# About the "Casting Call" thread in Great Debates **URL:** \ **Category:** About This Message Board\ **Created:** [September 29, 2014, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-the-casting-call-thread-in-great-debates/699872 "2014-09-29T15:56:15Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![TroutMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/troutman/32/6721_2.png) [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2014, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-the-casting-call-thread-in-great-debates/699872/41 "2014-09-30T00:07:42Z")
> [@simster](#): > > I want to know what demographic they think the ‘straight dope’ caters too — I have a feeling they think we are a bunch of ex-felon cousin loving people… > > IOW - they asked to post here because of DOPE in the title - and they have a less than stellar opion of the citizens here. > [@Morgenstern](#): > > Why not refer them to Stormfront where they are much more likely to find that kind of family relationships. Have you guys read some of the threads in IMHO? Yes, as a whole people are pretty intelligent here, but there are still plenty of drama-filled and drama-seeking posters. Those aren’t always exclusive. ---
**Author:** ![Rachellelogram](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rachellelogram/32/8689_2.png) [@Rachellelogram](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rachellelogram)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2014, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-the-casting-call-thread-in-great-debates/699872/42 "2014-09-30T00:12:24Z")
> [@TubaDiva](#): > > The casting company contacted Ed and asked if they could post the notice here. No palms were greased in the making of this film. ---
**Author:** ![Green\_Bean](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/green_bean/32/1760_2.png) [@Green\_Bean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Green_Bean)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2014, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-the-casting-call-thread-in-great-debates/699872/43 "2014-09-30T00:44:28Z")
> [@mhendo](#): > > If she’s not to blame for allowing the thread, then she’s not to blame. I’m cool with that. All she had to say was, “Not my call, and i had no say in the matter,” and i would have left it there. She implied it in post #5, but I agree that these things would be better if stated explicitly. We don’t know the whole backstory on this particular issue, but in general, more transparency would be helpful in many cases. ---
**Author:** ![Green\_Bean](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/green_bean/32/1760_2.png) [@Green\_Bean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Green_Bean)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2014, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-the-casting-call-thread-in-great-debates/699872/44 "2014-09-30T00:52:13Z")
Wow, I sure used a lot of weasel words in the above post. ---
**Author:** ![dropzone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dropzone/32/7515_2.png) [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2014, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-the-casting-call-thread-in-great-debates/699872/45 "2014-09-30T01:09:43Z")
I, for one, welcome the opportunity to abuse, in a manner appropriate to the forum, a person soliciting, in the shopping for whores sense, unfortunates willing to show the world how miserable their lives are for $3500 or whatever the going rate is. However, whore that I am, I would prefer that the board sees a few bucks slipped its way for maintenance and to make the whole mess a bit less embarrassing. ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2014, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-the-casting-call-thread-in-great-debates/699872/46 "2014-09-30T02:04:42Z")
So, they shoulda just told him how to buy an ad? ---
**Author:** ![dropzone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dropzone/32/7515_2.png) [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2014, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-the-casting-call-thread-in-great-debates/699872/47 "2014-09-30T02:09:42Z")
Yes. That’s what I would have done. ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2014, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-the-casting-call-thread-in-great-debates/699872/48 "2014-09-30T02:21:12Z")
> [@kaylasdad99](#): > > So, they shoulda just told him how to buy an ad? Yeah, why not? Non-members get bombarded with ads already. Why does this particular company get a free one? ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2014, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-the-casting-call-thread-in-great-debates/699872/49 "2014-09-30T02:22:53Z")
> [@TubaDiva](#): > > **MODERATOR NOTE:** > Do not make this thread a dogpile on Czarcasm. (Or anyone else.) Keep it civil and reasonably polite and on topic. Is it OK to dogpile on **MeanOldLady**? Maybe I’m not defining dogpile same as you, though. Dogpile?:dubious: ETA: Whoops. Skirting polite. ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2014, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-the-casting-call-thread-in-great-debates/699872/50 "2014-09-30T02:35:12Z")
> [@TubaDiva](#): > > Thought it might be of interest in some fashion on the board. The fact that it’s generating comment proves we made the correct decision. Y’know, I don’t much mind the thread, but I find this genre of argument to be really weak. The comments generated in that thread are almost entirely derisive of the project and of the thread itself. The mere fact that your decision generated discussion does not prove the merits of your decision; to claim otherwise is to justify any decision you make as long as it’s sufficiently outrageous to get someone worked up over it (which around here means it can be infinitesimally outrageous). You might have made the right decision, sure, but the fact that it annoys people doesn’t justify it. ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2014, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-the-casting-call-thread-in-great-debates/699872/51 "2014-09-30T03:33:57Z")
> [@TubaDiva](#): > > Thought it might be of interest in some fashion on the board. The fact that it’s generating comment proves we made the correct decision. Wow, i missed this gem until **LHoD** pointed it out in his most recent post. By the standard of “it’s generating comment,” [this thread](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=735358) should still be open. It generated over 140 posts in two days. ---
**Author:** ![kopek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kopek/32/337_2.png) [@kopek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kopek)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2014, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-the-casting-call-thread-in-great-debates/699872/52 "2014-09-30T15:29:34Z")
Would some sort of disclaimer be possible? “The SDMB staff and moderators are not endorsing this project but are allowing its presentation to you. Participate at your own risk.” or something along those lines. My wife and I have done a fair share or things with TDC and others and have known people who have been in the “reality” side. Sometimes those experiences are pretty good but when they are bad they can be really horrible. ---
**Author:** ![TubaDiva](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tubadiva/32/507_2.png) [@TubaDiva](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TubaDiva)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2014, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-the-casting-call-thread-in-great-debates/699872/53 "2014-09-30T15:45:33Z")
It’s in the registration agreement: > **[SDMB registration agreement as of 12/21/2014](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=650726)** > > The agreement below spells out the rules by which SDMB users are expected to abide. The purpose of the present revision is to add the language in bold: “If we tell you to refrain from behavior that we regard as uncivil, \*\*or that in our view... > [@](#): > > Considering the real-time nature of this bulletin board and the volume of messages received, it is impossible for us to verify the information posted. We do not vouch for or warrant the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any message, and are not responsible for the contents of any message. Users should be particularly wary of medical, legal or other professional advice posted on the message board and recognize that it is no substitute for in-person consultation with a competent professional. Messages express the views of their authors, not necessarily the views of the operator of the SDMB, namely Sun-Times Media, LLC (“STM”), or any entity associated with it. Also a bit of a stretch but this could apply as well: > [@](#): > > STM and its agents, including the administrators and moderators of the Straight Dope Message Board, make no representation that they have investigated or vetted charitable appeals, gift exchanges, and similar activities promoted on this board or groups or individuals associated with them. We do not vouch for, monitor, sponsor, endorse, or have any formal association with such activities. Proceed at your own risk. Users are expected to use their good judgment when looking at content and that also applies to any offers that may be made to you in a posting. ---
**Author:** ![simster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/simster/32/1047_2.png) [@simster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/simster)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2014, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-the-casting-call-thread-in-great-debates/699872/54 "2014-09-30T17:51:36Z")
> [@TubaDiva](#): > > It’s in the registration agreement: > > [SDMB registration agreement as of 12/21/2014 - About This Message Board - Straight Dope Message Board](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=650726) > > Also a bit of a stretch but this could apply as well: > > Users are expected to use their good judgment when looking at content and that also applies to any offers that may be made to you in a posting. Sure - but the Board Admins/Moderators giving permission for a specific kind of posting implies a certain amount of validation has happened. Otherwise, what good is it? ---
**Author:** ![Rachellelogram](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rachellelogram/32/8689_2.png) [@Rachellelogram](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rachellelogram)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2014, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-the-casting-call-thread-in-great-debates/699872/55 "2014-09-30T18:32:36Z")
> [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](#): > > Y’know, I don’t much mind the thread, but I find this genre of argument to be really weak. The comments generated in that thread are almost entirely derisive of the project and of the thread itself. The mere fact that your decision generated discussion does not prove the merits of your decision; to claim otherwise is to justify any decision you make as long as it’s sufficiently outrageous to get someone worked up over it (which around here means it can be infinitesimally outrageous). You might have made the right decision, sure, but the fact that it annoys people doesn’t justify it. The truth is that the number of comments generated may be \*evidence \*of interest. But the content of the comments is \*proof \*that there is actually no interest at all. Nobody but a non-English-speaking statistician could say this: > [@TubaDiva](#): > > The fact that it’s generating comment proves we made the correct decision. with any earnest. ---
**Author:** ![TubaDiva](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tubadiva/32/507_2.png) [@TubaDiva](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TubaDiva)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2014, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-the-casting-call-thread-in-great-debates/699872/56 "2014-09-30T19:57:22Z")
> [@simster](#): > > Sure - but the Board Admins/Moderators giving permission for a specific kind of posting implies a certain amount of validation has happened. > > Otherwise, what good is it? The fact that permission was granted to post has never been considered as anything but permission to post. It’s the same instruction we give everyone who asks to post something out of the ordinary that potentially calls out the community. We tell the OP to say right up front that permission was asked and given. Otherwise such requests are removed from the board by moderators. The notice is a reminder that indicates it’s not spam and that the OP is okay to make that posting. And that’s as far as it goes, as a reading of the registration agreement will tell you. This has been in force for many years and is nothing new and has never been interpreted as anything else. ---
**Author:** ![Irishman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b487fb/32.png) [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2014, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-the-casting-call-thread-in-great-debates/699872/57 "2014-10-01T16:39:44Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > Is it OK to dogpile on **MeanOldLady**? > > Maybe I’m not defining dogpile same as you, though. > > Dogpile?:dubious: “Dogpile” as a verb means to pile on top of. Everybody come running over and jump on top of the pile, just like puppies do to gather together and share warmth. Nobody dogpiled on **MeanOldLady**. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2014, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-the-casting-call-thread-in-great-debates/699872/58 "2014-10-01T17:00:46Z")
> [@Irishman](#): > > “Dogpile” as a verb means to pile on top of. Everybody come running over and jump on top of the pile, just like puppies do to gather together and share warmth. > > Nobody dogpiled on **MeanOldLady**. I like **MOL** and thought it might be an excuse to cuddle. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Morgenstern](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Morgenstern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgenstern)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2014, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-the-casting-call-thread-in-great-debates/699872/59 "2014-10-01T20:01:45Z")
> [@Irishman](#): > > “Dogpile” as a verb means to pile on top of. Everybody come running over and jump on top of the pile, just like puppies do to gather together and share warmth. > > Nobody dogpiled on **MeanOldLady**. Where I come from, Dogpile is something the owner cleans up. ---
**Author:** ![Irishman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b487fb/32.png) [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2014, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-the-casting-call-thread-in-great-debates/699872/60 "2014-10-02T16:40:10Z")
I’ve heard that meaning pop up. It isn’t the one I grew up with. Think of it like a football game, when there’s a fumble and the football goes rolling and there’s a mad scramble to dive on top of the ball. There’s three or four people right on top, then another dozen people come dive on top of the pile, because if there’s anything that helps sort out who got the ball, it’s more bodies landing on top. “Dogpile!” [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-the-casting-call-thread-in-great-debates/699872.md?page=2)