# An intro of myself and a request for 411 on S.D. **URL:** \ **Category:** About This Message Board\ **Created:** [January 21, 2000, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-intro-of-myself-and-a-request-for-411-on-s-d/17285 "2000-01-21T02:05:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Lazerus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Lazerus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lazerus)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2000, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-intro-of-myself-and-a-request-for-411-on-s-d/17285/1 "2000-01-21T02:05:00Z")
Allright I’m here looking around 4 a while, pretty good discussions, pretty smart people, lots of different views. So I decided I would register and stay here for a while. But I got some questions… Where is “here” ??? What is the 411 on Straight Dope??? Are the books worth my time? If so why? Just Kinda curious about where I’m @. I’d appreciate your help on this matter. Thanx SDMB L.I.C. LAZ ---
**Author:** ![DrFidelius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drfidelius/32/3447_2.png) [@DrFidelius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrFidelius)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2000, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-intro-of-myself-and-a-request-for-411-on-s-d/17285/2 "2000-01-21T02:20:00Z")
The books are worth anyone’s while. Buy several copies of each to distribute to friends and family. ## After reading them you may be capable of expressing your thoughts without resorting to semi-literate Net-lingo. Dr. Fidelius, Charlatan Associate Curator Anomalous Paleontology, Miskatonic University “You cannot reason a man out of a position he did not reach through reason.” ---
**Author:** ![Sake\_Samurai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bc79bd/32.png) [@Sake\_Samurai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sake_Samurai)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2000, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-intro-of-myself-and-a-request-for-411-on-s-d/17285/3 "2000-01-21T02:34:00Z")
U R Here @ the SBMB, LOL, no ROTFVMLMALOL!! IIRC, The 411 is Chig@go, IL., but we B all over the USA FYI!!! C U LA TER DU DE!!! * * * Hell is Other People. ---
**Author:** ![Ursa\_Major](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/a88e57/32.png) [@Ursa\_Major](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ursa_Major)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2000, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-intro-of-myself-and-a-request-for-411-on-s-d/17285/4 "2000-01-21T02:45:00Z")
Aw, don’t chase the guy off. Laz: Just click on the “Straight Dope Home Page” link directly below. Read the columns. There’s several hundred in the archives. If you feel the need to read even more, buy the books. If you find them boring or uninformative, this probably isn’t the MB for you. ---
**Author:** ![AuntiePam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f19dbf/32.png) [@AuntiePam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AuntiePam)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2000, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-intro-of-myself-and-a-request-for-411-on-s-d/17285/5 "2000-01-21T02:46:00Z")
Lighten up, guys. Not everyone knows how to spell “for” or “at.” 😉 ---
**Author:** ![DrFidelius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drfidelius/32/3447_2.png) [@DrFidelius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrFidelius)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2000, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-intro-of-myself-and-a-request-for-411-on-s-d/17285/6 "2000-01-21T02:52:00Z")
SD is South Dakota. It is bordered by Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Montana. Its capital is Pierre. Its state tree is the Black Hills spruce. The area code for the state is 605. 1-605-555-1212 will give you directory assistance for South Dakota. ---
**Author:** ![psycat90](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/7ea924/32.png) [@psycat90](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psycat90)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2000, 3:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-intro-of-myself-and-a-request-for-411-on-s-d/17285/7 "2000-01-21T03:14:00Z")
I really am curious how people get here, without knowing where here is. What brought you here Laz? And yes you should read all the books cover to cover, they are interesting,funny and you will definately learn alot. Welcome. * * * If three people say you are an ass, put on a bridle. -Spanish Proverb ---
**Author:** ![David\_B](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/51bf81/32.png) [@David\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/David_B)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2000, 3:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-intro-of-myself-and-a-request-for-411-on-s-d/17285/8 "2000-01-21T03:43:00Z")
[Moderator Hat: ON] Ok, here’s the first moderatorial piece of advice: Don’t post non-debates in Great Debates. 🙂 Off to “About This Message Board” we go. (I think that’s the most appropriate place. \< shrug \> ) * * * David B, SDMB Great Debates Moderator [Moderator Hat: OFF] ---
**Author:** ![wolfstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/d6d6ee/32.png) [@wolfstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfstu)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2001, 2:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-intro-of-myself-and-a-request-for-411-on-s-d/17285/9 "2001-02-12T02:14:02Z")
What are these books to which the Original Poster alludes? ---
**Author:** ![Ice\_Wolf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/dfb087/32.png) [@Ice\_Wolf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ice_Wolf)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2001, 2:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-intro-of-myself-and-a-request-for-411-on-s-d/17285/10 "2001-02-12T02:33:40Z")
Sorry 'bout the hijack, guys – but why does **Lazarus’** post count read “0”? End hijack. Back to your regular programme. ---
**Author:** ![absoul](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/bc8723/32.png) [@absoul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/absoul)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2001, 3:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-intro-of-myself-and-a-request-for-411-on-s-d/17285/11 "2001-02-12T03:02:12Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by wolfstu \* > \*\*What are these books to which the Original Poster alludes? \*\* Welcome to the [Straight Dope!](http://www.straightdope.com/) Here are some links for the books… [linkety](https://securesite.chireader.com/cgi-bin/dopestore/buystuff.bat), [link](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/index=books&field-keywords=%20%20straight%20dope&bq=1/ref=aps_more_b_1/107-9284275-5087765). …and if you are to broke to buy the books… just follow me around the boards and bask in the wisdom of my glow. ---
**Author:** ![Freedom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/bc8723/32.png) [@Freedom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freedom)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2001, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-intro-of-myself-and-a-request-for-411-on-s-d/17285/12 "2001-02-12T03:08:52Z")
Wolfstu Mind if I ask why you dug up a year old thread? ---
**Author:** ![Gaudere](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e495f1/32.png) [@Gaudere](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gaudere)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2001, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-intro-of-myself-and-a-request-for-411-on-s-d/17285/13 "2001-02-12T03:33:20Z")
[Moderator Hat ON] Well, discussions about the books and general info on the board belong in About the Message Board. So that’s where this goes. [Moderator Hat OFF] ---
**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:** [February 12, 2001, 11:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-intro-of-myself-and-a-request-for-411-on-s-d/17285/14 "2001-02-12T23:10:46Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Ice Wolf \* > \*\*Sorry 'bout the hijack, guys – but why does **Lazarus’** post count read “0”? > End hijack. Back to your regular programme. \*\* I dunno. Some little glitch, we’ve had a passel of 'em lately. As long as the board works I don’t much care about the little oddities. The techs feel the same way. your humble TubaDiva Administrator ---
**Author:** ![wolfstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/d6d6ee/32.png) [@wolfstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfstu)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2001, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-intro-of-myself-and-a-request-for-411-on-s-d/17285/15 "2001-02-13T00:11:22Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by absoul \* > > Here are some links for the books… [linkety](https://securesite.chireader.com/cgi-bin/dopestore/buystuff.bat), [link](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/index=books&field-keywords=%20%20straight%20dope&bq=1/ref=aps_more_b_1/107-9284275-5087765). > > …and if you are to broke to buy the books… just follow me around the boards and bask in the wisdom of my glow. > \*\* Thank you. Help is always welcome. [QUOTE] \*Originally posted by Freedom \* Wolfstu Mind if I ask why you dug up a year old thread? [QUOTE] Among other things, I wanted to know what the ‘books’ were, and it seemed that the tread had some merit for new readers of the BBS. Thank you for the info and the response. wolfStu ---
**Author:** ![Show\_Biz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/77aa72/32.png) [@Show\_Biz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Show_Biz)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2001, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-intro-of-myself-and-a-request-for-411-on-s-d/17285/16 "2001-02-13T03:37:47Z")
Anyone who can get a special post on the first try (one with a post count of 0) deserves to hang around a while longer. Sure, it might have been beginner’s luck, but it could also be a sign of important things to come. Welcome. ---
**Author:** ![Ice\_Wolf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/dfb087/32.png) [@Ice\_Wolf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ice_Wolf)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2001, 8:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-intro-of-myself-and-a-request-for-411-on-s-d/17285/17 "2001-02-13T08:28:09Z")
Thanks for the info on the “0” biz, **TubaDiva**. I’ve also seen a “N/A” post count. Both from 1999-2000 (early). Maybe something to do with the older system? WAG? Don’t really need an answer. I’ll accept it as just another of Life’s sweet, sweet mysteries … ---
**Author:** ![Duck\_Duck\_Goose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/50afbb/32.png) [@Duck\_Duck\_Goose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duck_Duck_Goose)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2001, 2:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-intro-of-myself-and-a-request-for-411-on-s-d/17285/18 "2001-02-13T14:09:16Z")
Oh geez. [groan of exasperation] I just got done reading this whole entire thread trying to help a newbie, only to finally check the dates and realize that this thread’s from over a year ago!? Wolfstu, sweetie, you gotta exercise a tiny bit more judgement when it comes to bumping antique threads, 'kay? 😉 Anything older than about 2 months, start a new thread and link to the old thread. Say, “I know this has been discussed before but…” Wait, I know, here’s a link to some ATMB threads where we discuss “how old is too old?” and “bumping threads”. [http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=53670](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=53670) [http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=50488](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=50488) [http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=50272](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=50272) [http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=40568](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=40568) [http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=2093](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=2093) 'kay? 😉 Lova ya, baby, I really do, but sheesh… 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Duck\_Duck\_Goose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/50afbb/32.png) [@Duck\_Duck\_Goose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duck_Duck_Goose)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2001, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-intro-of-myself-and-a-request-for-411-on-s-d/17285/19 "2001-02-13T14:17:05Z")
And P.S. What were you doing up there in the Great Debates attic, anyway? Does your boss know what you’re doing when you’re supposed to be working? 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Coldfire](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a587f6/32.png) [@Coldfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Coldfire)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2001, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-intro-of-myself-and-a-request-for-411-on-s-d/17285/20 "2001-02-13T14:37:33Z")
**wolfstu** asks a question based on an old thread he reads. In that very thread, because it seems to him the place to ask his question. He wants to know about “the books”. Someone answers his question. That’s about it. I know, hardly a paperback thriller. **Why do some people think we have rules about how old a thread may be to still be resurrected legally?** The answer is: we don’t. If a newbie is smart enough to use the search engine, and finds a thread that is _related_ to what he wishes to know, but does not _answer his question_, then what is the problem in asking it then and there? I’m all for good searching. If **wolfstu** had started a new thread without doing his homework, I’m sure someone would have come in with a link to an older thread - maybe even this one (in other words: no matter how you do it, there’s always someone to disagree, right?). At least in this case, **wolfstu** is showing us he put some effort in this. > [@](#): > > _Originally posted by Duck Duck Goose_ > **Anything older than about 2 months, start a new thread and link to the old thread. Say, "I know this has been discussed before but…"** Where did this come from, exactly? There are no strict guidelines for this. If a resurrection post adds fuel to the discussion, it’s valid. No matter how old the thread is. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-intro-of-myself-and-a-request-for-411-on-s-d/17285.md?page=2)