The 90-year-old name of an iconic Canadian history magazine has had to change because it runs foul of school internet filters. Senator Conroy, be warned: similar types of nonsense are likely here if you pursue your manic desire to filter (censor) the Australian internet.
What’s in a name? Veto by net filter
In 1920 the Hudson’s Bay Company began publishing a magazine for its 250th anniversary.
The Beaver: A Journal of Progress seemed a good title. The company, which controlled much of the landmass that is now western and northern Canada, owed much of its early fortune to the trade in beaver pelts.
The Beaver evolved into a respected magazine about Canadian history. The company shifted from fur trading to department stores.
Now , in 2010, Canada’s National History Society, the non-profit group that now publishes The Beaver, has decided that the internet requires the magazine to undergo a name change.
All because of school internet filters! Australia’s Filter (censorship) Minister, Senator Conroy, take note.
The title was doomed by a vulgar alternative meaning of the word ‘beaver’ in North America that causes web filters at schools and junk mail filters in email programs to block access to material containing the magazine’s name.
“It’s only been in the last two years or so that it’s been a problem,” said Deborah Morrison, the president and chief executive of the history society, which is based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. ‘Beaver’ is one of those key words students are denied access to on the Internet.”
The trouble went beyond web pages. The magazine found that its attempts to send classroom aids by email were blocked.
The vulgar ‘beaver’ is a nickname in North America for an item of female anatomy.
In Australia, perhaps the best animal translation is ‘platypus’.
Oops! That’s the name of the Australian Federal Police magazine.
About Platypus Magazine
Platypus Magazine is the AFP’s quarterly magazine.
The platypus has been adopted by the AFP as a symbol representing the diverse requirements placed upon members in the execution of their duty.
This unique and tenacious Australian animal is a survivor against increasing pressure from today’s environment. It leaves no stone unturned in its daily pursuits and has equipped itself with a range of features to adapt to changes over many years.
Although generally a peaceful animal, the platypus is able to defend itself, if necessary, with a venomous spur. It is capable of passing unnoticed if required, yet it demonstrates an unfailing dedication to explore all possibilities in an effort to maintain its special place in Australia’s environment.
This is done, at times, against larger and more powerful opponents – a quality admired and respected by members of the Australian Federal Police.
http://www.afp.gov.au/about/publications/platypus_magazine.html
Original story: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/25/business/media/25history.html?em