WordPress - Remove empty p tags for custom shortcodes

gistfile1.php

<?php

add_filter("the_content", "the_content_filter");

function the_content_filter($content) {

	// array of custom shortcodes requiring the fix 
	$block = join("|",array("col","shortcode2","shortcode3"));

	// opening tag
	$rep = preg_replace("/(<p>)?\[($block)(\s[^\]]+)?\](<\/p>|<br \/>)?/","[$2$3]",$content);
		
	// closing tag
	$rep = preg_replace("/(<p>)?\[\/($block)](<\/p>|<br \/>)?/","[/$2]",$rep);

	return $rep;

}

Hello, any newer option for removing empty p? I can't get theme accepted on themeforest with this code inside.

A friend of mine also had his theme rejected using this, but it might still be possible if it is explained, http://themeforest.net/forums/thread/how-to-add-shortcodes-in-wp-themes-without-being-rejected/98804#993635

Success! http://themeforest.net/forums/thread/how-to-add-shortcodes-in-wp-themes-without-being-rejected/98804?page=4#996848

Interesting.
But shouldn't it be content_save_pre or something rather than the_content that works when saving posts?
So it will put less server loads.

function my_sanitize_content($value){ $value = preg_replace("/<p>(\[[^<]+?)<\/p>/u","$1",$value); $value = preg_replace("/<p>(\[[^<]+?)<br \/>/u","$1<p>",$value); return $value; } add_filter('content_save_pre','my_sanitize_content',10,1);

Hey,
I have a child theme active right now. Should I add this snippet to functions of the child theme or the parent theme?
How may I add the code, in the end of the .php or?