# About This Message Board **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/about-this-message-board/8.md?page=238 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 239 --- ## [A Pre-Emptive why was mswas banned?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-pre-emptive-why-was-mswas-banned/527472)
**Author:** [@Harmonious\_Discord](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Harmonious_Discord)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2010, 2:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-pre-emptive-why-was-mswas-banned/527472 "2010-02-03T02:31:41Z")
I hope this isn’t premature. It’s not is it? The problem is we don’t have a mod to single out yet. I’m sure that won’t hinder this thread. :wink: --- ## [Modest proposal for a new major category](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/modest-proposal-for-a-new-major-category/526983)
**Author:** [@tnetennba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tnetennba)\ **Replies:** 130\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2010, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/modest-proposal-for-a-new-major-category/526983 "2010-02-02T23:34:32Z")
I wonder if we can have a major category for “in the news.” Not everything is a debate, sports, entertainment, mundane and pointless or an opinion. For example, the Haiti earthquakes. It’s kind of silly to pit an earthqu… --- ## ["Proper" use of mod powers to steer a thread in GD?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proper-use-of-mod-powers-to-steer-a-thread-in-gd/526144)
**Author:** [@FinnAgain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FinnAgain)\ **Replies:** 212\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2010, 9:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proper-use-of-mod-powers-to-steer-a-thread-in-gd/526144 "2010-02-02T09:31:01Z")
This thread is getting a bit off track, and I’d suggest that ATMB is probably a better place for us to discuss it, just in case the central question (such as it is) of the GD thread is still interesting to some. Anyways… --- ## [So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-long-and-thanks-for-all-the-fish/526009)
**Author:** [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2010, 4:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-long-and-thanks-for-all-the-fish/526009 "2010-02-02T04:50:02Z")
My subscription expires on Monday, but I won’t be renewing it. I think most of the Mods here do a fantastic job, but one of the newer ones has what I feel is rather a heavy-handed style, and that’s put me off somewhat. I… --- ## [Problematic Moderation: Rico and Curtis LeMay](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/problematic-moderation-rico-and-curtis-lemay/523323)
**Author:** [@Kimmy\_Gibbler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimmy_Gibbler)\ **Replies:** 181\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2010, 4:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/problematic-moderation-rico-and-curtis-lemay/523323 "2010-02-02T04:08:16Z")
I understand that Curtis LeMay’s posting privileges are under review because he asked whether anybody vandalizes Wikipedia. This is not against the law. The rule cited was “\[Vandalizing Wikipedia\] is being a jerk. You’r… --- ## [Searching for a movie](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/searching-for-a-movie/527170)
**Author:** [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2010, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/searching-for-a-movie/527170 "2010-02-01T14:02:34Z")
How can I find a movie in cafe society using the title? If the title is a common single word (Unfaithful) I get about 7 million hits. Also, is hyperbole allowed in ATMB? Danke mangeorge, who is old now. --- ## [Test poll](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/test-poll/527193)
**Author:** [@Ranchoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranchoth)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2010, 1:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/test-poll/527193 "2010-02-01T13:03:41Z")
Gon’ be a hot poll in the old boards tonight! (“Test posts” are still okay in this forum…right? :eek:) --- ## [How Old is a Zombie Thread?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-old-is-a-zombie-thread/526934)
**Author:** [@MitzeKatze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MitzeKatze)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2010, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-old-is-a-zombie-thread/526934 "2010-01-31T19:59:21Z")
I have a quick question about the resurrecting of zombie threads. How old is too old? I refrain from posting to threads found on searches that have gone for a week or more with no posts, and generally only use the “new … --- ## ["Fire my lawyer" thread closing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fire-my-lawyer-thread-closing/526769)
**Author:** [@Mr.Excellent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Excellent)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2010, 10:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fire-my-lawyer-thread-closing/526769 "2010-01-30T10:25:13Z")
Czarcasm, While I understand why you closed the “should I fire my lawyer” thread (Fire my lawyer? Hire a new one? Do the work myself? (mildly ranty) - In My Humble Opinion - Straight Dope Message Board), I respectfully … --- ## [Enable Calendar?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enable-calendar/526960)
**Author:** [@joyfool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joyfool)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2010, 10:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enable-calendar/526960 "2010-01-30T10:12:08Z")
I know that over time we’ve been given other features to use that we haven’t abused (like edit and the polling function) and I was just curious if it would be possible to turn on the calendar. I think it could be a fun … --- ## [Banning and being banned](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/banning-and-being-banned/526601)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2010, 4:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/banning-and-being-banned/526601 "2010-01-30T04:42:28Z")
How does one know when one is close to the razors edge of being banned? Do the mods generally send out private messages or emails, warning that a poster is walking on thin ice, or does the mod warnings in a given thread… --- ## [test](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/test/526921)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2010, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/test/526921 "2010-01-29T23:15:10Z")
--- ## [Do moderator actions get independent review?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-moderator-actions-get-independent-review/526817)
**Author:** [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2010, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-moderator-actions-get-independent-review/526817 "2010-01-29T22:36:33Z")
If I, as a poster, see a moderator action I think is in error, is there a way to ensure it gets a fair review? How do I do so? --- ## [Hey, Czarcasm! Ypu're Holding Up The Game!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-czarcasm-ypure-holding-up-the-game/526274)
**Author:** [@Scissorjack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scissorjack)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2010, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-czarcasm-ypure-holding-up-the-game/526274 "2010-01-29T22:06:48Z")
\[Moderator Warning\]TWEET! Take the highly charged issue of non-believers marrying in a religious setting to Great Debates where it belongs. The OP is asking about appropriate readings for the ceremony.\[/Moderator Warning… --- ## [Weird time stamp/new posts/post order stuff](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-time-stamp-new-posts-post-order-stuff/526894)
**Author:** [@NinetyWt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NinetyWt)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2010, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-time-stamp-new-posts-post-order-stuff/526894 "2010-01-29T15:10:28Z")
I’ve been experiencing some strange things this morning. Time stamps showing for new posts are a couple of hours ahead, but not whole hours, and not always the same difference if I navigate away from a page and back to … --- ## ["Go to first new post" button does what, exactly?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/go-to-first-new-post-button-does-what-exactly/526182)
**Author:** [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2010, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/go-to-first-new-post-button-does-what-exactly/526182 "2010-01-29T01:24:43Z")
When I click on the “Go to first new post\*” \*button at the beginning of a thread title, it almost never takes me to the first new post. What does that mean? The first new post since I last visited the thread, the board p… --- ## [Rules Propostion: Multiple Warnings](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rules-propostion-multiple-warnings/526681)
**Author:** [@Trepa\_Mayfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trepa_Mayfield)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2010, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rules-propostion-multiple-warnings/526681 "2010-01-28T21:58:55Z")
Okay. We know that you moderate people differently if they acquire multiple warnings. Like, if someone has a history of making a poll with no substance and then leaving, their polls are more likely to be closed. And if s… --- ## [test poast, please ignore](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/test-poast-please-ignore/526570)
**Author:** [@Larry\_Borgia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Larry_Borgia)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 27, 2010, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/test-poast-please-ignore/526570 "2010-01-27T18:28:31Z")
Δf = f\[sub\]x\[/sub\](x\[sub\]0\[/sub\], y\[sub\]0\[/sub\])Δx + f\[sub\]y\[/sub\](x\[sub\]0\[/sub\], y\[sub\]0\[/sub\])Δy + ε\[sub\]1\[/sub\]Δx + ε\[sub\]2\[/sub\]Δy --- ## [Are Hijacks allowed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-hijacks-allowed/526224)
**Author:** [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [January 27, 2010, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-hijacks-allowed/526224 "2010-01-27T16:54:47Z")
Over in the thread discussing proper use of Mod powers, Scissorjack tried to redirect conversation to a repeated complaint about moderators I have recently seen. Scissorjack said You said that with a commendably st… --- ## [New posts are old](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-posts-are-old/526507)
**Author:** [@Jormungandr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jormungandr)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 27, 2010, 7:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-posts-are-old/526507 "2010-01-27T07:06:09Z")
How much time does a post have until it has “no new post” status? I’ve notice this icon appears on posts I haven’t read. --- ## [FYI, You Can Report Your Own Posts Now](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fyi-you-can-report-your-own-posts-now/526554)
**Author:** [@Contrapuntal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Contrapuntal)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [January 27, 2010, 5:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fyi-you-can-report-your-own-posts-now/526554 "2010-01-27T05:19:21Z")
For all you folks who “ask a passing mod” to fix, move, close, etc. your post or thread, you will get quicker attention by simply using the red triangle to send a report with whatever your requests, demands, lamentations… --- ## [Moderators making the infraction more clear in posts?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderators-making-the-infraction-more-clear-in-posts/525912)
**Author:** [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2010, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderators-making-the-infraction-more-clear-in-posts/525912 "2010-01-26T20:41:13Z")
I’ve recently been reading ATMB threads, and I’m seeing a common pattern. Posters are questioning moderator actions (nothing new there), but what stands out is that they have several times misunderstood what the moderat… --- ## [Should A Mod Who Participates In A Thread Be Its Moderator, Too?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-a-mod-who-participates-in-a-thread-be-its-moderator-too/526187)
**Author:** [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2010, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-a-mod-who-participates-in-a-thread-be-its-moderator-too/526187 "2010-01-26T19:59:21Z")
tomndebb was a participant in the ZPG Zealot thread about adoption. I have no problem with his participation. As anyone else on this board, he’s entitled to his opinion. However, I don’t think that a mod who participa… --- ## [AIDS free Giraffe board?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aids-free-giraffe-board/524280)
**Author:** [@billfish678](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/billfish678)\ **Replies:** 135\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2010, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aids-free-giraffe-board/524280 "2010-01-26T19:08:40Z")
I keep seeing these pop up ads for something like girraffe board. The ads say things like “a board that won’t give you AIDS” or “a board that won’t ruin your life” and maybe some other similiar stuff that I can’t recall… --- ## [How do I use the Multi-Quote button?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-use-the-multi-quote-button/526537)
**Author:** [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2010, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-use-the-multi-quote-button/526537 "2010-01-26T18:56:47Z")
I click on it; it changes colour; nothing happens. How does one use it? --- ## [sig query](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sig-query/526498)
**Author:** [@pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pseudotriton_ruber_ruber)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2010, 12:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sig-query/526498 "2010-01-26T12:55:04Z")
Prolly obvious, but I can’t get my sig to show. Looks like it should, but no. Is there some special button for making one’s sig visible? --- ## [Mundane. Just discovered a feature by accident - dragging links into edit boxes.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mundane-just-discovered-a-feature-by-accident-dragging-links-into-edit-boxes/525913)
**Author:** [@Lobsang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobsang)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2010, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mundane-just-discovered-a-feature-by-accident-dragging-links-into-edit-boxes/525913 "2010-01-25T03:33:08Z")
Just thought I’d share, so that others might find it useful. Take the SDMB as an example of usage. I was about to follow a link and decided I didn’t want to. But I’d already clicked. Usually when this happens I try t… --- ## [Scissorjack Suspended](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scissorjack-suspended/526278)
**Author:** [@SkipMagic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SkipMagic)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2010, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scissorjack-suspended/526278 "2010-01-24T21:25:06Z")
After having collected numerous warnings in the past few months, Scissorjack has been suspended for 30 days. His most recent warning is here. --- ## [So the Pit is now basically a political forum...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-the-pit-is-now-basically-a-political-forum/525847)
**Author:** [@Argent\_Towers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Argent_Towers)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2010, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-the-pit-is-now-basically-a-political-forum/525847 "2010-01-24T17:39:48Z")
Seems to me that the Pit has completely shifted over to political talk; nearly every thread there is dedicated to bashing conservative figure X. It’s not that I care about these poor politicians and am rushing in to defe… --- ## [A question regarding smilies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-regarding-smilies/525882)
**Author:** [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2010, 1:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-regarding-smilies/525882 "2010-01-24T13:05:49Z")
I note that in the smilies menu, this —\> :eyeroll: is named “Roll Eyes (Sarcastic).” That’s all well and good, but sometimes I feel like I’d like to use a “Roll Eyes (‘Innocent’)”. Could we maybe get one of those? It c… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/about-this-message-board/8.md?page=237) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/about-this-message-board/8.md?page=239)