# Discussion of Pit rules **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [July 27, 2002, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-of-pit-rules/121051 "2002-07-27T02:18:53Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 15
**Author:** ![Lynn\_Bodoni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e47c2d/32.png) [@Lynn\_Bodoni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lynn_Bodoni)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2003, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-of-pit-rules/121051/281 "2003-12-06T20:15:01Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by That Insufferable Jerk… \* > \*\ ***Lynn** Where is the “stalking” rule? > I don’t see it. \*\* It’s included in the first rule of the whole SDMB-Don’t be a jerk. Stalking is definitely jerklike behavior, and I have thrown people off the board for doing it. ---
**Author:** ![hawthorne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/c89c15/32.png) [@hawthorne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hawthorne)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2003, 2:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-of-pit-rules/121051/282 "2003-12-09T14:01:01Z")
I see the “joke thread” issue has been clarified in [Pit Rules](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=127729). Thanks. The rules look sensible and clear - and pretty much what I thought the rules were before the recent brouhaha. ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2003, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-of-pit-rules/121051/283 "2003-12-09T17:14:36Z")
Yes, thanks to both of you for the clarification! Daniel ---
**Author:** ![porcupine](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ac91a4/32.png) [@porcupine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/porcupine)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2003, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-of-pit-rules/121051/284 "2003-12-09T17:39:48Z")
I have a question on “no fake pittings.” I think I understand how this would apply to pittings of other dopers, i.e. no pit threads that are really compliments/hugfests in disguise. But I assume that pit threads like [Fenris, you ignorant slut](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=168929) (the infamous “Bedknobs and Broomstick” vs “Mary Poppins” debacle :))are still ok, even though it was amusing hyperbole. I’m assuming that stuff like that isn’t considered a “fake pitting.” I also remember someone pitting their dog (I think the dog was called “Ginger”) that was the same type of thing - I can’t find a link, though. ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2003, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-of-pit-rules/121051/285 "2003-12-10T02:02:26Z")
What about half-hearted, lighthearted venting? Like me Pitting my cat for constantly knocking things off of my vanity table? It’s not really a “joke”, but it’s just silly, letting out steam? ---
**Author:** ![Shodan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2003, 1:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-of-pit-rules/121051/286 "2003-12-12T13:05:11Z")
This is getting ridiculous. > [@](#): > > _Originally posted by Lynne Bodoni_ - > **If the ONLY reason you are here is to complain about the message board, the way it’s run, the staff, or other posters, this is a violation of the “Don’t Be A Jerk” rule. I would think that this is self-evident, but apparently it’s not. So if your posts are ONLY bitching about the board, the staff, or other posters, don’t be surprised if you are banned without warning.** Why would this be self-evident, when people are specifically directed to the Pit if they want to complain about the moderators? This strikes me as damn close to an _ex post facto_ rule that got dreamed up so **Satisfying Andy Licious** can get banned for complaining about **Coldfire** ’s warning-that-wasn’t-a-warning-but-still-would-lead-to-banning-if-he-doesn’t-stop-doing-the-thing-he-wasn’t-officially-warned-about. So, in the Pit, [ul][li]I can’t start joke threads[/li][li]I can’t complain about the boards being slow[/li][li]I can’t complain about the moderators[/li][li] **I can’t complain about other posters** [/ul] So I should be banned for Pitting another poster? [/li] Exactly what the hell is the Pit for, anyway? I can’t Pit anyone unless it is serious. But if it is serious, I am complaining about another poster, and I will get banned without warning. What the hell is going on here? Regards, Shodan ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2003, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-of-pit-rules/121051/287 "2003-12-12T14:17:29Z")
**Shodan** , I think you’re putting the worst possible interpretation on this rule. Namely, “here” doesn’t refer to the Pit; it refers to the entire messageboard. Much as I loathe **Andy** , he does make posts outside of the pit, and he does make posts that don’t consist of knocking other people. I’d be surprised to see him falling afoul of this rule. I could, of course, be wrong. But I think it depends on what your definition of “here” is. Daniel ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2003, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-of-pit-rules/121051/288 "2003-12-12T14:22:01Z")
On further reading, looks like I’m right: check out [Lynn’s post in this thread](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=228594&perpage=50&pagenumber=2&postid=4340828): > [@](#): > > I would like to point out to several posters in this thread, without naming any names for right now, that if your ONLY reason to post **on the SDMB** is to complain about how the message board is run and/or bitch about other posters, that violates the Jerk rule, and you are subject to banning without any warning. [emphasis added] Daniel ---
**Author:** ![Lynn\_Bodoni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e47c2d/32.png) [@Lynn\_Bodoni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lynn_Bodoni)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2003, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-of-pit-rules/121051/289 "2003-12-12T14:45:43Z")
Letting off steam is generally some sort of rant, even if it’s silly. There are, and have been, some people who only post to the SDMB as a whole to complain about the staff and/or other posters. People who have PRIMARILY posted on other subject matters are not in danger of falling foul of this rule. If someone’s posts are MOSTLY complaining about the message board, or the people on it, or the staff, then I generally pull their privileges. The Straight Dope is not obligated to provide people with a forum to hassle other people. ---
**Author:** ![Shodan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2003, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-of-pit-rules/121051/290 "2003-12-12T14:55:49Z")
Thanks, **Daniel** and **Lynne** , for your responses. I would respectfully recommend that the rule be phrased - > [@](#): > > If the ONLY reason you are **posting on the SDMB** is to complain about the message board, the way it’s run, the staff, or other posters, this is a violation of the “Don’t Be A Jerk” rule. as the rule in question is part of the Pit Rules sticky. It sounded to me as if this was a rule aimed at the Pit only, as the “no joke threads” rule is aimed at the Pit only (AFAICT). Whether this is nitpicking, or a request for clarity, I leave it up to you to decide. Regards, Shodan ---
**Author:** ![AncientHumanoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ancienthumanoid/32/278_2.png) [@AncientHumanoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AncientHumanoid)\ **Post date:** [January 1, 2004, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-of-pit-rules/121051/291 "2004-01-01T19:55:27Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Lynn Bodoni \* > Letting off steam is generally some sort of rant, **even if it’s silly**. So, exactly what is the deciding factor on whether a Pit Rant™ is a Joke Rant™? Take [this old thread](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=152543) of mine, for instance. Would that be catagorized as a joke, resulting in suspension? Because I really was bummed about not having a proper heel slice. But the rest of it is obviously a joke. Or, if joke isn’t the proper word, a using of hyperbole to highlight the annoyance. Thus making it (imo) a silly rant, but not a dreaded joke Pit. What would it be, and specifically why? If a clear cut ruling can’t be made, I suggest you guys back down on the No Joke Pits Rule. At least somewhat. The way it is now, it seems to be left up to the whim, Yeay I say “whim,” of the Mod/Admin who happens upon it, perhaps while in a bad mood. The Don’t Be A Jerk rule is mostly good, but even that one, not being clearly spelled out, can be unfairly applied. Often times, a new angle on it is posted by the banning/closing Mod/Admin. How is someone to know, ahead of time, that their post, idea, belief, joke, etc… is oversteping the rules? Now, a discernable pattern is a different thing all together, like trolling, or handyng out harmful advice. Don’t get me wrong, I like this place. And I think the Mods/Admins usually do a superb job. But the ambiguity of certain “rules” (as opposed to suggestions, desires, etc…) seems to leave things open for favoritism and abuse. ---
**Author:** ![Lynn\_Bodoni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e47c2d/32.png) [@Lynn\_Bodoni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lynn_Bodoni)\ **Post date:** [January 1, 2004, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-of-pit-rules/121051/292 "2004-01-01T20:19:55Z")
It’s generally VERY easy to tell a joke thread from a real rant. Your example was a real rant, though pretty lame. No, we aren’t going to spell out things specifically. Mostly, we know stuff when we see it. Spelling things out specifically invites people to skate this \>\< close to the edge of a ruling without going over it. Moderators are chosen in large part for their judgment. If you feel that a staff member is showing favoritism or abuse, then write to TubaDiva or the webmaster. Give examples. However, both are really behind on their email, so don’t expect a speedy reply. ---
**Author:** ![AncientHumanoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ancienthumanoid/32/278_2.png) [@AncientHumanoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AncientHumanoid)\ **Post date:** [January 1, 2004, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-of-pit-rules/121051/293 "2004-01-01T20:58:40Z")
Judgement calls vs spelling it out… hmmm… Okay Hey, it’s your board. And it _does_ answer my question. Thanks 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![EddyTeddyFreddy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eddyteddyfreddy/32/18796_2.png) [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2004, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-of-pit-rules/121051/294 "2004-01-02T14:14:24Z")
> [@](#): > > **by Guinastasia:** > What about half-hearted, lighthearted venting? > > Like me Pitting my cat for constantly knocking things off of my vanity table? > > It’s not really a “joke”, but it’s just silly, letting out steam? If I wanted to do a thread like that, my first instinct would be to put it in MPSIMS. It’s not a joke per se, but it _is_ goodhumored and funny. The responses are most likely going to be (a) humorous, (b) reminiscing about other posters’ similar experiences, and/or (c) funny diversions from the main theme. My feeling is that a rant should have some real anger, animus, outrage behind it. Creative invective is a bonus, but there has to be a genuine wish to shred the object. I prefer some ambiguity in the rules. They’re clear enough so that anyone with enough sense to post stuff worth reading isn’t likely to fall seriously afoul of them, yet not so rigid that innocent transgressions get the death penalty. IMHO, of course. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2004, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-of-pit-rules/121051/295 "2004-01-04T01:21:26Z")
**Lynn** , I just noticed that the Pit Rules Sticky was recently updated. When I read the update, I saw that there were a couple of others since the original posting. I didn’t know about those until today. It’s not all that obvious when there is a change. Maybe it would be better if you modified the title of the Pit Rules sticky whenever there is an update. Something like “Pit Rules, rev 3” or “Pit Rules, updated 01/02”. Haj ---
**Author:** ![AncientHumanoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ancienthumanoid/32/278_2.png) [@AncientHumanoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AncientHumanoid)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2004, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-of-pit-rules/121051/296 "2004-01-17T16:26:05Z")
After seeing how [this](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?p=4470952#post4470952) was handled, I’m changing my mind about asking for specifics regarding rules. Using her best judgement, and not based on any one particular rule violation, the Administrator rid the Dope of a colossal annoyance. So, here’s to judgement calls! I was wrong in my other posts seeking specific wordings of certain guidelines. ---
**Author:** ![Wikkit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c0e974/32.png) [@Wikkit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wikkit)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2004, 2:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-of-pit-rules/121051/297 "2004-03-31T02:43:47Z")
Any changes in the rules since the subscription? I’m sure #1 is the same, but is there an official mod position on Guest abuse? Or is it assumed that once you’ve insulted someone for being a guest (or a member) that you’ve lost the argument, in the theme of Godwin? ---
**Author:** ![Lynn\_Bodoni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e47c2d/32.png) [@Lynn\_Bodoni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lynn_Bodoni)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2004, 3:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-of-pit-rules/121051/298 "2004-04-04T03:47:26Z")
> [@Wikkit](#): > > Any changes in the rules since the subscription? I’m sure #1 is the same, but is there an official mod position on Guest abuse? Or is it assumed that once you’ve insulted someone for being a guest (or a member) that you’ve lost the argument, in the theme of Godwin? Ummmm, I don’t think we have an official stand on that, at least not in the Pit. But my personal opinion is that if the best argument you can muster is “You’re only a Guest!” then yeah, you’ve pretty much lost THAT argument, and lost some credibility, too. ---
**Author:** ![elmwood](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmwood/32/3060_2.png) [@elmwood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elmwood)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2004, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-of-pit-rules/121051/299 "2004-05-24T23:40:08Z")
Whatever happened to fair enforcement? Re: [http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=257945](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=257945) > [@](#): > > elmwood,what part of NO JOKE THREADS did you not understand? Do NOT post a joke/game thread in the Pit again. > > I’m closing this thread. > > Lynn > For the Straight Dope Sorry … forgot. However … 1. Why the yelling, as if I posted those types of threads all the time? I don’t remember getting warned for such violations in the past. 2. I guess **Lobsang** has special posting privileges. Will his joke thread at [http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=257744](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=257744), which was posted earlier than mine and is still open, be treated in the same manner? Will he be given a stern, membership-threatening warning too? Or … are some users just more equal than others? Reading the most recent post in that thread, I’ll assume that **neuroman** is immune from rules regarding pseudo-moderation by regular users. I won’t post the SDMB cliche for #3 here. It’s a joke, after all. I don’t mean to be a tattle-tale – I like **Lobsang** – but I don’t appreciate being singled out when more experienced users have made the same violation as well. ---
**Author:** ![elmwood](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmwood/32/3060_2.png) [@elmwood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elmwood)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2004, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-of-pit-rules/121051/300 "2004-05-25T00:01:29Z")
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