Writer's Guidelines and Policy

The "Think Twice" Word Detection System At Positive Psychology

We have a process that we think is important to keep our site a place where courteous, intelligent civil discourse is maintained.

We call this innovation our "Think Twice" system. It uses software we've custom designed to detect the use of words we add to a control panel, then delivers a message to the content submitter. The message has two parts-- one specific to the word and the other describing the category of word. We've identified three categories of words to be detected by the "Think Twice" system, listed immediately below, and explained in detail further below.

-Foul language,

-Hurtful, Offensive and Hate

-Languaged words

When a person submits content (article, diary, comment, quicklink) the "Think Twice" system will, when the writer previews the writing, present a screen that lists the word or words, the explanation of our concerns and suggestions, with a button to return to revise the article or proceed to the next step to publish it. There will be no censorship.

We will track the use of this language. Currently we will do nothing with the tracking except look for patterns. If a member uses the same words and language very often, we'll be able to easily see. Is the person a thread hijacker, bringing up issues that are not really relevant... often?

We may decide to post a warning icon on comments, below the user name, signifying the category of word that is in the comment (remember, comments are not moderated before coming live on the site.) This is a way to protect readers, let's say, who don't want to encounter foul language.

 If your intention is serious, sincere, well intended or just creative discussion of issues, your participation, your contribution of content is welcome and encouraged and we hope you'll see the "Think Twice" system as a handy reminder that helps you write more effectively and considerately.

First, here are the three word categories we've identified and the message content submitters get when using them:


Languaged Words You've used a "Languaged word."

"Languaged words" are words that certain groups have sort of taken ownership of, expending much effort in imbuing upon those words overlying meaning, often creating a reflex reaction to the words.

This note is just a suggestion that you think twice about your use of this word and consider using alternative wording. But the choice is yours. You make the final decision.



Foul Language -You've used a word that we consider "foul language." We suggest and request that you consider using other language. There are times when foul language is the best way to express an idea. But we've found that over-used, it lowers the discourse and professionalism of the conversation, the community and the website. Very often, writers regret the use of the foul language later. Also, there are some readers who do NOT ever use foul language and they find its use offensive. Many in this category will just stop reading your article. If your goal is to communicate, then for them, you have failed, even though they might otherwise find your message valuable. This is just a suggestion. The final decision is yours.


Hurtful, Offensive and Hate -You've used a word that we feel is often abused, used as a foil to hide hate and bigotry, or inappropriately used, often causing hurt and communicating bigotry or hate. We encourage you to be very careful in your use of this word and, preferably, to use an alternate word, particularly if you are not certain that your use is precise and clear, not potentially labeling with too broad a stroke.

It may be that your use of the word is totally appropriate. This message is an automated software function aimed to get our content contributors to be more conscious of their use of words. That's why we call it "THINK TWICE."

The final decision of whether you use the word or not is up to you.