# About This Message Board **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/about-this-message-board/8.md?page=482 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 483 --- ## [Trolling and clarifications, UncleBeer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trolling-and-clarifications-unclebeer/88039)
**Author:** [@curious\_george](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/curious_george)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2001, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trolling-and-clarifications-unclebeer/88039 "2001-10-21T23:16:08Z")
UncleBeer, yesterday you moved my thread from MPSIMS to the Pit, http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?postid=1720589#post1720589. I asked you questions about this in the thread, and signed off before I saw… --- ## [Asking An Opinion About A Book](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/asking-an-opinion-about-a-book/88707)
**Author:** [@Quasimodem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quasimodem)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2001, 11:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/asking-an-opinion-about-a-book/88707 "2001-10-21T23:10:24Z")
Does it go in IMHO or CAFE SOCIETY? Thanks Q --- ## [Opal is nice, I'm sure, but...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opal-is-nice-im-sure-but/88678)
**Author:** [@Yondan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yondan)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2001, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opal-is-nice-im-sure-but/88678 "2001-10-21T22:55:17Z")
\[newbie question\] WHy do people keep saying “Hi Opal?” \[/newbie question\] --- ## [What is a boomerang?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-a-boomerang/88651)
**Author:** [@JimSox5](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JimSox5)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2001, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-a-boomerang/88651 "2001-10-21T22:20:33Z")
While reading a thread earlier today, I don’t remember where or anything, I don’t particularly feel like trying to find it again, but Ghost was known as a boomerang, not a member. What gives? --- ## [Where ya'll been?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-yall-been/88703)
**Author:** [@bare](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bare)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2001, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-yall-been/88703 "2001-10-21T21:47:11Z")
I couldn’t connect for the last six hours. ::sniff:: --- ## [Fonts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fonts/88716)
**Author:** [@whatmove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/whatmove)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2001, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fonts/88716 "2001-10-21T19:04:21Z")
I can’t figure out how to italicize, underline, or make bold my text in posts. Any hints? I’m on a Mac. --- ## [font size](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/font-size/88398)
**Author:** [@Anubis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anubis)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2001, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/font-size/88398 "2001-10-21T00:00:47Z")
I see a binch of dopers somehow making some of their font smaller than the rest of it. I assume it’s a vB code but I don’t see it on the list. Can someone enlighten this dummy doper on how to do this? --- ## [Has a banned poster ever been reinstated? - could it happen?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-a-banned-poster-ever-been-reinstated-could-it-happen/88498)
**Author:** [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2001, 11:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-a-banned-poster-ever-been-reinstated-could-it-happen/88498 "2001-10-20T11:56:02Z")
I’m not asking for names, just wondering if a banned poster could in principle be reinstated, or is it a possibility that the mods/admins simply won’t ever entertain? I’m not talking about the usual pattern of events wh… --- ## [Should we follow the lead of snopes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-follow-the-lead-of-snopes/88549)
**Author:** [@reprise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/reprise)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2001, 5:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-follow-the-lead-of-snopes/88549 "2001-10-20T05:22:20Z")
and establish a dedicated forum for discussion of the “Attack on America” and the “War on Terrorism”? I wasn’t overly thrilled by the establishment of Cafe Society as I felt many of the topics fell within the province o… --- ## [The BBQ Pit should be gotten rid of](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-bbq-pit-should-be-gotten-rid-of/87131)
**Author:** [@curious\_george](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/curious_george)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2001, 12:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-bbq-pit-should-be-gotten-rid-of/87131 "2001-10-20T00:04:51Z")
The BBQ Pit should be gotten rid of. It does more harm than good. It’s mainly just a place for people to post vulgar insults. What good does that do? The personal insults attacking other board members are especially bad… --- ## [Question about Banned Posters](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-banned-posters/87626)
**Author:** [@Mikemike2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mikemike2)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2001, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-banned-posters/87626 "2001-10-19T21:38:44Z")
Is there any thread on this message board which states why posters were banned? Is a reason always given as to why someone is banned, or do some just mysteriously (to the other members of the board) have their status cha… --- ## [How does THIS happen?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-this-happen/88348)
**Author:** [@Hombre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hombre)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2001, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-this-happen/88348 "2001-10-19T21:24:56Z")
In this thread, I jokingly used a line from a previous post from the venerable Duck Duck Goose as a sig. This post was on 10/17/01. I returned to an earlier thread of mine (my first, actually) to a post dated 10/08/01 a… --- ## [Changed Frontpage???](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changed-frontpage/87836)
**Author:** [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2001, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changed-frontpage/87836 "2001-10-19T20:20:27Z")
OK, was the Straight Dope Homepage changed in the last week or so? It looks to me like the fonts and link colors changed. Am I insane, or was there a subtle change here? Nevertheless it really is unsettling, it doesn’t … --- ## [The board is getting slow again!!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-board-is-getting-slow-again/86378)
**Author:** [@jab1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jab1)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2001, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-board-is-getting-slow-again/86378 "2001-10-19T19:32:14Z")
This morning, I made a post in my Barry Bonds thread in IMHO. It took fifteen minutes for it to go through. Are we returning to the bad old days when the board was slower’n molasses in Alaska in January? --- ## [Who Are These Moderators Anyway?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-these-moderators-anyway/86122)
**Author:** [@RainbowDragon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RainbowDragon)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2001, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-these-moderators-anyway/86122 "2001-10-19T15:30:22Z")
I am rather curious about the moderators and their relationship to The Chicago Reader and the SDMB. Are moderators volunteers, or are they paid employees of The Chicago Reader? How does one become a moderator? Is ther… --- ## [What does WAG mean?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-wag-mean/88417)
**Author:** [@Dilbert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dilbert)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2001, 2:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-wag-mean/88417 "2001-10-19T14:12:39Z")
I keep seing people use it, and I can’t seem to figure it out from context. It seems to be close to IIRC, but maybe not. Anyone? --- ## ["Fix Me and My Stuff" Threads](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fix-me-and-my-stuff-threads/88384)
**Author:** [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2001, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fix-me-and-my-stuff-threads/88384 "2001-10-19T14:05:41Z")
Lately there has been a proliferation of threads in GQ asking for help solving problems ranging from computers and cars, to medical and wardrobe advice. In only the past two days, here are some examples that have appeare… --- ## [What is an IP?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-an-ip/88334)
**Author:** [@Mudshark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mudshark)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2001, 1:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-an-ip/88334 "2001-10-19T13:56:16Z")
I’ve swwn the word IP mentioned a lot, what is it? --- ## [Way too many email notifications...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/way-too-many-email-notifications/88367)
**Author:** [@DoperChic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DoperChic)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2001, 7:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/way-too-many-email-notifications/88367 "2001-10-19T07:01:00Z")
As far as I understood, email notifications of a response to a thread were only sent out once until you visit the thread again. Then if someone new posts after I have visited said thread, I will get a new notification. I… --- ## [Practice Post](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/practice-post/88311)
**Author:** [@AlteredState](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AlteredState)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2001, 6:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/practice-post/88311 "2001-10-19T06:57:14Z")
Never posted before, just testing. --- ## [Problem with the board, or with me?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/problem-with-the-board-or-with-me/88241)
**Author:** [@pezpunk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pezpunk)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2001, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/problem-with-the-board-or-with-me/88241 "2001-10-18T18:03:05Z")
Is anyone else having problems posting? Everytime I submit a reply it takes literally about 3 minutes then I get an error screen. If I go back and refresh the page the post is there. As a result I keep double posting. I… --- ## [Sig from other posters...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sig-from-other-posters/88101)
**Author:** [@Hombre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hombre)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2001, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sig-from-other-posters/88101 "2001-10-18T14:22:51Z")
Should one ask permission to use a line from another members post as a sig (assuming it’s clever/ flattering/etc)? If so so should you e-mail member in question? Or just ask in the thread? I’ve seen folks say, “That’s … --- ## [Hijacking is considered "bad manners"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hijacking-is-considered-bad-manners/88195)
**Author:** [@Quasimodem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quasimodem)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2001, 2:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hijacking-is-considered-bad-manners/88195 "2001-10-18T14:09:29Z")
Really? Always? I ask because there have been times when I wanted to add something to a thread that wasn’t dead-on the subject, but concerned the subject in some way. Lately, though I have used the phrase “slight detou… --- ## [Test](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/test/88186)
**Author:** [@Deptford](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Deptford)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2001, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/test/88186 "2001-10-18T13:47:40Z")
just checking something. --- ## [What Are Sock Puppets and Trolls?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-sock-puppets-and-trolls/88024)
**Author:** [@Shera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shera)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2001, 5:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-sock-puppets-and-trolls/88024 "2001-10-18T05:00:29Z")
What Are sock puppets and Trolls? Is there some list somewhere to tell me what the defining characteristics are? I fell like such an idiot becuase I don’t know what they are, but I would feel even stupider if I did somet… --- ## [Moderators: New Smiley Proposed!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderators-new-smiley-proposed/86405)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2001, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderators-new-smiley-proposed/86405 "2001-10-17T20:36:21Z")
Hey, we need a “light bulb” symbol to indicate when we’ve seen the light. I mean, you can’t fight ignorance since 1973 without it! Can it be done? And, the code would be :LB, I wager. Seeing the light… Jinx --- ## [what happened ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened/87783)
**Author:** [@ninja\_rydr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ninja_rydr)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2001, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened/87783 "2001-10-17T17:27:41Z")
In this thread a post from \*\* BasicGuy \*\* that was quoted by myself, gex gex and TwistoFate was missing. Was it deleted, a glich ? I believe it was BasicGuy’s first post. Just wondering what happened. --- ## [SDMB polls](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-polls/87812)
**Author:** [@The\_Flying\_Dutchman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Flying_Dutchman)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2001, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-polls/87812 "2001-10-17T15:06:01Z")
It occured to me that a forum dedicated to polls that can be generated by members, vetted or not by moderators, and allowing for instantaneous updates of results might be of interest to the members. Of course I’m thinki… --- ## [I have a question....](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-question/87483)
**Author:** [@holiestgravy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/holiestgravy)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2001, 12:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-question/87483 "2001-10-17T12:42:42Z")
Why has the administrator, or whoever, turned off the list of members? --- ## [People pages question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-pages-question/87583)
**Author:** [@Shera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shera)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2001, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-pages-question/87583 "2001-10-16T21:45:26Z")
What do the Checks next to the user name on the list of dopers mean? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/about-this-message-board/8.md?page=481) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/about-this-message-board/8.md?page=483)