# Debate: You can't say anything "of substance" on this board **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [February 4, 2023, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/debate-you-cant-say-anything-of-substance-on-this-board/979312 "2023-02-04T19:35:15Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Aeschines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aeschines/32/16251_2.png) [@Aeschines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aeschines)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2023, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/debate-you-cant-say-anything-of-substance-on-this-board/979312/21 "2023-02-05T01:28:52Z")
> [@Acsenray](#): > > Unless we have some specific examples, it seems like what is being complained of is vigorous disagreement, and there’s nothing wrong with that so long as you aren’t getting into personal insults. I’ve already dealt with it in detail, so if you’re saying what you’re saying here, you haven’t read what I’ve said in the first place or are not getting it. > [@](#): > > And the distinct impression I got from the ATMB thread is a wish to engage in insulting behavior, but only to the degree that this person likes es insults. It’s like E just wants to redraw the line so it’s behind em instead of in for of em, and E has no really good argument for iwhy it should be so, other than “this is the kind of insulting behavior I’m good at.” Are these pronouns that someone is actually using these days? I watch a bunch of people on YouTube who deal with trans rights, etc., and I have a gender nonbinary child, but I have never heard of these. I don’t think they work. ---
**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:** [February 5, 2023, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/debate-you-cant-say-anything-of-substance-on-this-board/979312/22 "2023-02-05T01:39:47Z")
And yet other posters manage to discuss subjects of substance all the time without attracting the attention of the moderators, which leads one to believe that perhaps the defect isn’t in the subject matter, but in the person discussing the subject. ---
**Author:** ![Aeschines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aeschines/32/16251_2.png) [@Aeschines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aeschines)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2023, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/debate-you-cant-say-anything-of-substance-on-this-board/979312/23 "2023-02-05T01:39:48Z")
> [@Spice\_Weasel](#): > > Did you once go by a different name, @Aeschines ? I feel bad that I don’t remember you, but I have enjoyed your thread, even though I didn’t agree with everything you said. No, I’ve always been Aeschines here. And thank you for the positive comment. It’s rather rare here. > [@](#): > > But it was overall a civil thread. It was! It was fine. The people who disagreed with me were fine. There were two bad actors who made it pretty much not worth it. And I think that’s what people are not getting here. It’s not that most people here just suck. That’s not the case. It’s that there are usually a couple of people who suck who make it not worth it to post. Even if they are following the rules, they are hostile and will try to make you feel like shit just because that’s their thing. > [@](#): > > If you have something of substance to say then we can assume someone’s going to react negatively. And within board rules those people have just as much right to speak up as anyone else. Correct. The assholedom of the internet has advanced over the past 20 years. People who are good at being dicks will learn the rules of wherever they are and be as big a dick as they can within those rules. If you post anything here that isn’t “Aren’t puppies cute?” or whatever, someone is going to come into your thread and say, “You’re fucking idiot for saying what you’re saying,” without actually saying that. Less skilled assholes will incur a ding from the mods, but it’s the same thing, really. > [@](#): > > You might not like receiving pushback, but that’s not really the fault of the board. It’s a natural consequence of honest social discourse. And I think we do honest social discourse really well here. I don’t thing this board has a particularly good culture or anything like that, but it is a message board with a lot of highly intelligent posters, so if you post within certain lines, it’s possible to get some good input. That’s what I have mostly succeeded in doing over the past 15 years. ---
**Author:** ![Aeschines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aeschines/32/16251_2.png) [@Aeschines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aeschines)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2023, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/debate-you-cant-say-anything-of-substance-on-this-board/979312/24 "2023-02-05T01:40:54Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > And yet other posters manage to discuss subjects of substance all the time without attracting the attention of the moderators, which leads one to believe that perhaps the defect isn’t in the subject matter, but in the person discussing the subject. Hey, you used to be a mod. I won’t say anything more than that, lol. ---
**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:** [February 5, 2023, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/debate-you-cant-say-anything-of-substance-on-this-board/979312/25 "2023-02-05T01:42:48Z")
Hey, this is the BBQ Pit. This the best you can do? You’ve got something to say, show some guts and spit it out. ---
**Author:** ![Aeschines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aeschines/32/16251_2.png) [@Aeschines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aeschines)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2023, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/debate-you-cant-say-anything-of-substance-on-this-board/979312/26 "2023-02-05T02:04:42Z")
You were a mod during the worst era of this board. It was a war zone and a shitshow, man. The late great TubaDiva was the only person who had any kindness and compassion here. I’m not saying you were worse than anyone else, but it was, collectively, a disgrace. The mods stirred shit like the other posters, and there were constant efforts to get posters banned, etc. I thought, “GQ is useful, so I’m just gonna pull back and basically not post here except when I want a question answered.” And I didn’t for about 10 years. That’s the kind of environment that you and the other mods helped create. If you’re proud of those times, then, well, you’re wrong. ---
**Author:** ![Aeschines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aeschines/32/16251_2.png) [@Aeschines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aeschines)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2023, 2:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/debate-you-cant-say-anything-of-substance-on-this-board/979312/27 "2023-02-05T02:08:06Z")
All of the events surrounding Diogenes the Cynic were a huge embarrassment, and I didn’t even like him. ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2023, 2:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/debate-you-cant-say-anything-of-substance-on-this-board/979312/28 "2023-02-05T02:13:36Z")
So, things were worse back when moderation was looser and allowed all kinds of crap to go on. Now that things have been cleaned up, due to stricter moderation, … ---
**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:** [February 5, 2023, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/debate-you-cant-say-anything-of-substance-on-this-board/979312/29 "2023-02-05T02:15:49Z")
> [@Aeschines](#): > > If you’re proud of those times, then, well, you’re wrong. Fucking right I’m proud of those times. We survived when most other message boards went the way of the dodo, and i don’t see us dying out any time soon. If we did it wrong we most certainly did it in the best possible way, so if you’ve got someplace better to be go there. ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2023, 2:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/debate-you-cant-say-anything-of-substance-on-this-board/979312/30 "2023-02-05T02:19:07Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > Hey, this is the BBQ Pit. This the best you can do? > You’ve got something to say, show some guts and spit it out. For the record, it’s not that @Aeschines put the thread in the Pit, the OP did so. They have responded to the questions inherent in the OP about their intent. As far as I can tell everyone else is attempting to discuss the matter at hand and the validity of the (IMHO overgeneralization) of the targeted poster’s comments. Please respect what the OP said: > [@Acsenray](#): > > (And I’m putting this in the Pit not because I want anyone to insult anyone, but because I couldn’t really figure out whether this was a “Great Debate” or an MPSIMS, and also because I thought that this topic might attract criticism of a poster, which seems like a Pit type of topic.) No, you don’t _have_ to, but as it stands, you are proving @Aeschines correct. Aside complete. I do think that the current level of moderation is overall good. I do at some times wish we could point blank respond to factual lies with that direct statement. Far too many posters put out blatantly, factually incorrect information and hide behind that particular protection. I do also think that Aeschines _should_ use the tools to flag posters they think go beyond the pale, or who are hijacking a thread with targeted attacks. It’s fast, it’s easy, and even if it doesn’t result in a note or warning, it keeps the mods involved in trends of various posters. Don’t do it to be a jerk, or to “tattle”, but to improve the dialog of the board and the experience for the rest of the posters. ---
**Author:** ![Aeschines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aeschines/32/16251_2.png) [@Aeschines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aeschines)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2023, 2:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/debate-you-cant-say-anything-of-substance-on-this-board/979312/31 "2023-02-05T02:25:00Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > Fucking right I’m proud of those times. We survived when most other message boards went the way of the dodo, and i don’t see us dying out any time soon. If we did it wrong we most certainly did it in the best possible way, so if you’ve got someplace better to be go there. Your response is what I thought it would be. There are a lot of negative, hostile people here who think that being that way is just great. It’s why the board culture is what it is. Now there _are_ strengths and useful aspects of this board. You do deserve credit for those, to the extent you have fostered them. That’s why I never quit here completely. But is this a place where one can expect “smiling, happy people,” to quote REM? No. ---
**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:** [February 5, 2023, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/debate-you-cant-say-anything-of-substance-on-this-board/979312/32 "2023-02-05T02:26:58Z")
You got a better place to use as an example to strive for? ---
**Author:** ![Aeschines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aeschines/32/16251_2.png) [@Aeschines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aeschines)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2023, 2:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/debate-you-cant-say-anything-of-substance-on-this-board/979312/33 "2023-02-05T02:28:58Z")
> [@Acsenray](#): > > So, things were worse back when moderation was looser and allowed all kinds of crap to go on. Now that things have been cleaned up, due to stricter moderation, … Were you here then? I don’t even know if it’s a matter of “strictness” per se. Every week there were bannings of posters. There were wars between posters and factions of posters. Constant Pit threads against individuals. The mods were a part of it and seemed to get off on it. The tone was negative and hostile. The mods were, except for TubaDiva, dicks (which is not to say they were not enforcing the rules or enforcing them more or less strictly). ---
**Author:** ![Aeschines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aeschines/32/16251_2.png) [@Aeschines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aeschines)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2023, 2:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/debate-you-cant-say-anything-of-substance-on-this-board/979312/34 "2023-02-05T02:31:31Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > You got a better place to use as an example to strive for? Sure. I have never gotten into Reddit as a poster because I don’t like the upvote/downvote thing, but Reddit has handed this board and others like it its ass. I read posts there all the time, and while each subreddit is different and has a different tone (and some are run for shit and are an embarrassment), it’s mostly pretty fine. It’s monumentally more successful than the SDMB. ---
**Author:** ![Mighty\_Mouse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mighty_mouse/32/7776_2.png) [@Mighty\_Mouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mighty_Mouse)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2023, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/debate-you-cant-say-anything-of-substance-on-this-board/979312/35 "2023-02-05T02:32:22Z")
And yet here you are. ---
**Author:** ![Aeschines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aeschines/32/16251_2.png) [@Aeschines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aeschines)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2023, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/debate-you-cant-say-anything-of-substance-on-this-board/979312/36 "2023-02-05T02:38:16Z")
Yes. I find GQ useful, and I use IMHO sometimes when input there can be fun or valuable. I am sure that, over the past 15 years, I have read 10x more material on Reddit than here. I have probably read a lot more dailykos comments than SMDB content (though I don’t post on kos either). I have also posted on smaller blogs under my read name with people I know, and we have very cordial and intelligent debates and discussions. This isn’t the place for that, in general. ---
**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:** [February 5, 2023, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/debate-you-cant-say-anything-of-substance-on-this-board/979312/37 "2023-02-05T02:42:46Z")
So your solid examples are Reddit, where holding a decent conversation is next to impossible unless you can type and post _real_ fast, and some blogs, which the SDMB certainly isn’t in any way, shape or form. On the plus side, we are getting a better understanding of why you don’t like to post in The BBQ Pit. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2023, 2:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/debate-you-cant-say-anything-of-substance-on-this-board/979312/38 "2023-02-05T02:43:52Z")
I’m trying to remember the Mods back in 2010 or so. I only recall disliking one of them. But as an example, **C.K. Dexter Haven** was very kind and welcoming. **FluidDruid** I think was modding in 2010 and I recall her being very good, but burnt out fast. **TubaDiva** was of course great, but you acknowledged her. **Frank** , who was ThisYearsModel or something like that I don’t recall being confrontational like you described. I mean that **Czarcasm** guy was kind of a jerk, what ever happened to him? 😉 Was **SamClem** a Mod back that? He was a really nice guy and great poster. Who am I forgetting? I’ll admit to having issues with **Lynn** , but I understand she was going through some serious health issues at the time. ---
**Author:** ![Aeschines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aeschines/32/16251_2.png) [@Aeschines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aeschines)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2023, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/debate-you-cant-say-anything-of-substance-on-this-board/979312/39 "2023-02-05T02:44:31Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > So your solid examples are Reddit, where holding a decent conversation is next to impossible unless you can type and post _real_ fast, and some blogs, which the SDMB certainly isn’t in any way, shape or form. Just sayin’. Reddit arose after the SDMB, and its a huge success, and the SDMB isn’t. > [@](#): > > On the plus side, we are getting a better understanding of why don’t like to post in The BBQ Pit. Your syntax needs some work there. ---
**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:** [February 5, 2023, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/debate-you-cant-say-anything-of-substance-on-this-board/979312/40 "2023-02-05T02:44:50Z")
> [@What\_Exit](#): > > I mean that **Czarcasm** guy was kind of a jerk, what ever happened to him? 😉 He was certainly no Slythe, was he? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/debate-you-cant-say-anything-of-substance-on-this-board/979312.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/debate-you-cant-say-anything-of-substance-on-this-board/979312.md?page=3)