# Forbidden Topics for Threads **URL:** \ **Category:** About This Message Board\ **Created:** [November 12, 2005, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forbidden-topics-for-threads/330763 "2005-11-12T21:16:39Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 10\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![dalej42](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/67e7ee/32.png) [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2005, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forbidden-topics-for-threads/330763/1 "2005-11-12T21:16:39Z")
Several years ago, I remember there being some mention of certain topics that were not allowed in new threads. Two of them were Bush V Gore and the whole Florida debacle and also the Y2K bug. I was a lurker then and I do remember there were numerous threads about both of those topics. Are those topics still off limits for new threads? In particular, I thought about opening a new thread on the Y2K bug and if it was a hoax or not. I’m putting this in an ATMB thread rather than Email in case one of the mods wants to mention any particular topics which shouldn’t be in new threads. I think most people here know the usual things that shouldn’t be brought up: asking for medical advice, information on file sharing or other illegal activities, etc. I think under “Don’t be a jerk.” we all know that we shouldn’t start multiple threads on the same subject. However, subjects which have been done to death several years ago might be interesting to discuss with some historical perspective. The Clinton impeachment might be another such topic. ---
**Author:** ![twickster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ec9cab/32.png) [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2005, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forbidden-topics-for-threads/330763/2 "2005-11-12T22:12:17Z")
As far as Y2K is concerned, there’s a thread happening [here](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=344392) on it. Generally, I think the ban was temporary and of an “enough is enough” sort of character, for those two topics you mention – but it’s before my time. ---
**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:** [November 13, 2005, 12:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forbidden-topics-for-threads/330763/3 "2005-11-13T00:40:15Z")
Right, it was a temporary “enough, already!” (in Latin: “Get a life!”) We discussed doing the same thing with Lord of the Rings threads at the height of the movies, I don’t recollect whether we did or not. Basically, if one topic becomes so overwhelming that it’s dominating the boards (or a forum), then we sometimes put a temporary “WHOA” on the topic. At this point, I don’t think anyone would care about a Y2K or Florida (although the response might be something about paleontology…) ---
**Author:** ![wolf\_meister](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolf_meister/32/15202_2.png) [@wolf\_meister](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolf_meister)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2005, 7:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forbidden-topics-for-threads/330763/4 "2005-11-13T07:52:31Z")
Over a year ago I _started_ a thread about forbidden topics. I was hoping the SDMB crowd would find the thread interesting and join in the fun. The responses were hilarious and I appreciate the mods not shutting it down. > **[Topics you KNOW the mods will shut down fast.](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=267111)** > > For some reason, lately there seems to have been a number of threads (particularly in GQ) that have been shut down very quickly. So I was wondering about starting a thread to invent topics you know would be like a red flag to all the moderators. ... I’d like to type more about it, but I’m busy with my new counterfeit money scheme. (Details available upon request). 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Ranchoth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ranchoth/32/1066_2.png) [@Ranchoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranchoth)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2005, 12:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forbidden-topics-for-threads/330763/5 "2005-11-13T12:12:25Z")
I’ve occasionally considered starting a “no-kidding-it’s-completely-legal shopping list” thread. Starting with real blueprints for an atomic bomb (from the National Atomic Museum gift shop), Traci Lords videos (from after she turned 19), real human bones (from a certain shop in California), a bunch of hemp (rope, knitted into tea coasies), an ivory tusk (from a mammoth), etc. I don’t think I have the brass to really try it. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2005, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forbidden-topics-for-threads/330763/6 "2005-11-13T16:08:44Z")
Threads about file-sharing programmes are forbidden, even if the question is a legitimate one that has nothing to do with sharing files. (For example, dealing with spyware that the company requires.) We’re not even allowed to mention their names. ---
**Author:** ![samclem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a9a28c/32.png) [@samclem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/samclem)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2005, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forbidden-topics-for-threads/330763/7 "2005-11-13T17:07:51Z")
> [@Johnny L.A.](#): > > Threads about file-sharing programmes are forbidden, even if the question is a legitimate one that has nothing to do with sharing files. (For example, dealing with spyware that the company requires.) We’re not even allowed to mention their names. Always one of the harder decisions a moderator has to make. The specific thread to which **Johnny** is referring was perhaps shut a bit prematurely by me, but again, it’s a judgement call. What starts out as a legitimate question can sometimes spiral out of control. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2005, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forbidden-topics-for-threads/330763/8 "2005-11-13T18:51:56Z")
“I have these terrible symtoms, and I want to get free medical advice here” “They arrested me for this serious crime and I’d like free legal advice…” “Here’s how to make good counterfiet money…” “Whats the best lights to use to grow Pot indoors?” All are undertstably going to be closed real fast. Whereas these next titles will just be watched like a hawk: “What’s the best OTC cold medication?” “What’s the best way to fight a parking ticket?” “Is it true that Color printers are being monitored by the Feds?” “Can you really brew your own beer at home?” ---
**Author:** ![Moe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/moe/32/2972_2.png) [@Moe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moe)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2005, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forbidden-topics-for-threads/330763/9 "2005-11-13T22:47:10Z")
Why do people keep saying “All your base are belong to us”? ---
**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:** [November 14, 2005, 3:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forbidden-topics-for-threads/330763/10 "2005-11-14T03:56:54Z")
Sigh. I was trying to keep the “Beginner’s Guide to Specialized Terms on the SDMB” to a minimum, but I keep having to add more. Anyhow, compliments of **RTFirefly** , see: [http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?p=6793510#post6793510](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?p=6793510#post6793510)