# Closure of HD's thread in IMHO **URL:** \ **Category:** About This Message Board\ **Created:** [November 21, 2019, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/closure-of-hds-thread-in-imho/843747 "2019-11-21T01:59:03Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![bucketybuck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/898d66/32.png) [@bucketybuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bucketybuck)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2019, 12:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/closure-of-hds-thread-in-imho/843747/21 "2019-11-22T00:05:17Z")
> [@engineer\_comp\_geek](#): > > Whether you understand it or not, you don’t get to compel someone to answer a question to your satisfaction. Do not attempt to do this again outside of the Pit. “Compel” I would be interested to know where anybody was compelled to do something? ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2019, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/closure-of-hds-thread-in-imho/843747/22 "2019-11-22T00:16:30Z")
> [@bucketybuck](#): > > “Compel” > > I would be interested to know where anybody was compelled to do something? You can compel a person on a board through harassment. Even harassment disguised to be cordial or reasonable. ---
**Author:** ![tomndebb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/b9e5f3/32.png) [@tomndebb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tomndebb)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2019, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/closure-of-hds-thread-in-imho/843747/23 "2019-11-22T01:40:00Z")
> [@octopus](#): > > Taking a tangential question out of a thread and asking for a conversation is harassment? Merely asking once is in no way compulsory. Three points. Starting a thread to ask a question to clarify a point of discussion in a different thread (particularly if tangential) is the appropriate way to seek information without hijacking the original thread. However, starting a thread to post a question using language that appears to make the poster questioned appear to be dodging the question is harassment. Repeatedly asking the same question when it is clear that the questioned poster has chosen to not respond is harassment. It is OK to note that the poster appears to be choosing to not answer, but that is a one-time-event. If continued, it is harassment. ---
**Author:** ![Slash1972](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slash1972/32/6461_2.png) [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2019, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/closure-of-hds-thread-in-imho/843747/24 "2019-11-22T02:48:43Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > You can compel a person on a board through harassment. Even harassment disguised to be cordial or reasonable. No, actually you can’t. Nobody can MAKE another person post. ---
**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:** [November 22, 2019, 5:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/closure-of-hds-thread-in-imho/843747/25 "2019-11-22T05:17:51Z")
> [@Slash1972](#): > > No, actually you can’t. Nobody can MAKE another person post. It doesn’t have to be a \*successful \*compulsion. ---
**Author:** ![Irishman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b487fb/32.png) [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2019, 2:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/closure-of-hds-thread-in-imho/843747/26 "2019-11-22T14:12:44Z")
> [@Skywatcher](#): > > [Starting a thread in an attempt to force someone to answer something that you feel was not adequately addressed in its original thread seems like a very poor reason to start an entirely new thread. Trying to force someone into answering a question to your satisfaction is also the type of thing that is almost guaranteed to end up in the Pit.](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=21984876&postcount=10) > [@engineer\_comp\_geek](#): > > Whether you understand it or not, you don’t get to compel someone to answer a question to your satisfaction. Do not attempt to do this again outside of the Pit. > If the thread had been a more generic discussion about the topic and had actually been a spinoff from the ATMB thread and not a blatant attempt to force a specific answer out of another user, then it would not have been closed. Wait, what? I don’t see \*\*Hurricane Ditka \*\* was trying to force a specific answer. He was taking a hijack to a new thread. That’s what we’re _supposed_ to do. Yes, he invoked \*\*iiiandyiiii \*\*'s name, but that’s not verboten. I get that HD inspires strong feelings in a lot of posters who desire the freedom to attack and deride him. I don’t think that’s a reason to require him to participate in the Pit. He should be able to ask for a civil conversation on the topic, regardless of some other people are ranting about it in the Pit. ---
**Author:** ![Cheesesteak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cheesesteak/32/3694_2.png) [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2019, 2:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/closure-of-hds-thread-in-imho/843747/27 "2019-11-22T14:59:57Z")
> [@Irishman](#): > > Wait, what? I don’t see \*\*Hurricane Ditka \*\* was trying to force a specific answer. He was taking a hijack to a new thread. That’s what we’re _supposed_ to do. He didn’t open the thread to avoid a hijack. He opened it to pressure iiandyiiii to answer a question that he thought was a big ol’ gotcha, but iiandyiiii didn’t bite on in ATMB. Sure, he put in all the extra polite words, like how he might have missed iiandyiiii’s answer in ATMB (ha!) and how he would like a discussion “if you’re willing”, but it’s nothing more than a dressed up “you’re dodging my question” thread. Those belong in the Pit. ---
**Author:** ![Grrr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grrr/32/146_2.png) [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2019, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/closure-of-hds-thread-in-imho/843747/28 "2019-11-22T15:59:13Z")
I don’t think anyone here is entitled to have a G-rated version of whatever they want to argue about. If you can’t handle the pit, maybe it’s best you avoid that subject altogether. ---
**Author:** ![filmore](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/7993a0/32.png) [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2019, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/closure-of-hds-thread-in-imho/843747/29 "2019-11-22T16:11:52Z")
> [@Grrr](#): > > I don’t think anyone here is entitled to have a G-rated version of whatever they want to argue about. > If you can’t handle the pit, maybe it’s best you avoid that subject altogether. I would prefer threads not automatically be sent to the Pit. The person who opened the OP may not want to have a Pit-level discussion. That goes for the thread being discussed here as well as any other thread opened by anyone. Just because a thread gets heated does not mean that the OP wanted that kind of discussion. What I think would be better is to close the thread with a message like “This thread has been closed instead of moving it to the Pit. If the OP would like it moved to the Pit and reopened, contact a moderator.” There’s nothing stopping anyone from opening a new Pit thread to continue the discussion if one of the other posters wishes to continue the discussion. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2019, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/closure-of-hds-thread-in-imho/843747/30 "2019-11-22T16:46:11Z")
> [@Slash1972](#): > > No, actually you can’t. Nobody can MAKE another person post. The word “compel” can (and often does) mean pressuring someone into action. It doesn’t only mean forcing someone against their will. > **[Definition of COMPEL](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compel)** > > to drive or urge forcefully or irresistibly; to cause to do or occur by overwhelming pressure; to drive together… See the full definition “to cause to do or occur by overwhelming pressure” Before you get pedantic try getting your facts straight. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2019, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/closure-of-hds-thread-in-imho/843747/31 "2019-11-22T16:48:43Z")
Double post due to 502 error. ---
**Author:** ![Slash1972](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slash1972/32/6461_2.png) [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2019, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/closure-of-hds-thread-in-imho/843747/32 "2019-11-22T16:57:44Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > The word “compel” can (and often does) mean pressuring someone into action. It doesn’t only mean forcing someone against their will. > > [Compel Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compel) > “to cause to do or occur by overwhelming pressure” > > Before you get pedantic try getting your facts straight. LOL, ok sure. Nobody can put overwhelming pressure on someone to the point where they MUST post on a message board. Happy? ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2019, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/closure-of-hds-thread-in-imho/843747/33 "2019-11-22T17:05:02Z")
> [@Grrr](#): > > I don’t think anyone here is entitled to have a G-rated version of whatever they want to argue about. Similarly, I don’t think anyone should have their threads moved to the pit if they want to have a G-rated discussion. > [@](#): > > If you can’t handle the pit, maybe it’s best you avoid that subject altogether. Because threads get moved to the pit if they start going downhill, what you’re saying is that anyone who can’t handle the pit shouldn’t be posting here, right? I’m not trying to twist your words, but that’s what I’m getting out of your two statements. > [@Atamasama](#): > > The word “compel” can (and often does) mean pressuring someone into action. It doesn’t only mean forcing someone against their will. > > [Compel Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compel) > “to cause to do or occur by overwhelming pressure” > > Before you get pedantic try getting your facts straight. Sure, but since HD didn’t cause andy to do anything, the definition doesn’t apply. Had andy replied, then we could discuss if he was compelled to do it or wanted to do it. ---
**Author:** ![Babale](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/babale/32/15666_2.png) [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2019, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/closure-of-hds-thread-in-imho/843747/34 "2019-11-22T17:07:47Z")
So he is guilty of Attempted Compulsion instead of Compulsion in the First Degree? ---
**Author:** ![Grrr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grrr/32/146_2.png) [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2019, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/closure-of-hds-thread-in-imho/843747/35 "2019-11-22T17:17:53Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#): > > Because threads get moved to the pit if they start going downhill, what you’re saying is that anyone who can’t handle the pit shouldn’t be posting here, right? I’m not trying to twist your words, but that’s what I’m getting out of your two statements. There are certain subjects that are going to be inflammatory (HD knows this). And when you have an opinion that offends the sensibilities of a majority of other posters, it only makes sense to have that conversation in the pit so the majority of posters can speak freely. If you’re a man or woman that stands by their convictions, a few “Get fucked by a cacti” shouldn’t phase a reasonable grown adult. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2019, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/closure-of-hds-thread-in-imho/843747/36 "2019-11-22T17:20:05Z")
> [@Babale](#): > > So he is guilty of Attempted Compulsion instead of Compulsion in the First Degree? I’d say he’s accused of it [attempted compulsion]. This thread was started partially to argue whether or not he was guilty of it. I think most of us can agree, mods should step in if a poster is harassing another poster. That’s what happened. The question is, is what HD did enough to warrant a charge of harassing andy (or compelling andy). ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2019, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/closure-of-hds-thread-in-imho/843747/37 "2019-11-22T17:21:28Z")
> [@Grrr](#): > > There are certain subjects that are going to be inflammatory (HD knows this). And when you have an opinion that offends the sensibilities of a majority of other posters, it only makes sense to have that conversation in the pit so the majority of posters can speak freely. > > If you’re a man or woman that stands by their convictions, a few “Get fucked by a cacti” shouldn’t phase a reasonable grown adult. So HD can only start and participate in threads in the pit since you’re of the opinion that his opinions offend the majority of others? Really? That can’t be right. ---
**Author:** ![Grrr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grrr/32/146_2.png) [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2019, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/closure-of-hds-thread-in-imho/843747/38 "2019-11-22T17:30:24Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#): > > So HD can only start and participate in threads in the pit since you’re of the opinion that his opinions offend the majority of others? > Really? That can’t be right. HD can do whatever he wants. But if he happens to start a thread that’s pissing everybody off, it makes total sense for a mod to move it to the pit or close it. ---
**Author:** ![HurricaneDitka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/96bed5/32.png) [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2019, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/closure-of-hds-thread-in-imho/843747/39 "2019-11-22T17:48:58Z")
So thread topics should be subject to a heckler’s veto (of sorts)? ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2019, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/closure-of-hds-thread-in-imho/843747/40 "2019-11-22T17:50:11Z")
> [@HurricaneDitka](#): > > So thread topics should be subject to a heckler’s veto (of sorts)? Are you doing stand-up comedy? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/closure-of-hds-thread-in-imho/843747.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/closure-of-hds-thread-in-imho/843747.md?page=3)