# Don't dare ask a moderator what "political" means **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [February 2, 2005, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-dare-ask-a-moderator-what-political-means/288058 "2005-02-02T22:15:03Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 8
**Author:** ![Giraffe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/giraffe/32/129_2.png) [@Giraffe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Giraffe)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2005, 10:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-dare-ask-a-moderator-what-political-means/288058/141 "2005-02-08T22:13:13Z")
> [@Crandolph](#): > > This forum isn’t for “discussing perspective,” it’s for ranting about how you hate things, preferably with the vocabulary and restraint of a petulant 14 year old trying to sound like a trucker. It’s also for mocking thin-skinned little whiners who can’t endure the slightest hint of criticism without writing out pages of justification and self-pity. I really think we should add it to the Pit forum description on the main page, although it might be more efficient to say “for mocking people like **Crandolph** ” and have a link to this thread. > [@](#): > > Apparently my post didn’t belong in ATMB, which is where I thought it might fit. Glad to see you’re not dwelling on that. Though I can see how being told a post or thread would be better suited for a different forum would be emotionally scarring. It is a horrible thing to happen to anybody. ---
**Author:** ![Crandolph](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/7cd45c/32.png) [@Crandolph](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crandolph)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2005, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-dare-ask-a-moderator-what-political-means/288058/142 "2005-02-08T23:18:52Z")
> [@Giraffe](#): > > Glad to see you’re not dwelling on that. Though I can see how being told a post or thread would be better suited for a different forum would be emotionally scarring. It is a horrible thing to happen to anybody. Not “dwelling” on it? I never even brought it up. I responded to accusations that I was complaining about it though. Why do any of you want to have a whole section of the message board dedicated to ridiculing people? Did TPing your English teacher’s house and pulling the wings off flies get old? ---
**Author:** ![Crandolph](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/7cd45c/32.png) [@Crandolph](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crandolph)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2005, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-dare-ask-a-moderator-what-political-means/288058/143 "2005-02-08T23:21:10Z")
> [@Miller](#): > > No, actually there’s nothing ironic at all about that. Would you like to explain in what way that’s not ironic? I don’t see how it isn’t. Maybe it is. But let’s bring something to the table other than flat contradiction, or butt out. That goes for all of you. ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2005, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-dare-ask-a-moderator-what-political-means/288058/144 "2005-02-08T23:30:11Z")
> [@Crandolph](#): > > Why do any of you want to have a whole section of the message board dedicated to ridiculing people? Did TPing your English teacher’s house and pulling the wings off flies get old? Because, as someone who has absolutely no stake (or particular interest) in the outcome of this thread, reading it is just about the funniest thing I’ve seen in ages. You’re like the Jake LaMotta of the SDMB, except you seem to have been punch drunk before you ever stepped in the ring. ---
**Author:** ![Giraffe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/giraffe/32/129_2.png) [@Giraffe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Giraffe)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2005, 11:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-dare-ask-a-moderator-what-political-means/288058/145 "2005-02-08T23:35:14Z")
> [@Crandolph](#): > > Not “dwelling” on it? I never even brought it up. I responded to accusations that I was complaining about it though. Um, you responded to my post. My post said nothing about the location of your ATMB thread. I did refer to your initial complaint, i.e. the unfairness of being told by a GQ moderator that your post was inappropriate for the thread/forum. > [@](#): > > Why do any of you want to have a whole section of the message board dedicated to ridiculing people? Did TPing your English teacher’s house and pulling the wings off flies get old? Believe it or not, this forum isn’t dedicated to ridiculing people. People get ridiculed here, but usually only when they act foolish and then stubbornly refuse to back down. Here’s a question for you: why are still posting to this thread? Why did you _start_ this thread? ---
**Author:** ![Crandolph](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/7cd45c/32.png) [@Crandolph](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crandolph)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2005, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-dare-ask-a-moderator-what-political-means/288058/146 "2005-02-09T00:41:00Z")
> [@Giraffe](#): > > Um, you responded to my post. My post said nothing about the location of your ATMB thread. I did refer to your initial complaint, i.e. the unfairness of being told by a GQ moderator that your post was inappropriate for the thread/forum. > Believe it or not, this forum isn’t dedicated to ridiculing people. People get ridiculed here, but usually only when they act foolish and then stubbornly refuse to back down. > > Here’s a question for you: why are still posting to this thread? Why did you _start_ this thread? I thought you were joining others in carping at me for complaining that the thread that was initially locked was eventually moved, which I did not. I see that it appears instead that you were carping at me for complaining about the moderation, even though a mod suggested I post this here to have the discussion. So I’m sorry that I mischaracterized the nature of your complaints on me. With so many dogs in the pile, it’s hard to keep track. People get ridiculed on these boards for not backing down, that much I agree with wholeheartedly. Don’t anybody expect me to do so. I’m posting to this thread because I’m trying to discuss a moderation issue, although only **tomndebb** seems capable of doing that above a schoolyard level. My question is why so many regular posters are continuing to insut me for having some backbone. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2005, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-dare-ask-a-moderator-what-political-means/288058/147 "2005-02-09T01:04:50Z")
> [@Crandolph](#): > > My question is why so many regular posters are continuing to insut me for having some backbone. Is that what you call it? Looks awfully like masochism from here. ---
**Author:** ![TVeblen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/4bbf92/32.png) [@TVeblen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TVeblen)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2005, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-dare-ask-a-moderator-what-political-means/288058/148 "2005-02-09T01:41:13Z")
> [@Crandolph](#): > > People get ridiculed on these boards for not backing down, that much I agree with wholeheartedly. Don’t anybody expect me to do so. > > I’m posting to this thread because I’m trying to discuss a moderation issue, although only **tomndebb** seems capable of doing that above a schoolyard level. My question is why so many regular posters are continuing to insut me for having some backbone. I’m not quite sure what position you have to back down _from_, **Crandolph**. You asked for clarification of board practices and interpretations. As far as I can see, though maybe I’m missing something, the information’s pretty much been supplied. Do you want still more clarification on how debate fodder is differentiated from a factual general question? That’s a sincere question, btw, not a sideways criticism. I’m rather puzzled what more you need or want from this thread. Veb ---
**Author:** ![Crandolph](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/7cd45c/32.png) [@Crandolph](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crandolph)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2005, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-dare-ask-a-moderator-what-political-means/288058/149 "2005-02-09T01:42:42Z")
> [@Lute Skywatcher](#): > > Is that what you call it? Looks awfully like masochism from here. I see that 16 of your last 25 posts are in the Pit, and quite a few of them one-liners. If that’s at all reflective of what you do here, you must have something like 6,800 of these puppies posted lifetime. Your parents must be very proud. ---
**Author:** ![Giraffe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/giraffe/32/129_2.png) [@Giraffe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Giraffe)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2005, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-dare-ask-a-moderator-what-political-means/288058/150 "2005-02-09T01:45:00Z")
> [@Crandolph](#): > > I see that it appears instead that you were carping at me for complaining about the moderation, even though a mod suggested I post this here to have the discussion. Actually, no, I’m carping at you because I think you’re a nitwit. I have no higher purpose than that. > [@](#): > > People get ridiculed on these boards for not backing down, that much I agree with wholeheartedly. Don’t anybody expect me to do so. Oh, don’t worry. If this thread has proven anything, it’s that no issue is too minor for you to fight to the death over. > [@](#): > > I’m posting to this thread because I’m trying to discuss a moderation issue, although only **tomndebb** seems capable of doing that above a schoolyard level. My question is why so many regular posters are continuing to insut me for having some backbone. It’s all about tone. Your tone, from the beginning, has been over-the-top self-righteous indignation. Over something so minor as to be unnoticeable to most people. This, coupled with the fact that you seem unable to admit you were wrong in the first place _and_ your habit of painting yourself as a hero struggling for courage and justice, makes you look like a nitwit. ---
**Author:** ![Crandolph](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/7cd45c/32.png) [@Crandolph](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crandolph)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2005, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-dare-ask-a-moderator-what-political-means/288058/151 "2005-02-09T01:50:49Z")
> [@TVeblen](#): > > I’m not quite sure what position you have to back down _from_, **Crandolph**. You asked for clarification of board practices and interpretations. As far as I can see, though maybe I’m missing something, the information’s pretty much been supplied. One moderator has supplied his explanation for his judgement calls over the course of about 5 posts. I’ve had some constructive give and take with him, and that’s what I originally looking for, a moderator who would discuss that. The rest of this thread has been people spewing abuse for me asking questions, and me responding to that abuse. A question you might want to be asking is what all of these other people are looking for in starting these side arguments and posting nothing but abuse. In fact, if I read the stickies on here correctly some mod should by now be checking to see if some of these people are primarily posting here, yes? ---
**Author:** ![Crandolph](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/7cd45c/32.png) [@Crandolph](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crandolph)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2005, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-dare-ask-a-moderator-what-political-means/288058/152 "2005-02-09T01:52:53Z")
> [@Giraffe](#): > > Actually, no, I’m carping at you because I think you’re a nitwit. I have no higher purpose than that. I couldn’t agree more about your higher purpose. ---
**Author:** ![TVeblen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/4bbf92/32.png) [@TVeblen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TVeblen)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2005, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-dare-ask-a-moderator-what-political-means/288058/153 "2005-02-09T02:54:08Z")
> [@Crandolph](#): > > I’ve had some constructive give and take with him, and that’s what I originally looking for, a **moderator** who would discuss that. The rest of this thread has been people spewing abuse for me asking questions, and me responding to that abuse. > > A question you might want to be asking is what all of these other people are looking for in starting these side arguments and posting nothing but abuse. In fact, if I read the stickies on here correctly some mod should by now be checking to see if some of these people are primarily posting here, yes? No. The various fora are all open to everyone, **Crandolph**. You posted in an open forum; you get open answers from other posters, not just moderators. Tom was exceptionally patient to give you such extensive explanations. We expect posters to get what guidance they can from the FAQs, stickies and forum descriptions we already provided. The rules and guidelines really aren’t that cryptic. Beyond that, posters are expected to _read_ the board to get a feel for how it runs. Much of your complaint could have been avoided if you’d read as much as you post. A question you might want to be asking yourself is why you reject feedback from anybody but moderators. Tom has been extraordinarily patient with you but it was far above and beyond the call of duty. Most of us won’t or can’t spare the time to pick over information that’s available to you elsewhere. One such resource is “all those other people” you mention so dismissively. They aren’t enemies, or at least won’t be unless that’s what you make of them. Their advice and feedback could be very valuable to you if you’d stop dismissing it and them. Veb ---
**Author:** ![Shodan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2005, 2:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-dare-ask-a-moderator-what-political-means/288058/154 "2005-02-09T02:55:04Z")
> [@Crandolph](#): > > Would you like to explain in what way that’s not ironic? I don’t see how it isn’t. Maybe it is. But let’s bring something to the table other than flat contradiction, or butt out. > > That goes for all of you. Nope. Regards, Shodan ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2005, 3:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-dare-ask-a-moderator-what-political-means/288058/155 "2005-02-09T03:42:13Z")
> [@Crandolph](#): > > I love how you have the time to repeat other peoples’ insults (too high-minded to come up with your own I imagine) _while_ suggesting that I “let it go.” This is almost stunning in its stupidity. This preposterous thread had lain quiet for _three freakin’ days_ before you started in again. In some sense, that makes this thread the Jesus Christ of dumb-assery. It’s not us who are having trouble letting go. Well, regardless of any conspiracy theory notions that the members of this board like to chase out people who question the rules, I’ll _ask_ you to leave (on the basis of no authority whatsoever, I should point out) because I honestly feel that you are not mature enough for this place, and the bandwidth you are taking could be better served in a discussion of _Fear Factor_, malignant tumours, aspartame recipes, goldfish dancing, or in fact any topic conceivable to man, beast or plant throughout all history and every possible future. ---
**Author:** ![LordVor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/90ced4/32.png) [@LordVor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LordVor)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2005, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-dare-ask-a-moderator-what-political-means/288058/156 "2005-02-09T03:58:32Z")
**Crandolph** , it is possible, nay, it is **desireable** to respond to more then one person in a single post of yours. There’s even a quote button thingy on the reply page to make it easier for you. ---
**Author:** ![Brainiac4](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/brainiac4/32/3534_2.png) [@Brainiac4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brainiac4)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2005, 5:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-dare-ask-a-moderator-what-political-means/288058/157 "2005-02-09T05:51:51Z")
> [@Munch](#): > > Dig _ **up** _, Crandolph. This is perhaps the best advice in this thread. ---
**Author:** ![Crandolph](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/7cd45c/32.png) [@Crandolph](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crandolph)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2005, 9:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-dare-ask-a-moderator-what-political-means/288058/158 "2005-02-09T09:16:15Z")
> [@Bryan Ekers](#): > > This is almost stunning in its stupidity. This preposterous thread had lain quiet for _three freakin’ days_ before you started in again. In some sense, that makes this thread the Jesus Christ of dumb-assery. It’s not us who are having trouble letting go. It was you who specifically asked me to attempt to illustrate what I was saying with examples, I said I would when I had time and I did. Now you’re _complaining_ that I did?! > [@](#): > > The various fora are all open to everyone, Crandolph. You posted in an open forum; you get open answers from other posters, not just moderators. “Answers” isn’t a problem. Invective without anything else to add is. ---
**Author:** ![Eutychus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a3d4f5/32.png) [@Eutychus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eutychus)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2005, 11:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-dare-ask-a-moderator-what-political-means/288058/159 "2005-02-09T11:16:40Z")
> [@Crandolph](#): > > “Answers” isn’t a problem. Invective without anything else to add is. Just consider it the icing on the cake. ---
**Author:** ![Scissorjack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c67d28/32.png) [@Scissorjack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scissorjack)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2005, 11:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-dare-ask-a-moderator-what-political-means/288058/160 "2005-02-09T11:36:30Z")
I was tempted not to continue this, but since you seem bent on making a fool of yourself, I’ll repeat my earlier question: what do you _want_ from this thread, **Crandolph**? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-dare-ask-a-moderator-what-political-means/288058.md?page=7) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-dare-ask-a-moderator-what-political-means/288058.md?page=9)