# Conduct Unbecoming a Moderator **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [November 22, 2001, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conduct-unbecoming-a-moderator/94771 "2001-11-22T15:41:06Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Slip\_Mahoney](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e47774/32.png) [@Slip\_Mahoney](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slip_Mahoney)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2001, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conduct-unbecoming-a-moderator/94771/21 "2001-11-22T21:49:03Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by DPWhite \* > \*\*Slip, perhaps Liberatian “offended” a lot of people in the thread (I wasn’t, but I could see that others might be), but I didn’t see any “insults”. Lib is pretty good about not directly insulting people. \*\* You’re right. The comments are dressed up in finery and address groups rather than individuals. Direct insults are not his style. If someone ticks me off, I either let it go or I say what’s on my mind. I’m not very good at making oblique references to Genghis Khan or going through the back door with a post about my brother. But that’s me. We all have our quirks. ---
**Author:** ![Jester](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jester/32/8223_2.png) [@Jester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jester)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2001, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conduct-unbecoming-a-moderator/94771/22 "2001-11-23T00:12:58Z")
> [@](#): > > Slip, perhaps Liberatian “offended” a lot of people in the thread (I wasn’t, but I could see that others might be), but I didn’t see any “insults”. Lib is pretty good about not directly insulting people. True, but the original thread was absolutely filled to the brim with backhanded and veiled insults. And the Pit thread that Euty closed was literally just one big insult to anybody who had opposed the idea. Euty, apology is accepted, and shows what a deeply wonderful individual you are. But while you may have gone over the top, I’m not even sure that the apology was necessary. Lib seems to be an expert at pushing buttons, and you gave into it, which is understandable and easily excused. But if you felt that the apology is warranted, I can do nothing but stand in awe of your sense of honor. ---
**Author:** ![Scylla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a5b964/32.png) [@Scylla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scylla)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2001, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conduct-unbecoming-a-moderator/94771/23 "2001-11-23T00:41:17Z")
Well Euty, I thought your post was 100% appropriate. ---
**Author:** ![DPWhite](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d26b3c/32.png) [@DPWhite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPWhite)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2001, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conduct-unbecoming-a-moderator/94771/24 "2001-11-23T00:47:31Z")
One of the reasons I like the SMBD is that people are generally civil to each other and usually not too big to apologize if they got too excited. I suppose that the Pit may be appropriate for a flame now and then, but I don’t see that it makes anyone really feel any better about themselves or anyone else. Venting is good but maybe more appropriate in a proper therapy group. The self-pity/martyr post like the one Lib made seems to me to be far less offensive than something like what is going on over at the trash Handy thread. Frankly, the energy being expended there is sickening. Let’s face it, anyone who has more than a few hundred posts on this board must have a few screws loose (the Good Lord knows that includes me first). Let’s try to remember that the people who were intentionally trying to hurt others and spread ignorance have been banned and show some tolerance for each other. ---
**Author:** ![Albert\_Rose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9de053/32.png) [@Albert\_Rose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Albert_Rose)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2001, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conduct-unbecoming-a-moderator/94771/25 "2001-11-23T01:08:11Z")
Given the philosophies of the season, I thought that **Libertarian** was being _thankful_. Could that be the case? Or was he really over-doing the martyr bit, as has been suggested? I’d hate to put words into his mouth, or intentions into his heart. He’d never do such a thing to any of us. ---
**Author:** ![kniz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/c37758/32.png) [@kniz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kniz)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2001, 3:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conduct-unbecoming-a-moderator/94771/26 "2001-11-23T03:42:49Z")
Well, **Euty** I’ll give you the nod in this case. **Lib** was pretty much out of line all along and you just lost it there at the last. Apologies are always appreciated, but not always given. ---
**Author:** ![manhattan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/manhattan/32/7_2.png) [@manhattan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/manhattan)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2001, 4:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conduct-unbecoming-a-moderator/94771/27 "2001-11-23T04:04:40Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by kellibelli \* > \*\* Manny is way worse than that! 😉 \*\* Hey, are you intercepting our moderator email? It seems like you read _my_ proposed response! 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Abe\_Babe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3ab097/32.png) [@Abe\_Babe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Abe_Babe)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2001, 4:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conduct-unbecoming-a-moderator/94771/28 "2001-11-23T04:09:15Z")
I never really liked the “\ is the greatest.” threads, and I don’t really care if the thread was closed or not, but **Libertarian** is dead in my eyes. ---
**Author:** ![Primaflora](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/898d66/32.png) [@Primaflora](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Primaflora)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2001, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conduct-unbecoming-a-moderator/94771/29 "2001-11-23T04:12:31Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by AlbertRose \* > \*\* > I’d hate to put words into his mouth, or intentions into his heart. He’d never do such a thing to any of us. \*\* Albert? Did you READ the thread in question? Lib did nothing but ascribe the most vicious of motivations to people who didn’t think his popularity contest was the greatest thing since sliced bread. He repeatedly deplored people’s intentions as being jealous. ---
**Author:** ![samclem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a9a28c/32.png) [@samclem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/samclem)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2001, 4:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conduct-unbecoming-a-moderator/94771/30 "2001-11-23T04:14:23Z")
I just assumed **Albert** forgot a smilie. ---
**Author:** ![Primaflora](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/898d66/32.png) [@Primaflora](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Primaflora)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2001, 4:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conduct-unbecoming-a-moderator/94771/31 "2001-11-23T04:17:36Z")
Maybe samclem ;). If not, he’s got a terminal case of Ned Flanderism. ---
**Author:** ![Phlosphr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c68b51/32.png) [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2001, 4:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conduct-unbecoming-a-moderator/94771/32 "2001-11-23T04:55:40Z")
**Folks** First of all Happy Thanksgiving… Secondly, I have a slight of Opinion here that may seem to some rather trifle but this is my professional opinion. I have read many of **Libertarian’s** posts. He certainly appears to have a level head most of the time and seems to me most of his posts and points come straight from a plexus, however, this post **Euty** unleashed unto, this seems a little off track. I myself have an older brother. He was a very popular guy in HS and everyone liked him. He certainly brought a lot of joy to the house and was well liked by most. In human terms he is successful and happy some 15 years later. It has never occured to me to _blame_ him or his accomplishments for anything. We were raised in a very egalitarian middle-class family. And of course we had our disfunction as does everyone. **Libertarian** with this admittance -\> > [@](#): > > One or two might have envied him his success. One or two might have huffed when he got his award. One or two might have cried foul when he won the vote. They are the one’s with strong character, of course. They are the one’s we all should emulate. For their sake, he should never have gotten any award at all. …speaks of a different boggle here. One that is evident. You see **Libertarian** usually demonstrates uncommon acumen whilst discussing most philosophical and logistical points. So this last statement to me at least demonstrated something different. Why shouldn’t his brother in their boyhood have not gotten a superlative stating he was most likely to succeed? This in itself seems very **un-libertarian** to me. Obviously, there was some kind of grievence or something to this award, because ‘crying foul’, ‘huffing’ and ‘envy’ are natural reactions to a boy receiving a superlative. Class mates, friends, siblings who wanted the honor of being voted for, took nothing in the wake of the winner, especially when it comes to voting for class superlatives. **Libertarian** is demonstrating something completely different than a mask for a befouled self. I personally think ‘he’ is demonstrating a religiously thought about, perfectly monitored penance. Self monitored for long periods. This infact has a different name, and it is called self reflection. Someone may not have been feeling themselves either lately or now. Possibly this person should think about changing their name to **Egalitarian** and start including themselves as E.Q.U.A.L. ---
**Author:** ![Albert\_Rose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9de053/32.png) [@Albert\_Rose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Albert_Rose)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2001, 6:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conduct-unbecoming-a-moderator/94771/33 "2001-11-23T06:25:33Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by samclem \* > \*\*I just assumed **Albert** forgot a smilie. \*\* It’s funnier without the smilie. ---
**Author:** ![reprise](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ea666f/32.png) [@reprise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/reprise)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2001, 6:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conduct-unbecoming-a-moderator/94771/34 "2001-11-23T06:33:51Z")
> [@](#): > > this is my professional opinion What’s the Pit coming to? If we don’t stop this right now, we’ll have “expert witnesess” in here next. [sub]still wondering exactly what profession would add weight to one’s Pit comments[/sub] ---
**Author:** ![octothorpe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/b77776/32.png) [@octothorpe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/octothorpe)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2001, 7:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conduct-unbecoming-a-moderator/94771/35 "2001-11-23T07:58:37Z")
I do not feel that there is any need for **Eutychus55** to apologize. In my opinion the sitution was handled correctly… Up until the point that **OpalCat** opened a new thread: _ **My thoughts on running board awards** _. I wondered at the time why no moderator issued any warnings. There had just been a nasty exchange of posts on the subject which resulted in the original thread being locked. I feel that **OpalCat’s** thread was entirely out of line and should have been locked also. If i were **Libertarian** i’d be pissed. Hell, i’m pissed FOR **Libertarian** and feel that he(?) has suffered an injustice in this regard. # ---
**Author:** ![VarlosZ](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/d78d45/32.png) [@VarlosZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VarlosZ)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2001, 10:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conduct-unbecoming-a-moderator/94771/36 "2001-11-23T10:01:36Z")
Well, _this_ certainly got blown the fuck out of proportion. FWIW,I think Lib’s thread should be re-opened. The first thread was closed by **Coldfire** on the grounds that it was in the wrong forum. His Pit thread was then closed because . . . why? Because **Euty** thought it was in poor taste, apparently. A Pit thread in poor taste? Dios fucking mio! I am shocked – _shocked!_ – to find that poor taste is festering in the pit. Look, I appreciate all the hard work the mods do around here, and of course I recognize that this is in no way, shape, or form my call to make . . . but I’d still like to see a better explanation for the most recent thread closing. I think we should have a place where complaints can be registered in a creative and unconventional (read: possibly offensive) way – a place where people are free to make asses out of themselves (not that **I** feel **Lib** was doing this, but let’s not forget that he was drawing criticism well before **Euty** closed the thread). I think the Pit is clearly that place. I can’t imagine what line it is that Lib’s thread crossed that would warrant its closing (aside from its being heartfelt). Anyway, thanks. – Jer P.S. =\> As an aside, I’d also like to register my disappointment that we’re no longer likely to see **Lib** ’s thoughts on the matter since he was officially warned to shut up or else. What’s wrong with a discussion of board etiquette wherein a person disagrees with a moderator? ---
**Author:** ![yojimbo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yojimbo/32/232_2.png) [@yojimbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yojimbo)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2001, 10:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conduct-unbecoming-a-moderator/94771/37 "2001-11-23T10:56:06Z")
Closing a tread such as Lib’s pit thread is usually a waste of time as somebody, in this case Euty himself, will open up a thread asking why it was closed, conformation or the rules etc. As I said in the original thread I found the reaction to Libs idea OTT to say the least. I looked upon it as a light hearted affair. I was looking forward to the award ceremony thread with winners gushing like Hanks/Paltrow, losers sneering(in jest) the odd poster filling seats when other posters left. Somebody hosting the thread, the fashions etc. etc. etc. What I thought could be a light hearted bit of craic(fun) was for other people something entirely different. My 2euros ---
**Author:** ![yojimbo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yojimbo/32/232_2.png) [@yojimbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yojimbo)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2001, 12:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conduct-unbecoming-a-moderator/94771/38 "2001-11-23T12:58:27Z")
Now IMO this **is** bullshit. From [http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=100477](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=100477) > [@](#): > > Eutychus55 > I agree. Since he can’t defend himself, it’s not fair to take potshots at him. I’m closing this thread. WTF. He can’t defend himself because YOU told him he couldn’t. All this over sentiments that are nowhere near as strong as pit threads/arguments I’ve seen in my time here. I’ve always played by the rules, agreed with Mod.'s/Admin. Mailed my issues with things and generally just enjoyed this place but this is ridiculous. ---
**Author:** ![llamasex](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/bbce88/32.png) [@llamasex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/llamasex)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2001, 1:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conduct-unbecoming-a-moderator/94771/39 "2001-11-23T13:11:36Z")
I don’t get it, why can’t someone use their dead brother as leverage in an arguement if they want (esp in the pit). I admit I am lost, and can’t really follow things. What rule did he break that he can’t make another post like that again without being banned? ---
**Author:** ![Coldfire](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a587f6/32.png) [@Coldfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Coldfire)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2001, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conduct-unbecoming-a-moderator/94771/40 "2001-11-23T14:03:43Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by VarlosZ \* > \*\*Well, _this_ certainly got blown the fuck out of proportion. > > FWIW,I think Lib’s thread should be re-opened. The first thread was closed by **Coldfire** on the grounds that it was in the wrong forum.\*\* [You might want to read my closing remarks in the actual thread to find out why it was closed.](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=99389&pagenumber=2) **llamasex** , using a vague anecdote about a deceased relative in an argument doesn’t break _any_ board rules. You’re absolutely right. We never figured we’d need special rules to prevent people from posting tacky crap like that. And I don’t think we DO need those rules. I think Libertarian’s posts in that regard speak for themselves. Make of that what you will. I know _I_ thought it was very, VERY tacky. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conduct-unbecoming-a-moderator/94771.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conduct-unbecoming-a-moderator/94771.md?page=3)