# Alarming trend in moderation **URL:** \ **Category:** About This Message Board\ **Created:** [July 11, 2019, 6:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alarming-trend-in-moderation/836891 "2019-07-11T06:58:57Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 7
**Author:** ![Ibanez](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/a4c791/32.png) [@Ibanez](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ibanez)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2019, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alarming-trend-in-moderation/836891/121 "2019-07-12T17:12:36Z")
> [@UltraVires](#): > > Well, I’m not arguing for you, and I’m really not arguing. I’m trying to figure out what the rules are, and these threads never provide any answers other than: 1) I’m an idiot for even asking, 2) If we have to tell you, then I’m an idiot, 3) Don’t be a jerk, and 4) We know it when we see it. It’s easy once you figure out their motivation. In regards to their fight against “misogyny” on the board. They’ve faced heavy pressure from the sex-negative feminists here to appease any perceived slights. Which is everything unless you’re praising women, non-sexually of course. Not surprising SN feminists are the minority in the real world, but hold a vocal majority here. Nno one takes them seriously in real life. If we did, we’d all be extinct in a hundred years. So that’s the rules, behave like it’s 1840, and put women on a pedestal and never criticize women or god forbid say you find some women attractive. Ever. This is why they aren’t clear on the rules because they know the rules are ridiculous where their rules are basically: treat women like infants that have to be protected from any form of criticism, even when it’s earnestly done with their best interest in mind. They aren’t clear with the rules because it’s misogynistic to treat women like infants in the real world. ---
**Author:** ![Shodan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2019, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alarming-trend-in-moderation/836891/122 "2019-07-12T17:14:40Z")
> [@Richard Parker](#): > > That aside, I don’t think you’re right that we’d be treated differently. I think if we literally used the same words, we’d be equally likely to face moderation. I don’t think that is necessarily the case. I got [Warned](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=20490819&postcount=9) for a post expressing (I think it is fair to say) what is consensus thinking on the SDMB. That was about transgenderism, but I very much doubt if someone else, posting the exact same thing in those exact words, would have received even a mod note. There was a [fairly long thread in ATMB](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=837011) discussing it, but AFAICT no more explanation on why it was trolling when I did it but unremarkable when anyone else says it besides “different mods have different interpretations of the rules”. Regards, Shodan ---
**Author:** ![Sunny\_Daze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunny_daze/32/438_2.png) [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2019, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alarming-trend-in-moderation/836891/123 "2019-07-12T17:21:57Z")
May I respond to Ibanez’s post without running afoul of this: > [@engineer\_comp\_geek](#): > > **Moderator Note** > > If you want to relate this to a moderation decision that’s fine, but if you only want to debate the topic itself, that is not appropriate for ATMB. Take it to GD if you want, but I want no more discussions about the rape topic in ATMB. > > Any further discussions of the rape topic in ATMB without being explicitly related to moderation actions or rules will result in warnings. ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2019, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alarming-trend-in-moderation/836891/124 "2019-07-12T17:26:21Z")
> [@Shodan](#): > > I don’t think that is necessarily the case. I got [Warned](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=20490819&postcount=9) for a post expressing (I think it is fair to say) what is consensus thinking on the SDMB. That’s not the consensus on this board (or for liberals in general) as I understand it. “Gender identity” does not = “whatever you decide it is”. It’s far, far more complicated, AIUI. ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2019, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alarming-trend-in-moderation/836891/125 "2019-07-12T17:27:53Z")
In response to **Ibanez** , I’m not aware of any significant influence of “sex-negative feminists” on this board. I’m not even sure if I know of any such posters on the board. EDIT: Since this is about the culture of this board, and not about politics, hopefully this doesn’t violate the mod instructions to not bring politics into this discussion. If it does, I will drop it if notified. ---
**Author:** ![Richard\_Parker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/35a633/32.png) [@Richard\_Parker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Parker)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2019, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alarming-trend-in-moderation/836891/126 "2019-07-12T17:29:03Z")
> [@Shodan](#): > > I don’t think that is necessarily the case. I got [Warned](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=20490819&postcount=9) for a post expressing (I think it is fair to say) what is consensus thinking on the SDMB. That was about transgenderism, but I very much doubt if someone else, posting the exact same thing in those exact words, would have received even a mod note. > > There was a [fairly long thread in ATMB](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=837011) discussing it, but AFAICT no more explanation on why it was trolling when I did it but unremarkable when anyone else says it besides “different mods have different interpretations of the rules”. > > Regards, > Shodan I don’t think that is a great example (I think you’re wrong about what the liberal view on gender identity is). But I take your general point, and I would modify my claim as follows: Without talking about particular posters, I think it is probably true that I could post the identical thing to someone else, and depending on their history on that topic on this board, our statements might be interpreted differently. That is the nature of interpretation, and not a function of political bias. That said, it counsels for mods cutting a little extra slack for posters with whom they personally disagree, to mitigate the possibility of uncharitable interpretation. I suspect they mostly do that. And I don’t think that likely changes the result with respect to the posts that the subject of this OP. ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2019, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alarming-trend-in-moderation/836891/127 "2019-07-12T17:30:54Z")
> [@Ibanez](#): > > It’s easy once you figure out their motivation. In regards to their fight against “misogyny” on the board. They’ve faced heavy pressure from the sex-negative feminists here to appease any perceived slights. Which is everything unless you’re praising women, non-sexually of course. Not surprising SN feminists are the minority in the real world, but hold a vocal majority here. Nno one takes them seriously in real life. If we did, we’d all be extinct in a hundred years. > > So that’s the rules, behave like it’s 1840, and put women on a pedestal and never criticize women or god forbid say you find some women attractive. Ever. This is why they aren’t clear on the rules because they know the rules are ridiculous where their rules are basically: treat women like infants that have to be protected from any form of criticism, even when it’s earnestly done with their best interest in mind. > > They aren’t clear with the rules because it’s misogynistic to treat women like infants in the real world. This is complete and utter nonsense. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2019, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alarming-trend-in-moderation/836891/128 "2019-07-12T17:33:03Z")
> [@Ibanez](#): > > It’s easy once you figure out their motivation. In regards to their fight against “misogyny” on the board. They’ve faced heavy pressure from the sex-negative feminists here to appease any perceived slights. Which is everything unless you’re praising women, non-sexually of course. Not surprising SN feminists are the minority in the real world, but hold a vocal majority here. Nno one takes them seriously in real life. If we did, we’d all be extinct in a hundred years. > > So that’s the rules, behave like it’s 1840, and put women on a pedestal and never criticize women or god forbid say you find some women attractive. Ever. This is why they aren’t clear on the rules because they know the rules are ridiculous where their rules are basically: treat women like infants that have to be protected from any form of criticism, even when it’s earnestly done with their best interest in mind. > > They aren’t clear with the rules because it’s misogynistic to treat women like infants in the real world. No need to read anything into TPTB not wanting to establish a bright “DO NOT CROSS” line other than not wanting to encourage games of “See? See? There’s the line! I’ve not crossed it!”, aka “[I’m not touching you!](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?p=21745540#post21745540)”, aka [being a jerk](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?p=21745849#post21745849). Been that way since Day One. ---
**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:** [July 12, 2019, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alarming-trend-in-moderation/836891/129 "2019-07-12T17:56:59Z")
> [@Sunny\_Daze](#): > > May I respond to Ibanez’s post without running afoul of this: Before you do, first consider, is it even worth a response? ---
**Author:** ![Ibanez](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/a4c791/32.png) [@Ibanez](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ibanez)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2019, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alarming-trend-in-moderation/836891/130 "2019-07-12T18:01:20Z")
> [@Colibri](#): > > This is complete and utter nonsense. Of course it is. [https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/search.php?searchid=15990176](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/search.php?searchid=15990176) ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2019, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alarming-trend-in-moderation/836891/131 "2019-07-12T18:05:29Z")
> [@Ibanez](#): > > Of course it is. > > [https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/search.php?searchid=15990176](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/search.php?searchid=15990176) Rather than making an argument, here’s a list of threads that may or may not be related, in any way, to this discussion! Have fun! ---
**Author:** ![VinylTurnip](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b2d939/32.png) [@VinylTurnip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VinylTurnip)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2019, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alarming-trend-in-moderation/836891/132 "2019-07-12T18:16:20Z")
> [@iiandyiiii](#): > > Rather than making an argument, here’s a list of threads that may or may not be related, in any way, to this discussion! Have fun! For a more instructional example of “many variations on the same theme,” try the “Find all posts by…” link! ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2019, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alarming-trend-in-moderation/836891/133 "2019-07-12T18:18:00Z")
> [@Ibanez](#): > > Of course it is. > > [https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/search.php?searchid=15990176](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/search.php?searchid=15990176) I’m glad you agree that those threads demonstrate that your post was nonsense. ---
**Author:** ![tomndebb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/b9e5f3/32.png) [@tomndebb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tomndebb)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2019, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alarming-trend-in-moderation/836891/134 "2019-07-12T18:19:45Z")
> [@UltraVires](#): > > When people debate religion, for example, there is no respect. People who believe in God are said to believe in “sky fairies” and the like. Trump supporters certainly are not treated with any respect at all. People who ridicule atheism are also treated snidely without Moderation; it just dos not happen as often. Supporters of any president tend to have their support mocked; again without Moderator intervention. Is there a lack of respect demonstrated? Yes. Are those demonstrations of disrespect treated differently? No. The Moderation is still based on whether it is the thought or the poster being mocked. I have long noticed that claims of discrimination tend to be based on whose ox is being gored. (There have been occasional exceptions, but the tendency trends that way.) ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2019, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alarming-trend-in-moderation/836891/135 "2019-07-12T18:50:28Z")
> [@Bone](#): > > Richard Parker is my spirit animal. Mythological and dead? 😛 ---
**Author:** ![SlackerInc](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slackerinc/32/275_2.png) [@SlackerInc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlackerInc)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2019, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alarming-trend-in-moderation/836891/136 "2019-07-12T19:51:34Z")
Shodan, wowww. That warning was some straight up BS. :mad: > [@Richard\_Parker](#): > > I don’t think the status of Christians is anything close to the status of Jews or Muslims, in terms of the extent of social bigotry directed against them in the contemporary west. But if that is the subject of your complaint, then I’m fine with a call for more civility in the discussion of Christian faith. And I would argue for just the opposite: allowing equal contempt for any religion that prescribes a strict, patriarchal antediluvian code of sexual ethics. ---
**Author:** ![Shodan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2019, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alarming-trend-in-moderation/836891/137 "2019-07-12T20:04:24Z")
> [@iiandyiiii](#): > > That’s not the consensus on this board (or for liberals in general) as I understand it. “Gender identity” does not = “whatever you decide it is”. It’s far, far more complicated, AIUI. If you posted exactly what I did, would you expect to be warned for trolling? Please note that I am not asking if it would be debated. **Ivory Tower Denizen** said in the linked ATMB thread that it was those specific words that caused it to be trolling. Do you believe that anyone who posts that should be Warned for trolling? To be fair, **ITD** also said it wasn’t fleshed out enough, although I never heard how long it would have to be not to be trolling. Regards, Shodan ---
**Author:** ![Helena330](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/helena330/32/531_2.png) [@Helena330](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Helena330)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2019, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alarming-trend-in-moderation/836891/138 "2019-07-12T20:08:22Z")
> [@Sunny\_Daze](#): > > May I respond to Ibanez’s post without running afoul of this: I agree it’s not worth it. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2019, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alarming-trend-in-moderation/836891/139 "2019-07-12T20:11:13Z")
> [@Ibanez](#): > > Of course it is. > > [https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/search.php?searchid=15990176](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/search.php?searchid=15990176) “Sorry - no matches. Please try some different terms.” Very enlightening… ---
**Author:** ![thorny\_locust](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thorny_locust/32/431_2.png) [@thorny\_locust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thorny_locust)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2019, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alarming-trend-in-moderation/836891/140 "2019-07-12T20:19:33Z")
> [@UltraVires](#): > > Here’s what I don’t understand about it. > > SamuelA said (paraphrasing) that he was not at all blaming the Jews for being exterminated in the Holocaust or for women getting assaulted by being in a man’s room at night, but either of these groups could avoid the bad things by taking other actions. That response by SamuelA followed multiple posts (addressing his original supposedly factual question) which explained in some detail that and why Jews could not avoid being killed in the Holocaust by assimilating. At least one of those earlier replies in addition pointed out that doing so would require joining the very culture which was engaging in wrongdoing. It’s certainly true that some people, during the Holocaust and in a lot of other circumstances, have under duress saved their own lives, at least temporarily, by joining in torturing and/or murdering their own family and community members; and I don’t think those people should bear the same degree of burden of responsibility as those who started the murders in the first place. But, even aside from his already having had explained to him why it usually wouldn’t have worked in that situation, calling such behavior a recommended course of action seems to me to be a major problem. I gather that on these boards one isn’t even allowed to recommend evading copyright law; I don’t see why moderator action for recommending joining in genocide isn’t reasonable. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alarming-trend-in-moderation/836891.md?page=6) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alarming-trend-in-moderation/836891.md?page=8)