I was initially going to label the action as "cheap" (because really--I got into the series through the dub, and I've seldom used anything but Tien to address the character), but then I realized a couple of things:
1.
Accuracy over preference. Tenshinhan is the character's name, point blank. It's not a case of transliteration or even bad translation--it was a concious choice on part of FUNimation to change the name of the character because they arbitrarily defined it as "more suited to an American audience."
It's the same thing with Mr. Satan's name being changed to Hercule--you could argue that it's "better," but the point is that it is
not the character's name. You're not getting around that.
2.
His forum, his rules. If you don't like that, then, with all due respect,
get the fuck out. If Mike wanted to make a filter that changed "penis" to "spargel" because he thought it was funny, then that's his prerogative, and he is absolutely entitled to that. He handles the hosting, he has run this community for years, and it is
his message board.
I've made a few word filters on my own board, myself, to correct both grammatical errors and to just change things that annoy me or that I think need to be corrected. Such things involve changing "would of" to "would have," capitalizing Is in sentences, and adding correct apostrophes and capitalization to certain contractions.
Whether or not these filters are seen as "intrusive" or not is an entirely subjective view. Because of this, it only makes sense that Mike would make the final decision in regards to whether or not it should exist, given that he runs the message board on his own time and he calls the shots. This isn't to say he isn't open to suggestion at all--in fact, from what I've seen, he's
very open to it--but just to say that, ultimately, it's his choice what happens to this board, for better or worse.
3.
It's funny seeing peoples' reactions. Seriously, I'm laughing at the fact that this is even considered an issue. Tenshinhan is the name of the character, Mike put the filter there, and it's not going away. How about you learn to accept that and go on with your life? It certainly helps avoid flamewars over the name of the character derailing otherwise good discussion.
Finally, I'd like to address the "casual fan" comment. I consider myself a casual fan, but I still enjoy this board and the various topics of discussion within it. I enjoy discussing an animated series that I enjoyed as a child, and continue to enjoy to this day. It brings back fond memories, really.
So yeah, I don't think this board is limited to any specific group of fans other than those who are intelligent. If you can articulate yourself, can reason your opinions, can be insightful, and even have a good sense of humor, then you're quite welcome here!
I grew up on the dub and didn't know much outside of it, but being on this forum has taught me a ton about what the series I had enjoyed for so long is
really like. I think that's a great thing. And, hell, I think that if a word filter puts me into the habit of addressing a character by its proper name, then by god, let it stay.
I think some of us take this forum for granted, and don't really understand that it's honestly one of the best of its kind. A few years ago, I never would have even
thought about joining a Dragonball-related community because of the negative stigma against the series, and the embarassing attitudes of a lot of its fans. I feel welcome here, though; like I've found a new home where I can discuss the series without feeling like an idiot or feeling like I can't have a real discussion. It's a great feeling.
So not only do I say "suck it up and deal with it, you whiners," I also say thank you, Mike, for making a forum where I actually feel like I can fit in. And thank you to all the members who made a great community like this flourish. You're all awesome.
This post got sort of long-winded and off the initial subject, but I'm glad to get a lot of this off my chest. I hope you guys enjoy my testimony, though.
She/Her 
