Terms and Conditions of Use

Also, continue to email us screenshots of CLEAR violations (particularly harassment of members) along with your emails. Our legal department needs this type of documentaton. Thanks for monitoring PoetrySoup. We cannot do it alone.

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Cyndi
Macmillan

Date: 5/29/2017 7:59:00 AM

Thank you! A woman's chest is a nurturing spot and (haha) what poet will ever say "the Robin's red bosom." Appreciated. Thanks for the recent blogs. Clarity helps.

Anthony
Mark

Date: 5/27/2017 12:16:00 AM

If you gotta check a list of prohibition, we might as well pack up and go home...expression is expression, perhaps putting "ADULT" as a prefix might deter the young ones from occasioning a glance during there sticky escapades, this may be a site that the young frequent, but I've never read anything that bad, to warrant banning certain words..let hem read and be shaped by the power of expression...or go back to school and " eff and blind" with the other ratscallions .i have a donkey, but it looks like an Ass,.... and he loves to be kissed...whatever!!

Team
Poetrysoup

Date: 5/26/2017 1:31:00 PM

We try to explain the reason for our rules this way. Advertisers (they keep PoetrySoup alive) require certain standards. We adhere to those standards and a few of our own. If you want to run a poetry website out of the goodness of your heart and allow any type of content, go for it. Go spend $35,000-50,000 to create an equivalent poetry website and let people run wild. I hope this makes sense.

Cyndi Macmillan
Date: 5/26/2017 3:48:00 PM

Exactly... No new poet-mom on this site will ever post a poem called Bosom-feeding. :DDD My daughter still snuggles there... says God made women special. We come with head rests. But I can see how so many members would hang tassels there, sexualize what is not always sexual?

Team Poetrysoup
Date: 5/26/2017 3:12:00 PM

LOL @ Cyndi...breastfeeding.

Cyndi Macmillan
Date: 5/26/2017 2:59:00 PM

IRONY! Best of all poetic devices.

Cyndi Macmillan
Date: 5/26/2017 2:01:00 PM

Yes, it makes sense. But I don't understand why an advertiser would have a problem with the idea of Breast-feeding. See what we're saying? I get that it would be IMPOSSIBLE to go on a poem by poem basis, the whole context issue, but do see how absurd it is?

Andrea
Dietrich

Date: 5/26/2017 1:11:00 PM

Truly, TPS I was shocked to see a few of the very common words included on your banned list. Some of them are very commonly heard everywhere, even on regular TV channels now that kids watch all the time. And can we not describe love making in a very tasteful way that I have seen done numerous times by poets here? A poet can be erotic but not vulgar at the same time.

Andrea Dietrich
Date: 5/26/2017 2:13:00 PM

and I agree with you on most of the words that were listed, just not all of them. And good on what you said about sensuality.

Andrea Dietrich
Date: 5/26/2017 2:12:00 PM

For me, the words you listed depend totally on context. I would never put HOLE with that other "no no" word in a poem of mine, for example. haha.

Team Poetrysoup
Date: 5/26/2017 1:20:00 PM

...and yes, something can be sensual and not explicit. We are more concerned about the explicit. That will NEVER be allowed.

Team Poetrysoup
Date: 5/26/2017 1:16:00 PM

Actually our updates to the TOC were related more to harassment. We hadn't looked at the profanity list in a while. We agree that it needed updating. Anyway, just because something is common doesn't mean it is acceptable. We are running a business as well as providing a venue for poetic expression. We must consider both ends of the spectrum. Writers get to just write...we don't have the luxury of just allowing people to write whatever they want.

Andrea
Dietrich

Date: 5/26/2017 12:57:00 PM

And if I need a one syllable word for donkey, why can't I use ass? I quite like that word to describe a foolish soul and also for when I slip and fall on my butt!!(I can't remember, was that word banned too? Are we to only say Apples or Hiney or rear?)

Jan Allison
Date: 5/27/2017 7:42:00 AM

hey Andrea boob and ass are no longer on the list lol:-) hugs Jan xx

Kabuteng P.Ink K.
Date: 5/26/2017 4:14:00 PM

nana, banana although yes I figure it's not referring to that, but the nono. Some do call grandmas nana, right? Although here, "nana" can also mean pus (so interesting though how words can mean differently in diff languages) & Chris, I was also supposed to type that about the "holly" water. I got lazy to type though...gee I am sounding like a very bad echo here. oops.

Kabuteng P.Ink K.
Date: 5/26/2017 3:48:00 PM

it's making me wonder-- do you know any Lulu over there? That must be awkward, to call them....

Cyndi Macmillan
Date: 5/26/2017 3:43:00 PM

Can you imagine if this went Soup-viral and fifty poets start writing the wonkiest poems about bald caterpillars and Peep Peeps in bubble baths? What the hey?

Kabuteng P.Ink K.
Date: 5/26/2017 3:41:00 PM

i can't sleep, damn! visions of plump butterflies & caterpillars danced in my head~ hahaha, Ruben you actually missed the other names that we call caterpillars & butterflies-- they're soo ummm soo how do I call it? Musical.

Cyndi Macmillan
Date: 5/26/2017 3:39:00 PM

OH, SWEET MERCY, (Cyndi bangs head on desk) why did I overly-DIVULGE (again!) We have our nicknames for home and our clinical names for the doctor. So I've also used these names with my girl. I have no idea where lulu came from. My great grandmother was british?

Cyndi Macmillan
Date: 5/26/2017 3:39:00 PM

I have no idea if its a uk thing? Going to the loo? A lulu? I don't know (she backs away, shuffling, head down, walks into a wall)

Charmaine Chircop
Date: 5/26/2017 3:33:00 PM

Ha Chris..You re very funny.Hehe :) x

Charmaine Chircop
Date: 5/26/2017 3:14:00 PM

Guess..Its my english..I didnt explain properly..Hahaaha :)Oh Nikko.lol

Kabuteng P.Ink K.
Date: 5/26/2017 3:09:00 PM

ohhh I am sloww... sorry -- so it's a whole baby!! not just the caterpillar. I can be soo dense. sorry. I need sleep ;) Thank you for clarifying, Charma :)

Charmaine Chircop
Date: 5/26/2017 3:08:00 PM

Oh Cyn..I never told her about the session shared by butterfly and caterpillar..So far She thinks babies come when parents love eachother and give plenty of lip kissing...She knows it grows in tummy though :).Kids ask too much questions nowadays :)

Charmaine Chircop
Date: 5/26/2017 3:06:00 PM

Oh yes nikko and their caterpillar makes wi wi..or pi pi..when kids give him the bottle of water to drink :)Ha...

Kabuteng P.Ink K.
Date: 5/26/2017 3:05:00 PM

@ Cyndi, hahaha, thank you-- for changing it to "peep" "peeps" -- I can't escape it, now I shall never see marshmallow peeps the same way! hahaha. seriously, thank you for changing it :) at least though now you know what it's called -- just please make sure not to use it as onomatopoeia, the t & the p, haha ;)

Cyndi Macmillan
Date: 5/26/2017 3:03:00 PM

So when the caterpillar and the butterfly get together, do they play some funky seventies shhhh-WING tunes, turn down the lights and sweetly cocoon all night long. Question: I forgot to look. Is the term "making love" also prohibited? Must check!

Kabuteng P.Ink K.
Date: 5/26/2017 3:00:00 PM

Huwaat?? they sell baby body toy dingies over there?!! noo! seriously?! as in all by itself??! what for?! My brains can't handle it!

Kabuteng P.Ink K.
Date: 5/26/2017 3:00:00 PM

*boy

Kabuteng P.Ink K.
Date: 5/26/2017 2:58:00 PM

jan-- haha the hairy caterpillar would prolly refer to the adults??! dear goodness, starfish, butterflies & caterpillars... it's a whole new world!

Charmaine Chircop
Date: 5/26/2017 2:57:00 PM

Hahaha..Oh no..Chri just saw a babyboy toy dingy..and asked what it is back then..I told her..Its his Caterpillar..Guess I should have said..a Bald one..lol :)

Tim Smith
Date: 5/26/2017 2:56:00 PM

My youngest daughter and I converse in "pig latin" I will just write icenay uttbay : )

Charmaine Chircop
Date: 5/26/2017 2:55:00 PM

Haha.. :)I never thought of the caterpillar s legs ..lol..Now thinking of it...Oh ha..laughing out loud.

Jan Allison
Date: 5/26/2017 2:54:00 PM

I hope its not a hairy caterpillar Charma - gee I am laughing so much here!!!:-) hugs Jan xx

Kabuteng P.Ink K.
Date: 5/26/2017 2:53:00 PM

Ok Charma, maybe you can just pm it to me one day, I most likely wouldn't be able to pronounce it anyhow, oops. Somehow, I can still kinda accept butterfly but the caterpillar I am still trying to come to terms with-- umm it has many legs O_o!! hugs your sweet girl for me please! :D

Charmaine Chircop
Date: 5/26/2017 2:47:00 PM

Nikko...The words are long..and sound very vulgar ..HA..Infact I will be teaching Chri those assets in english language..For now..We are just sticking to Pink Butterfly and Caterpillar . :)Hehe

Kabuteng P.Ink K.
Date: 5/26/2017 2:37:00 PM

omg--- it was the other comment that got deleted?! Not the other one? Oh geez! umm Cyndi maybe you can edit out the Pinoy girly part please, heehee, thank you! ;) that's good you can laugh :) & I bet in French, it doesn't sound as crass

Cyndi Macmillan
Date: 5/26/2017 2:34:00 PM

:D French anyone?

Cyndi Macmillan
Date: 5/26/2017 2:34:00 PM

Soup should put in a translator! hahahahaha! Too funny. Oh, guys, I really need a laugh today!

Kabuteng P.Ink K.
Date: 5/26/2017 2:32:00 PM

oh my gosh now I am curious Charma! haha!

Charmaine Chircop
Date: 5/26/2017 2:29:00 PM

Hahaha..Cant stop laughing now..Am not gonna share them in maltese..they sound extremely vulgar..and I would ban them myself.:)

Cyndi Macmillan
Date: 5/26/2017 2:24:00 PM

Okay, now thanks to Nikko I am feeling so much less alone and... exposed! LOL! I think "PEEP PEEPS" is cute and doesn't sound vulgar at all.

Cyndi Macmillan
Date: 5/26/2017 2:23:00 PM

I am suddenly feeling VERY happy that I can delete my OWN replies. (RED FACED) I can't believe I shared that and I suspect I'll never live it down...haha!

Kabuteng P.Ink K.
Date: 5/26/2017 2:21:00 PM

I wonder -- if one adds in a foreign word, is that still acceptable? Feel free to use "pwet" Andrea :) ei speaking of different names, "putotoy" can be used for boys' parts, and also toooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooot, while "tooooooooooooooooooooooooooooot" for girls ---omg that does sound vulgar eh (to my ears at least) -- my gosh, I realize, even our private parts we double the syllables??ok I just censored it & not entirely deleted it :D

Andrea Dietrich
Date: 5/26/2017 2:15:00 PM

you guys made me LOL! Especially Charma, your pink butterflies and pollinators.

Cyndi Macmillan
Date: 5/26/2017 2:02:00 PM

Okay, you guys are going to laugh at me, but I still use my childhood names for privates. Umm... girls have lulus and boys have dinkies. Now, I am wondering if I added to the profanity list!

Charmaine Chircop
Date: 5/26/2017 1:59:00 PM

Guess we have to use more metaphors..like Her pink butterfly..and The Pollinator :).If I was a boy.. I would say ..I really like your Ass Andrea :)..But since Im a girl ..I just say..Oh I love His Donkey.. :).Now Tps dont ban me..I was a good girl for eight yrs..and Im only joking..Couldnt help it :) Ha.Thanks for making me smile Sweet Andrea. :)..

Cyndi Macmillan
Date: 5/26/2017 1:57:00 PM

The common term for the female chest kind of bothered me the most. What about a poem about nursing a baby? Cuddling it to her... what... a bosom? Ridiculous. Even kids say the word that rhymes with TUBE. As a woman, I really frowned at that... its like telling a mother feeding her baby to cover up! In Canada, that is considered socially wrong.

Jan
Allison

Date: 5/26/2017 11:42:00 AM

Sorry I've been at work and not able to access the blog! I've looked at the prohibited words ... I think I have only ever used three of them. Thankfully I see I can still use poop but can't use boob, ass or balls so my poem about a donkey making a boob when he kicks a ball and misses the goal and makes a complete ass of himself is going to get banned lol:-) purely tongue in cheek of course:-) hugs jan xx

Charmaine Chircop
Date: 5/28/2017 3:40:00 PM

Omg Ruben..Couldnt find the Balls and get them fixed..lol.. Too many poems :)

Andrea Dietrich
Date: 5/26/2017 2:17:00 PM

hahaha, poor Charma. Oh balls!!!

Charmaine Chircop
Date: 5/26/2017 2:15:00 PM

Jan Allison
Date: 5/26/2017 2:04:00 PM

oh Charma I am shocked lol!!!:-) hugs Jan xx

Charmaine Chircop
Date: 5/26/2017 2:01:00 PM

I think I had a limerick about Balls somewhere... :)..Have to search and fix those Balls ..Jan.. ;)

Andrea Dietrich
Date: 5/26/2017 12:58:00 PM

yeah for me, Jan, those three words are like standard English!!!

Team
Poetrysoup

Date: 5/26/2017 9:28:00 AM

How come only the usual suspects are commenting? I guess the other members just go with the flow since this is such an awesome website and community.

Cyndi Macmillan
Date: 5/26/2017 9:57:00 AM

First my young Filipino friend has me turning my nose up at Rosettes, and now you Keith, have made me ewwy about fudge. Yay! Soon I'll drop weight and the body shaming I've received on Soup can stop. woo and hoo.

Cyndi Macmillan
Date: 5/26/2017 9:51:00 AM

I'm almost speechless. A rare occurrence. :DDDD

Team Poetrysoup
Date: 5/26/2017 9:48:00 AM

I don't disagree with Cyndi.

Cyndi Macmillan
Date: 5/26/2017 9:43:00 AM

It's okay, Ruben. TPS would see Dorothy Parker and Oscar Wilde as the Usual Suspects, too. It's called wit, and it has something to do with 'calling it like you see it.' Still, I get that we are outside the status quo. So were all the beat poets. Oh, Ginsberg was a Usual Suspect, too. And so were the feminist poets. Darn troublemakers!

Cyndi Macmillan
Date: 5/26/2017 9:30:00 AM

Naw. The usual suspects are just more in tune with you, TPS. Even like you. Andrea will come in soon and comment. So will others.

Cyndi
Macmillan

Date: 5/26/2017 9:27:00 AM

But, again going back to the topic of Terms and Conditions, IF we are supposed to be sure that our poems are properly categorized under which form and topic, because you have said in the past that OUR POEMS are used for educational purposes, too, then I am again confused. In fact, I think I saw that somewhere... BRB...

Cyndi Macmillan
Date: 5/26/2017 9:38:00 AM

@Ruben. (Inside, deep inside, there is a tiny pirate. I can see him sometimes, especially in a pernickety comment, there he is. :D )

Cyndi Macmillan
Date: 5/26/2017 9:29:00 AM

So, you added something but don't want to highlight what you added so that it's easier to use the big stick? Or would you rather highlight the changes so the big stick is hopefully (I know, chuckle) less necessary?

Cyndi
Macmillan

Date: 5/26/2017 9:22:00 AM

Walk softly and carry a BIG BIG stick? Not my style. Suggestion, for week put in red what was changed, maybe? I doubt most would see the changes? It looks the same to me... and I'm one of the few who has read the T& C, I think.

Cyndi Macmillan
Date: 5/26/2017 9:54:00 AM

I rarely use profanity even in my submissions. But occasionally I see what one word can do to bring grit/realism/explosive immediacy to a poem and have used it offsite. They are words like all words. A tool to use or discard. No biggy.

Cyndi Macmillan
Date: 5/26/2017 9:41:00 AM

@ Keith! LOL! I wonder if TPS could put a 'report' button on acclaimed poems written by famous poets -- some, like Margaret Atwood who are recognized for their work around the world-- so that their poems can be removed from the database.

Team Poetrysoup
Date: 5/26/2017 9:27:00 AM

Most people don't read that fine print, however it is there in case we ever need to use our Big Stick...which we've done a couple times.

Cyndi
Macmillan

Date: 5/26/2017 9:12:00 AM

For a minute, I thought what you updated (due to recent events) was the "don't solicit personal information." I thought it had once said that you do not advice sharing personal information for safety reasons (?) If this is a recent change, I like the wording better. Phone numbers can mean a lot. My best buddy had at one time been living alone and she knew that her soup pal had all her info if I didn't see her on soup for a few days. I could call and check on her and if worried even contact a family member. The "solicit" I don't remember? But I don't read T&C more than once a year...

Cyndi
Macmillan

Date: 5/26/2017 8:42:00 AM

I don't see any changes, but it's good to be reminded that any harassment towards soup members is wrong. I do have a question about the Terms and Conditions, so this is very ON TOPIC. If the site is to have no profanity and you have provided a very clear profanity list, then why aren't the poems written by famous poets selected which do not have the words forbidden on Soup. I actually LIKE (yes I said like) the google sourced links that now run down the right side of the page over there ---> and I've been clicking on them. I have been reading some "Famous Poets" that are on Soups database. I recently found one that used one forbidden word about 50 times (not joking. Why? Children/teens could just as easily have clicked on that link as I could. You have Howl in the database. Others. I'm only saying its contradictory. Yes?

Team Poetrysoup
Date: 5/26/2017 9:01:00 AM

Many of our standards are governed by Google.

Cyndi Macmillan
Date: 5/26/2017 8:56:00 AM

So, (yes I'm being cheeky) I could write a poem banned on Soup, one day become a famous poet (I know. LOL.. as IF?!) and the same poem that was banned will appear on the famous poet page on the very site than banned it in the first place. (If you have a sense of humour, you can go full out Spock on me now.)

Team Poetrysoup
Date: 5/26/2017 8:52:00 AM

Great question! Famous poems are for educational purposes. Thus, we do not censor those poems. We only censor member poems.

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