# Ed, WTF? **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [January 23, 2009, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ed-wtf/482650 "2009-01-23T15:46:45Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 17
**Author:** ![The\_Flying\_Dutchman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/9fc348/32.png) [@The\_Flying\_Dutchman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Flying_Dutchman)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2009, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ed-wtf/482650/321 "2009-02-13T19:03:32Z")
> [@Lynn\_Bodoni](#): > > In this specific case, I would ask you if you noted the reason for the report. … In looking over the case, it seems that someone insulted your opinion, and not you, whereas you told him to go fuck with himself. You got a mild dis about your opinion, not yourself. I seem to recall that posters are allowed to insult opinions, but not other posters. However, I don’t play in GD very much. > > However, I am not one of the mods who made that decision. I’m second guessing here, and as far as I know the subject didn’t come up in the general email loop. So don’t take this as the Final Word on the subject. Okay, here goes. Jan 30, 5:03pm > [@Abraham Lincoln or Charles Darwin: who impacted the world more?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abraham-lincoln-or-charles-darwin-who-impacted-the-world-more/483638/31): > > The theory of evolution has no bearing on applied science? **How is it possible to be so ignorant?** -bolding mine I reported the bad post immediately, typing in the word “insult”. . Clear enough that he was refering to me. No response. Oh well,not the first time, but at least I did the right thing. After several civil exchanges, **CRSP** reverts to insulting again. Jan 31, 2:19pm > [@Abraham Lincoln or Charles Darwin: who impacted the world more?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abraham-lincoln-or-charles-darwin-who-impacted-the-world-more/483638/49): > > I already partly explained that in my last post, which you seemed to have missed. Are you going to retract your ignorant claim that the theory of evolution has no practical application, now? Clear enough to me that this time he is within GD rules, so a report isn’t warranted, however the comment still relates to the earlier infraction which magnified the offense.Like a kid in the back seat harrassed by a younger sibling, I decided to escalate for attention. Jan 31 3:38pm > [@Abraham Lincoln or Charles Darwin: who impacted the world more?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abraham-lincoln-or-charles-darwin-who-impacted-the-world-more/483638/50): > > Why don’t you go fuck with yourself. Now that got a fairly quick response Jan 31 4:17pm > [@Abraham Lincoln or Charles Darwin: who impacted the world more?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abraham-lincoln-or-charles-darwin-who-impacted-the-world-more/483638/51): > > Because he would then be carrying out a suggestion that was issued in violation of the rules of this Forum. > > This is a Warning to refrain from this activity in the future. > > = = = > > That said, Cap’n Ridley & Co., your post was unnecessarily provocative and you would do well to show a bit more circumspection in your posts in this Forum. > [/Moderating] So you see, the one piece of information you are missing is the insult of Jan 30. " “How is it possible to be so ignorant ?”. Like I said before, there was a time when you would get a mod response to a compaint 100% of the time, either an e-mail for explanation or a mod posting. Either way, the complainant is treated with respect. Respect returns respect. The alternative is applicable as well. And I dearly appreciate you looking into this matter. Thankyou. ETA Times posted are PST ---
**Author:** ![descamisado](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e480ec/32.png) [@descamisado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/descamisado)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2009, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ed-wtf/482650/322 "2009-02-13T20:05:56Z")
> [@sailor](#): > > If you are lucky you will see action within a few days. Just make sure you don’t donate a larger stained class window that Major Valchek, or there’ll be hell to pay.\* - _The Wire_ [reference](http://www.hbo.com/thewire/episode/season2/episode14.shtml). ---
**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:** [February 14, 2009, 4:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ed-wtf/482650/323 "2009-02-14T04:30:29Z")
> [@](#): > > So you see, the one piece of information you are missing is the insult of Jan 30. " “How is it possible to be so ignorant ?”. > > Like I said before, there was a time when you would get a mod response to a compaint 100% of the time, either an e-mail for explanation or a mod posting. Either way, the complainant is treated with respect. Respect returns respect. The alternative is applicable as well. I coulda sworn that I posted a response to this a couple of minutes earlier. Anyway, yeah, I missed the first insult. I have no further knowledge of this incident since the last time I posted. I suggest emailing all of GD’s mods and getting a discussion going with them. Send one email, with all the mods copied, so they can reply to all. I couldn’t mod GD if I tried, because I’d be too busy holding a damp wet washcloth to my forehead. The rules in GD are a bit different than they are in other forums. ---
**Author:** ![C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b2d939/32.png) [@C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/C_K_Dexter_Haven)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2009, 1:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ed-wtf/482650/324 "2009-02-14T13:46:48Z")
> [@Sapo](#): > > :rolleyes: FOAD My understanding is that this is an acronym for “fuck off and die.” I quote from the Registration Agreement: [uqote]You are free to express your views in a forceful manner provided you remain civil. Hate speech, insults, and purposely inflammatory remarks (i.e., trolling) will not be tolerated. **Do not post threats or state or imply that any individual or group is deserving of harm.** We recognize that this rule cannot be strictly applied in discussions of war, capital punishment and the like but urge users to express themselves in moderate terms nonetheless. **If we tell you to refrain from behavior that we regard as uncivil, do so or face revocation of your posting privileges.** [/quote] Sapo: I do not understand in any sense how telling someone to fuck off and die is not implying that they are deserving of harm. This, taken in context with your promise to be as disruptive and jerkish as you can be, seems a clear violation of our rules. I realize that others may feel differently, so I am buying some time-out time. I am suspending your posting privileges, pending discussion amongst the moderators. ---
**Author:** ![SoulFrost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f07891/32.png) [@SoulFrost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SoulFrost)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2009, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ed-wtf/482650/325 "2009-02-14T14:51:42Z")
> [@C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](#): > > My understanding is that this is an acronym for “fuck off and die.” I quote from the Registration Agreement: > > > [@](#): > > > > You are free to express your views in a forceful manner provided you remain civil. Hate speech, insults, and purposely inflammatory remarks (i.e., trolling) will not be tolerated. **Do not post threats or state or imply that any individual or group is deserving of harm.** We recognize that this rule cannot be strictly applied in discussions of war, capital punishment and the like but urge users to express themselves in moderate terms nonetheless. **If we tell you to refrain from behavior that we regard as uncivil, do so or face revocation of your posting privileges.** > > Sapo: I do not understand in any sense how telling someone to fuck off and die is not implying that they are deserving of harm. This, taken in context with your promise to be as disruptive and jerkish as you can be, seems a clear violation of our rules. > > I realize that others may feel differently, so I am buying some time-out time. I am suspending your posting privileges, pending discussion amongst the moderators. Go to hell, **Dex**. Now then, do I really want you to burn for eternity, writhing in agonies unimaginable to any mortal mind? Since you pretty much have to be dead to go to hell, am I wishing for your death? Or, y’know, is it all just rhetoric? ---
**Author:** ![NineToTheSky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/b5a626/32.png) [@NineToTheSky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NineToTheSky)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2009, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ed-wtf/482650/326 "2009-02-14T14:58:02Z")
> [@SoulFrost](#): > > Go to hell, **Dex**. > Now then, do I really want you to burn for eternity, writhing in agonies unimaginable to any mortal mind? Since you pretty much have to be dead to go to hell, am I wishing for your death? > > Or, y’know, is it all just rhetoric? Oh come on. My idea of hell is boiled tripe. Revolting and messy, but no death (though YMMV). **Sapo** said ‘Fuck off and die’. Unequivocal, I’d say. ---
**Author:** ![Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2009, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ed-wtf/482650/327 "2009-02-14T15:01:12Z")
> [@SoulFrost](#): > > Or, y’know, is it all just rhetoric? It’s a pretty simple rule, for which people have been noted or warned countless times. Add in the fact that the post came from someone who has made no secret of his delight in and passion for poking the mods with a sharp stick and - in my opinion anyways - he’s asking to be banned. ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2009, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ed-wtf/482650/328 "2009-02-14T15:09:19Z")
Suicide by mod. ---
**Author:** ![SoulFrost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f07891/32.png) [@SoulFrost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SoulFrost)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2009, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ed-wtf/482650/329 "2009-02-14T15:26:09Z")
Yeah, y’all have good points. I agree–it was probably suicide. Still, though… “fuck off and die” is a pretty common saying. People say it to me in real life (more often than you might think), and I’m pretty sure that nobody’s actually wishing for my demise. I hope. ---
**Author:** ![CarnalK](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnalk/32/486_2.png) [@CarnalK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CarnalK)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2009, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ed-wtf/482650/330 "2009-02-14T15:28:27Z")
> [@C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](#): > > This, taken in context with your promise to be as disruptive and jerkish as you can be Cite? BTW, last month **cochrane** told **Cuckoorex** and others to [FOAD in the Pit](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?p=10731861&postcount=5). Sapo himself reported it, with no ensuing Moderator intervention, so maybe he got the impression that was a fine phrase to use. Also last month, we have **wring** saying: > [@Quick, Giraffe, before some asshole locks this.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quick-giraffe-before-some-asshole-locks-this/481949/142): > > Sorry about the link - however, posts such as “FOAD” would not, IME, gotten warned. I’ve asked for clarification on that type of post before and was told it wouldn’t get warned. So I’m curious about the results of your pending moderator discussion. I’m sure it’s possible that you’ll take an especially hard line on **Sapo** as he’s so clearly intent on starting a jerkish knife fighting/mopping rampage against the Staff. How do you poor guys sleep with the threat of violence hanging over you every time you shakily log on in the morning. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2009, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ed-wtf/482650/331 "2009-02-14T15:54:54Z")
I think that this zero tolerance policy on commonly accepted non-threatening expressions worded in the form of threats (e.g. FOAD), is assinine. ---
**Author:** ![NineToTheSky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/b5a626/32.png) [@NineToTheSky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NineToTheSky)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2009, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ed-wtf/482650/332 "2009-02-14T16:06:42Z")
> [@Muffin](#): > > I think that this zero tolerance policy on commonly accepted non-threatening expressions worded in the form of threats (e.g. FOAD), is assinine. And I don’t even understand it. In this case, no-one is actually threatening anyone. I mean, it would be extremely hard to carry the this out. You’re being told to fuck off (probably meaning ‘go away’) and then somehow die. What are you supposed to do: commit suicide, catch some incurable disease? What if you decide not to? I can see that ‘I am going to find out your real identity and address. I’m then going find you, and cut you up into little pieces’ might not be very friendly or advisable, but nothing like this has been said. ETA: On reflection, I kneejerked and posted this > [@](#): > > Sapo said ‘Fuck off and die’. Unequivocal, I’d say. I then thought about it, and came up with the above. May be the mods did the first part. ---
**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 14, 2009, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ed-wtf/482650/333 "2009-02-14T16:16:07Z")
> [@NineToTheSky](#): > > And I don’t even understand it. In this case, no-one is actually threatening anyone. I mean, it would be extremely hard to carry the this out. You’re being told to fuck off (probably meaning ‘go away’) and then somehow die. What are you supposed to do: commit suicide, catch some incurable disease? What if you decide not to? > > I can see that ‘I am going to find out your real identity and address. I’m then going find you, and cut you up into little pieces’ might not be very friendly or advisable, but nothing like this has been said. Look I think it is lame too but they have clearly spelled out no wishing death on other members. They wanted an excuse to banned \*\*Sapo \*\*and he provided and easy one. I would guess in the end he doesn’t care that much. He left the board on his own once before for a long time and I think he knew they were going to find a reason to banned him and he did not care enough to change his posting style. ---
**Author:** ![sailor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a587f6/32.png) [@sailor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sailor)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2009, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ed-wtf/482650/334 "2009-02-14T16:21:30Z")
> [@SoulFrost](#): > > Go to hell, **Dex** Or, y’know, is it all just rhetoric? Mods don’t understand no rhetoric here. This is surreal. Unbelievable. ---
**Author:** ![NineToTheSky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/b5a626/32.png) [@NineToTheSky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NineToTheSky)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2009, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ed-wtf/482650/335 "2009-02-14T16:26:36Z")
> [@What\_Exit](#): > > Look I think it is lame too but they have clearly spelled out no wishing death on other members. They wanted an excuse to banned \*\*Sapo \*\*and he provided and easy one. I would guess in the end he doesn’t care that much. He left the board on his own once before for a long time and I think he knew they were going to find a reason to banned him and he did not care enough to change his posting style. Very true. I do see the sense in prohibiting \*serious \*death threats. But I have been pitted once and briefly, and I was deeply hurt by it. If I had to choose, I’d go for ‘FOAD’ any day over the blind inchoate insults and disgust the poster obviously felt for me. I don’t think it’s the words so much as the tone that’s important. But, having said that, may be it’s **Sapo** ’s tone that has caused this suspension. ---
**Author:** ![Q.E.D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/51bf81/32.png) [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2009, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ed-wtf/482650/336 "2009-02-14T16:34:02Z")
> [@Muffin](#): > > I think that this zero tolerance policy on commonly accepted non-threatening expressions worded in the form of threats (e.g. FOAD), is assinine. [It’s not a zero-tolerance policy](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=7337339&postcount=74). ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2009, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ed-wtf/482650/337 "2009-02-14T16:36:55Z")
I have no problem with banning a poster for being a jerk, particularly with respect to being a jerk toward the mods, as I believe Sapo has been. I do not think that “Butthurt much? I look forward to mopping the floor with you sorry ass when you try to make a production of it” or “FOAD” are anything more than expressions, and are not in any way threats. Ed and the mods, you should deal with problems straight on, rather than invent spurious reasons to ban jerks. ---
**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 14, 2009, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ed-wtf/482650/338 "2009-02-14T16:38:18Z")
> [@Q.E.D](#): > > [It’s not a zero-tolerance policy](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=7337339&postcount=74). Great link from a BBQ pit mod **Q.E.D.** , it is worth quoting in full. > [@Discussion of new Pit Forum Rules sticky](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-of-new-pit-forum-rules-sticky/351340/74): > > Telling someone to fuck off and die does violate the letter of the “no wishing death” rule, as would telling someone to “drop dead”, another commonly used expression which is usually not intended literally. If we’re going to have a “no wishing death” rule, it’s hard to see how to make exceptions for colloquial expressions which can be enforced consistently. > > That said, it’s the sort of thing we’ll often let slide, unless you appear to be intentionally trying to push the boundaries or are just generally acting like a dick. ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2009, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ed-wtf/482650/339 "2009-02-14T16:39:52Z")
> [@Q.E.D](#): > > [It’s not a zero-tolerance policy](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=7337339&postcount=74). Dex’s post above in which Sapo’s suspension is explained suggests otherwise. ---
**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:** [February 14, 2009, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ed-wtf/482650/340 "2009-02-14T17:00:51Z")
With the possible exception of **Ed** ’s histrionics when he decided to get more involved with the boards and “help” a few months ago, this is the stupidest banning ever. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ed-wtf/482650.md?page=16) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ed-wtf/482650.md?page=18)