hallonpress wrote:I have to say, though, swearing shouldn't be such a big deal. I'm always surprised by the kind of reaction it gets in the USA. I mean, everybody swears, all the time. At least as far as I've heard. And yet, if somebody does it on TV, someone edits it out with a big BLEEEP. And if, like now, there's swearing in a comic that seems to be intended for children, people react (though not everyone). What's up with that? It's puzzling.
I can't speak for everyone, but in my family and most of the families I know in the USA, swearing is considered impolite. In general, someone swearing is considered rude and offensive. TV programs, etc. that are directed at families or have a wish to appear professional or show respect for their audience do not allow swearing. As a parent, I am fully aware that that the children are exposed to swearing in school, but I never, ever want them to think ANYTHING is okay because 'everyone does it" anyway.. and by everyone, I don't mean just school friends. I also mean in comics, on TV, in movies, etc.
It would be disrespectful of the children to swear in front of me, their grandparents, teachers, etc., even if they were speaking to their friends and not directly to me. And it is a mark of respect toward them that I don't watch TV or movies with inappropriate material in front of them.
Now, they may swear with their friends. And I certainly watch (and read) more adult oriented things. But things we do together should be appropriate for all, and that is the supposed philosophy of the TV shows that bleep bad words.. it would be inappropriate for all their viewers if they were left in.
About the rating for the comic.. if you are going to have a MA or TV-14 rating and you know that all along, then the rating should be put on the comic anyway, even tho that kind of material hasn't shown up yet in the strip. Not doing so would be like going to a movie with your kids and finding out half-way through it that it was actually a porno.

Conversely, if your comic is G or PG-rated, that should be stated from the beginning also. I like knowing what I'm in for as far as content when I first go to a comic site, just like I like knowing the rating of a movie before I see it.