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Topic of the Week: Should I Retire the “Who/What the F*&@” Series Name?

97 comments on Topic of the Week: Should I Retire the “Who/What the F*&@” Series Name?

Brett

On Monday, I posted the latest in my “Who/What the F*&@” series of posts. Usually, this series explores new airlines coming on the scene, but I also on occasion use it to explain random things in the industry. This week’s post on auxiliary power units was a great example.

But every time I put up a post in this series, I inevitably get one or two emails taking me to task for swearing. (Of course, I’m not technically swearing, but it’s pretty easy to figure out the intent.) Personally, I like the name of the series. I think it grabs your attention and sets a lighter tone for the post. But I’m tired of either ignoring or responding to (depending upon the tone) people who complain. So I’m going to put it to a vote. Take the poll below, and I’ll go with the one that wins. This way, if you decide you like the name, my response to those who don’t will just be to cut and paste a link to this poll.

Should I rename my “Who/What the F*&@” series of posts to something more boring?

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Brett Avatar
Brett

97 responses to “Topic of the Week: Should I Retire the “Who/What the F*&@” Series Name?”

  1. Richard Avatar
    Richard

    I voted to change. I’m not particularly offended by the euphemism. I just think it’s a somewhat tacky title without being funny enough to justify the tackiness.

    Reply
  2. Southeasterner Avatar
    Southeasterner

    I think it’s just dated. It’s one of those things your kids would be embarrassed to hear you say, not because you are swearing but because it’s something probably associated to the ‘what’s up bro’ meathead white guys hanging out on the Jersey shore.

    Reply
    1. Southeasterner Avatar
      Southeasterner

      For clarification the cooler thing would be to just write WTF…although even that will probably date you as an older person trying to be hip.

      Reply
  3. Matt Avatar
    Matt

    You didn’t mean, ‘Who/What The Frick’? Personally, it doesn’t bother me. I say leave it alone.

    Reply
  4. Xnuiem Avatar
    Xnuiem

    You could always go the BSG way of it. “What the Frack”?

    Reply
  5. Bibliobear Avatar
    Bibliobear

    Just delete the F and you end up with “What the [confusion].” Basically the same meaning without making the intended word obvious.

    Reply
  6. Brian Avatar
    Brian

    The old ‘Im offended s%#^’. Every one gets offended these days. Whatever happened to having a thick skin and if you really dont like something then dont watch/read/listen.
    Keep humour alive.

    Reply
  7. DTB Avatar
    DTB

    I’m not particularly offended by it, but it does lack a bit of professionalism. I guess it is what image you are trying to project; the owner of a serious business or a blogger tying to be weakly clever.

    Reply
  8. James Avatar
    James

    Actually, the trend now is to say “Dafuq”. As in, “Dafuq is that?”

    I’m not offended either. But as the site has evolved I’d default for a professional title, for the first and other solid reasons stated above.

    Reply
  9. David SF eastbay Avatar
    David SF eastbay

    Wow are people so bored with their life they have to comment on the random symbols of F*&@” that if their baby or cat hit those keys would think it was cute and be posting photos of it all over the internet?

    Brett you’re a grown married man with children and it’s your blog so you do what ever your wife says to do :-)

    Reply
  10. CS Avatar
    CS

    I come here for the color commentary… The tag lines and MS paint/photoshopped pictures are a part of that. If you want a 100% professional no personality site, there are hundreds for options for you.

    Reply
  11. Dan Avatar
    Dan

    Absolutely do not change the title. It’s your series, and if you like it, you should keep it. If someone has a problem with the title, it is their choice to read or not read your blog.

    Personally, I like the title and feel anyone who wants it changed because it’s inappropriate, unprofessional, or makes them feel uncomfortable needs to relax and appreciate that they don’t have any actual problems in their life to complain about.

    Reply
  12. phllax Avatar
    phllax

    Who/What the F*&@ is wrong with people these days! I say F*&@ them all and keep it.

    Fellow Colonials have to stick together!

    Reply
  13. Darren Davis Avatar
    Darren Davis

    In honor of Kerry Cooper and KP, it must live on!!

    Reply
  14. Yo Avatar
    Yo

    Use the real cuss words, we are grown ups.

    Reply
  15. oldiesfan6479 Avatar
    oldiesfan6479

    So where the (bleep) do you vote? All I saw were the current results.

    I’d be inclined to vote not to change it, if I could just figure out where the (bleep) to do it.

    Reply
  16. DesertGhost Avatar
    DesertGhost

    As far as I’m concerned, “Who/What the F*&@” is fine. But …

    One way around the “controversy’ may be something like “Who/What the #*@%”. That way, the “bleeped” word could be anything from “heck” to whatever people wish to insert.

    Then, there’s always the Nixon tactic, “Who/What the (expletive deleted)”.

    Reply
  17. RDimperio Avatar
    RDimperio

    No issue with me — I’d prefer something different but am not offended. Could always go with “Huh, Really?”

    Reply
  18. Kilroy Avatar
    Kilroy

    I honestly don’t mind, and it is in the spirit (tone) of your blog.

    That said, “What/Why the heck…” or “What/Why on earth…” or something similar might work, and would probably still convey a similar tone while sounding a little more professional.

    I would, however, like to see a lot more of these series, as stuff like this is some of my favorite aviation stuff to learn about. I’d love to see similar articles on landing gear, or engine maintenance and replacement, or even baggage handling, and I’m sure that some of your friends at the airlines would give you enough access the next time you’re there for a media day to let you write an article on those topics… I doubt an airline would turn down a chance to show off how good their maintenance is and to brag about it, for example.

    “What the heck does a X [caterer, mechanic, ticket agent, etc] do?” would also make a great series, maybe if you could do it with guest posts or by following a worker for a day.

    Reply
  19. james douglas Avatar
    james douglas

    Church has no place in this website …keep it coming, btw, F$&# is in our dictionary what up with that

    Reply
  20. J-Rod Avatar
    J-Rod

    I often use “What th…?!&@$?!” with no F so as not to offend / imply. Good for all ages / ethnicities. (Have had one complaint from ? & the Mysterians, but what th…?!$&@?!)

    Reply
  21. dcsharon Avatar
    dcsharon

    I don’t see the link to vote, but if I could vote, I’d vote to change it. Yes, we all know what it stands for, and probably use the word, but as someone who has a business tied to your blog, I’d rather risk being on the tame side of language rather than offend a possible customer. Sometimes you get more with honey than vinegar :-) (just my very humble 2 cents). I’ll continue to read no matter what the title is!

    Reply
  22. Daryl-Atlanta Avatar
    Daryl-Atlanta

    Why ask the reader what they think about such trivial matters and/or minutia? It’s not like they’re paying for a subscription to your FREE expert blog/newsletter as well as your experience, wisdom and expertise. This blog is your voice, your art as well as your outlet…plus it’s way of publicizing Cranky Concierge. Sure, some reader suggestions as to ideas or topics for future posts are worthwhile…however, you being concerned about what a reader thinks about the title of a series of your posts is ridiculous.

    Reply
    1. CF Avatar
      CF

      Daryl-Atlanta – I ask because I’m tired of getting emails about it every time I use it. Now, assuming the current support for keeping the name continues, I can just auto-reply with a link to the poll.

      Reply
      1. Daryl-Atlanta Avatar
        Daryl-Atlanta

        Understood. I see your point.

        Reply
  23. Holly Avatar
    Holly

    I guess my mind is just not awake yet, but I can’t figure out how to vote. So I shall vote here….no. Don’t change it. You’re not swearing. You’re being snarky. That’s what you do.

    Reply
  24. Tim Avatar
    Tim

    Where is the link to the poll????

    Reply
  25. Brownnoseinc Avatar
    Brownnoseinc

    It is your site. Complainers don’t have to read it. You should please yourself. You give great advice so say what you feel

    Reply
  26. Gareth Edmondson-Jones Avatar
    Gareth Edmondson-Jones

    F*&@ ’em if they can’t take a joke.

    Leave it. If it seems dated it’s because no one else is doing this anymore. Which is a shame. And it sets you apart. Cheeky, spirited and memorable. It’s your brand.

    I bet a lot of people bugged Richard to change the Virgin name too. F*&@ them too.

    Reply
  27. Patrick Avatar
    Patrick

    Keep it. It is your column and your good work so you have earned the right to call it whatever you want. Thanks.

    Reply
  28. Eduardo Avatar
    Eduardo

    Keep it.

    Reply
  29. notjustin Avatar
    notjustin

    Fuck em.

    Reply
  30. Steven Peters Avatar
    Steven Peters

    srsly?

    Reply
  31. techietype Avatar
    techietype

    I like the tone of the series, light and feisty.
    We need such independent commentary on a calcified and conservative industry.

    Reply
  32. Robert Avatar
    Robert

    I am hardly offended, but it is not profesional, and does not befit the the often good information that you impart. If I could find the link i would vote NO.

    Reply
    1. Robert Avatar
      Robert

      Sorry.. Obviously, I meant YES to change it….

      Reply
  33. Kevin Avatar
    Kevin

    This is the internets – if someone is offended by that, they shouldn’t really have an internet connected PC to begin with. Eff ’em.

    Reply
  34. Ben Rich Avatar
    Ben Rich

    Leave it alone. It is your blog and subscription is at the reader’s discretion.

    Reply
  35. Stephen Avatar
    Stephen

    I can’t find the poll either. I suspect those 8 votes are fakes, like seeding the tip jar; reminiscent of those polls Chris Elliott does (or used to do – I don’t know, I stopped following him after tiring of his cheap journalistic tricks – don’t have to worry about that with Cranky). But the comments are far more entertaining than the post – keep ’em coming :)

    Reply
  36. AJ Avatar
    AJ

    for fuck’s sake, ppl need to stop being offended by stuff they don’t like on the internet. We need to stop trying to “conform” to some foolishly conceived “acceptable” norms. Write what you want and title it as such. I’m guess that’s probably why you started a blog in the 1st place eh? For all those fools offended by the word “fuck”, clearly you’ve never heard of rap music have you?

    Reply
  37. John in MdR Avatar
    John in MdR

    Cranky –
    Keep crankin’!! Thank you for years of unique observation and opinion.

    Reply
  38. Michele McDonald Avatar
    Michele McDonald

    Gareth, I think the only people who wanted Richard to change the name were the IT guys who had to deal with all the e-mail that got snagged by spam filters because they contained the word “virgin.”

    As for the WTF issue, WTF? People need to get a life. (I do prefer the initials to all the %^#*$^.)

    Reply
  39. C$ Avatar
    C$

    Meh. Ambivalent. My internal soundtrack plays Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” all the time, so nothing bugs me much.

    From a branding perspective…Cranky Flier is named CRANKY for a reason. It’s a part of your brand. Your voice. Your tone.

    That said, I’ve known (and adored) you for ten years now, and I’ve seen your curmudgeony self soften over time. You’re still a cranky curmudgeon, but less so than ten years ago. So, A) Why do your readers follow you? Your tone? Content? Both? Other? B) Why do you write? For you? Your readers? Other?

    Your authentic self, both ten years ago and today, doesn’t follow rules. I’ll bet that is both an asset and a derailer, depending on the situation. I’d love to see you remain your authentic self, whomever that is today.

    Hugs to you and KCS from Chicago-
    C$

    Reply
    1. CF Avatar
      CF

      C$ – Soften? Uh oh, time to cranky up the crankiness. Who wants a Cranky Jackass award?

      I think my tone has probably softened somewhat because there are fewer airlines doing fewer stupid things today than in the past. (And of course, my view of what’s stupid often goes against what commenters will say here. That’s part of the fun.)

      Anyway, thanks for taking the time!

      Reply
  40. Keith Avatar
    Keith

    where do you vote? All I see are the results with no link to vote.

    Reply
  41. Jeff Mills Avatar
    Jeff Mills

    Keep it. Also, some of these comments have used the F word. Better to have just said FORBIDEN -USE OF-CARNAL-KNOWLEDGE!

    Reply
  42. Scott Avatar
    Scott

    Hugh Jackman, on last Sunday evening’s Tony Awards, said he received a telegram from Neil Patrick Harris after Jackman and not Harris was selected to M.C. the show and the telegram said “WTF”. Jackman said he thought it was so nice of Harris to say “Wow, That’s Fantasic”. But, I digress. It doesn’t bother me. That’s the way the world speaks these days, or at least, thinks these days. Might as well get it out there in black and white.

    Reply
  43. Barry Avatar
    Barry

    Keep it the way it is!!!!!! I love it. Some people have virgin ears….don’t read it then PLEASE KEEP IT THE WAY IT IS..I VOTE NO

    Reply
  44. DaveB Avatar
    DaveB

    As others have stated, I can’t see the embedded poll, maybe it doesn’t show on Chrome browser but my vote is to change it.

    Reply
  45. CF Avatar
    CF

    I’m not sure what the voting problem is here. I can see the poll myself and there are now a few more votes than before, so somebody is seeing this. Next time I try this, I’ll dust off a new polling tool. But for now, if you can’t see it, just write it in the comments.

    Reply
  46. DaveB Avatar
    DaveB

    As research, I pasted the address into internet explorer and no poll there either.
    An additional comment about trends, I seem to hear more “What the what?’ today also.

    Reply
  47. DaveB Avatar
    DaveB

    As research, I pasted the address into firefox and no poll there either.
    also seem to get a connection error at times no matter what browser when posting.

    Reply
  48. Mike Stroud Avatar
    Mike Stroud

    I fucking love science :)

    Reply
  49. F. W. Price Avatar
    F. W. Price

    Welcome to the age of the Chronically Offended!
    Leave the effing name as is!

    Reply
  50. Jim Avatar
    Jim

    I would say change it. It’s unprofessional and makes you look like a child, and damages the credibility of your blog. I would think twice about trusting information on a site with such language on it.

    Reply
    1. #%*$CarrieNation Avatar
      #%*$CarrieNation

      So much fear of what’s behind a few punctuation marks is what’s childish.

      Reply
  51. Jim Avatar
    Jim

    The poll question is also framed in a rather biased way that seems intended to elicit a “no” response. The question says “something more boring”, implying that all other options are inferior, and the “Yes” option is condescending and insulting to those who choose it.

    If you’re going to have a poll, at least make it unbiased and fairly worded.

    Reply
    1. kt Avatar
      kt

      Is your name Jim Gallup or something? Chill out.

      Reply
    2. drybean Avatar
      drybean

      There is nothing humorous about the expletive you disguise in the title. This vulgar word is permeating our society so much that my children, as well as yours must listen to adults using the F word not just in the presence of adults but everywhere. I am sure some students follow you excellent blog. Please clean up your act.

      Reply
      1. OrangeHydra Avatar
        OrangeHydra

        #%&ing ridiculous. Perhaps the question is, why does your mind go to the F word? Why couldn’t it be “farm” “flap” “fart” or “flip”? Yes. Let’s all pretend there are no bad words in the world. Like forbidding them anything, your kids will delight in using the word all the more.

        Reply
  52. Ken Velten Avatar
    Ken Velten

    No DO NOT RETIRE THIS FEATURE

    Reply
  53. VC745D Avatar
    VC745D

    KEEP IT We’re grownups here, aren’t we?

    Reply
  54. Bob S. Avatar
    Bob S.

    There were no voting buttons … or none that I could find.

    Reply
  55. MeanMeosh Avatar
    MeanMeosh

    I can’t see the voting buttons, but my vote is NO, don’t change it. To me, the Who the/What the F*** series is consistent with the general tone of your blog – knowledgeable, but one that doesn’t take itself too seriously and with a touch of, ahem, crankiness. Plus, for once, I’d like to see someone stand up for themselves and stick it to political correctness.

    Reply
  56. iamndmurff Avatar
    iamndmurff

    I have no buttons to vote, but please don’t change the name. I love the name!

    Reply
    1. Bill from DC Avatar
      Bill from DC

      ditto… no buttons but a strong preference toward keeping this F*$@&!ing feature as is.

      Reply
  57. Michele McDonald Avatar
    Michele McDonald

    It says up at the top of the page that there are 62 responses, but I can only see 8 of them. I think we broke your website.

    Reply
  58. Alan Green Avatar
    Alan Green

    You could change the name to “What the Fact is…”. Then you’d only have to put with complaints from the grammar police.

    Reply
  59. Ben D Avatar
    Ben D

    Don’t change the name. There will always be someone who doesn’t like whatever title you choose. In my opinion it’s not insulting, it’s not demeaning, it’s not causing harm to anyone. I know you don’t want to lose readers, but you’ll never please them all.

    Reply
  60. Garry Avatar
    Garry

    Keep it.

    Reply
  61. Jean Mothena Avatar
    Jean Mothena

    I can’t see the buttons to vote – all I see are the results of 13 votes cast. However, if I could vote I’d vote for you to change the name. I agree that you’re not actually cussing, but I also agree that it’s very clear what the word is meant to be. Since that word is very offensive to me, I believe that it has no place in a professional website. I realize that it has become almost ubiquitous in our society, but that doesn’t make it right. I cringe whenever I hear people throwing it around like it was just another word. It isn’t. My mother once told me that if I couldn’t say what I wanted to say without the use of cuss words, then I either needed to not say it or I needed to work on my vocabulary. I agree, and think that with your intelligence and ability to write, you can certainly come up with a creative name that doesn’t need to contain even the indication of an offensive word.

    Reply
    1. John B. Avatar
      John B.

      Nicely said, and with out any cursing!

      Reply
  62. Kate Avatar
    Kate

    Keep the “name”. Am so sick of those that make something out of nothing just for their own righteousness. We are all perfectly capable of interpreting this name however WE want.

    Reply
  63. tharanga Avatar
    tharanga

    Keep the name. Irreverance, humour and snark are traits of this website.

    Reply
  64. Grover Thomas Avatar
    Grover Thomas

    I read your request to vote on the last post that offended some people. I could not find the link to reply so I will submit it here. I think you should leave it the way you wrote it. It’s your decision and I don’t think you should be constrained by your readers.

    Reply
  65. JayB Avatar
    JayB

    Your blog. Your choice. Do as you please. Everything’s fine with me.

    Reply
  66. David SF eastbay Avatar
    David SF eastbay

    must be something wrong with the blog today. shows 75 responses and I’ve gotten a lot of emails with them, but not many show in the blog.

    I was the #4 vote this morning when I left a responses and that doesn’t show.

    Reply
  67. Steve Avatar
    Steve

    Jim’s original post has merit – was the question unbiased, or, as tharanga indirectly suggests, was the question, like CF, irreverent, humorous, and snarky?

    I am the CF reader who, this time, questioned, as fellow parents, use of the word. When the comment was sent, also in mind was f***gin, which is used in CF posts. While technically not swearing this word has the same clear intent.

    Some prefer to avoid the word. Voting and replies suggest many are not concerned.

    Thanks CF for the post.

    Reply
  68. Jeff Avatar
    Jeff

    I suspect you are trying to be ‘au courant’ with the foul language, but using it simply demonstrates a lack of language. This is a great communication piece; I hate to see you cheapen it with non-professional verbiage. Surely you are clever enough to come up with something wittier, but worthy of a Pultizer Prize, not bird cage newsprint.

    Reply
  69. docjames Avatar
    docjames

    Just call it “What The?”. Simple but gets the point across.

    I like the series, just refine the name slightly.

    Reply
  70. Who the F*&@ cares Avatar
    Who the F*&@ cares

    Do you know the percentage of times I am going through Security Theatre and I ask myself “What the F*&@”? About 150% of the f-ing time. Keep it and ignore the politically correct web whiners. If they whine again make them fly the new American A321 in the back of coach!

    Reply
  71. Boof Avatar
    Boof

    Keep it. Yeah it might be a little tacky but there is nothing wrong with tacky. It’s certainly not offensive!

    Reply
  72. Nick Barnard Avatar
    Nick Barnard

    I say keep it.

    I also think a nice middle ground is to drop the F before the symbols. It’d make it into a rochblatt test where people see what they want in it.

    Reply
  73. Steve Avatar
    Steve

    It’s *Cranky* Flier, not Cheerful Flyer … I say keep it!

    For what it’s worth, I couldn’t vote but can see the results: Chrome, Win 7, Adblock (with non-intrusive ads allowed)

    Reply
  74. #$rrieNation Avatar
    #$rrieNation

    I can’t believe all the Mrs. Grundys and Dale Carnegie automotons who find this offensive and unprofessional. First of all, the site is called “The Cranky Flier.” Second of all, if you want personality-free writing, go read government reports. Thirdly, in my experience, a lot more gets done in business and communication in general without prudery and rigidity–respect is essential, but after an author’s tone is established–such as between CF and readers attuned to his voice–it’s up to the audience to read or not or to read. It’s not as though you’re paying for the CF.

    Reply
  75. Don Smith Avatar
    Don Smith

    KEEP IT

    Reply
  76. Mark Avatar
    Mark

    Do not change

    Reply
  77. BarryATL Avatar
    BarryATL

    Leave it as is. The few folks that are offended can use the power of their finger to click on to some other site. That is the beauty of the Internet.

    Reply
  78. JuliaZ Avatar
    JuliaZ

    No voting buttons for me either but I’d keep it or go with WTF. I’m glad you have a sense of humor.

    Reply
  79. Nigel Avatar
    Nigel

    Right. I believe we would refer to it around here as “what the bloody fucking hell?” I say keep it.

    Reply
  80. Jim Twig Avatar
    Jim Twig

    Leave it as is.

    Reply
  81. Xnuiem Avatar
    Xnuiem

    The poll doesnt work in any browser for me.

    Win7 64-bit Pro
    Firefox, Chrome, Safari, IE. Just shows the results, never been able to vote.

    Reply
  82. Darkwater Avatar
    Darkwater

    Poll results, but not the poll itself, show up on my iPad running iOS 7.

    If you’re going to retire this title in the name of professionalism, are you also going to retire the MSPaint & Included-in-PowerPoint-for-free clip-art graphics?

    Reply
    1. CF Avatar
      CF

      Darkwater – Absolutely not. And the results are overwhelmingly in favor of keeping the column name as well. So nothing is changing.

      Reply
  83. Patrick Avatar
    Patrick

    I, for one, am offended by the bowdlerizing. Curse, and own it.

    Reply
  84. Barbara Largo Avatar
    Barbara Largo

    Don’t retire the name just because of a few picky prudes and naysayers. A little humor goes a long way and some people simply don’t have a sense of humor.

    Reply
  85. Jeff Bonnell Avatar
    Jeff Bonnell

    Looks like my vote for ‘good taste’ and ‘better creativity’ is losing. Guess CF is happy to be a small local publication edited by sophomores. I thoroughly enjoy reading CF and the maturity of the writing; I’ll continue to read it, but won’t pass it along to the dozen or so friends b/c it also reflects on me. “With age comes wisdom.”

    Reply

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