# At what point do mods step in when a debate is getting derailed?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-what-point-do-mods-step-in-when-a-debate-is-getting-derailed/685630>\
**Category:** About This Message Board\
**Created:** [April 8, 2014, 12:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-what-point-do-mods-step-in-when-a-debate-is-getting-derailed/685630 "2014-04-08T12:57:55Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Showing post:** 11

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**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\
**Post date:** [April 8, 2014, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-what-point-do-mods-step-in-when-a-debate-is-getting-derailed/685630/11 "2014-04-08T14:49:44Z")

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> [@Czarcasm](#):
>
> The problem was that you knew that the definition you introduced was not the definition under discussion, and yet you persisted in reintroducing said off-topic definition into the conversation. As has been said in another thread, it was the equivalent of using the “artificial human” definition of “android” when it is obvious that everyone else is talking about the operating system. The definition is valid, _but does not pertain to the conversation at hand._

That seems to be rigging the debate, **Czarcasm**.

And here’s how I know: because few people seemed capable of simply saying, “Yes, Bricker. By that definition, you’re correct. What I mean to discuss is systematic, harsh treatment that involves serious threat.”

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