We received a number of letters and telephone calls criticising our use of a swear word on the front cover of the July/August issue. In retrospect, we regret the use of the swear word and can only apologise for any offence caused. The word was intended to convey the stressed, site-obsessed state of mind of the holidaying manager.

Here are just some of your views:

Bad language may be commonplace but I don’t expect to see it on the cover of my magazine. Swearing shows a lack of vocabulary, and any parent who swears at a child should be prosecuted for verbal abuse. Not a joking matter!
Dennis S Green

What bothers me about your cover is the image it portrays to anyone with a passing interest in the magazine. Do we really need to put out the impression that our industry carries our site failings to our personal lives, particularly to our children? Bad judgment on this one.
Rob Young

I was very disappointed by your front cover. It is well known that swearing is prevalent and generally accepted in most instances on site, but that is where it should stay.
N Simpson

What hope is there of the CIOB establishing itself as a professional body when its front cover shows a swear word addressed to a small boy?
H A Hunt

Construction Manager expresses the policies and standards of our Institute. The creation of this most unfortunate cover makes it apparent that editorial staff do not understand the hearts and minds of members.
George Clark

I was appalled by your front cover. It illustrated a majority view held by the public: that of the bad-tempered builder on holiday using bad language to his son. What impression does this give to the younger generation we so desperately need in our industry?
Dave Saunders

Surely you can get your message across without swearing? Your cover was a poor reflection of Construction Manager and the CIOB itself.
Don Smith

I cannot believe that the use of a swear word is acceptable within the manager’s home environment even if it is normal parlance for the industry.
R C Gee

Source

Construction Manager