# Forum member needs to buy a clue **URL:** \ **Category:** About This Message Board\ **Created:** [May 14, 2012, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forum-member-needs-to-buy-a-clue/621936 "2012-05-14T23:23:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Dufus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/c77e96/32.png) [@Dufus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dufus)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2012, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forum-member-needs-to-buy-a-clue/621936/1 "2012-05-14T23:23:13Z")
Someone please explain the forum rules to me. Every time I post a reply to a thread, the moderators swarm all over me like enraged hornets! I am, once again, currently “under review for posting privileges”. Tell me, are the only questions/statements/thoughts allowed on this forum those that fit within very narrow politically approved guidelines? Someone explain how that fits in with the "Diversity is our strength"and “We are united in our diversity” slogans? Or does “Diversity Rules” only last as long as it fits a very narrow self serving agenda? Many thanks in advance for your thoughts. ---
**Author:** ![Lancia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lancia/32/17174_2.png) [@Lancia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lancia)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2012, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forum-member-needs-to-buy-a-clue/621936/2 "2012-05-14T23:27:57Z")
Reported for forum change. ---
**Author:** ![Capt\_Kirk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/779978/32.png) [@Capt\_Kirk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capt_Kirk)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2012, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forum-member-needs-to-buy-a-clue/621936/3 "2012-05-14T23:28:51Z")
can’t wait til the mods move this where it belongs, sorry that was snarky. I kinda think you might need to re read the rules and play nice:) ---
**Author:** ![glee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b5a626/32.png) [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2012, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forum-member-needs-to-buy-a-clue/621936/4 "2012-05-14T23:31:45Z")
> [@Dufus](#): > > Tell me, are the only questions/statements/thoughts allowed on this forum those that fit within very narrow politically approved guidelines? No. Why do you think that? (I’ve seen posts on both sides of: - gun control - socialised medicine - religion / atheism - pet handling etc etc) ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2012, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forum-member-needs-to-buy-a-clue/621936/5 "2012-05-14T23:34:37Z")
Just don’t be a Dufus. GQ is for questions with factual answers (opinions, not so much). Threadshitting and trolling are frowned upon. Attacking other posters is (mostly) forbidden. etc, etc. ---
**Author:** ![Ferret\_Herder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e47774/32.png) [@Ferret\_Herder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferret_Herder)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2012, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forum-member-needs-to-buy-a-clue/621936/6 "2012-05-15T00:25:56Z")
> [@Dufus](#): > > Someone explain how that fits in with the "Diversity is our strength"and “We are united in our diversity” slogans? Or does “Diversity Rules” only last as long as it fits a very narrow self serving agenda? I’m not sure where you’re getting those slogans, but this board’s slogan is “Fighting ignorance since 1973; it’s taking longer than we thought.” On that note, as others said, you’re going to want to read the forum rules and post appropriately-themed posts in the proper forums. If you want to go off on a political tangent, keep that in Great Debates, Elections, or the BBQ Pit. ---
**Author:** ![Dufus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/c77e96/32.png) [@Dufus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dufus)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2012, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forum-member-needs-to-buy-a-clue/621936/7 "2012-05-15T00:35:26Z")
Thank you all for taking time to respond to my question. If I may now just ask you for clarification: > [@](#): > > play nice Playing nice seems to depend on which teams’ coach is making the call > [@](#): > > Why do you think that? [You decide](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=513707) > [@](#): > > Just don’t be a Dufus. Stop being **beowulff** smart ass. > [@](#): > > Threadshitting and trolling are frowned upon. > Attacking other posters is (mostly) forbidden. Only when it falls within the agenda… ---
**Author:** ![samclem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a9a28c/32.png) [@samclem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/samclem)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2012, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forum-member-needs-to-buy-a-clue/621936/8 "2012-05-15T00:35:52Z")
Since the OP is really a question about the Board, it’s rules, it’s policies, etc., this one needs moved from General Questions to ATMB. So moved. Seconded. All in favor–I. **samclem** , MOderator ---
**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:** [May 15, 2012, 12:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forum-member-needs-to-buy-a-clue/621936/9 "2012-05-15T00:38:09Z")
> [@Dufus](#): > > Someone please explain the forum rules to me. Which forum rules do you not understand? Did you read them before you started posting? ---
**Author:** ![voltaire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voltaire/32/313_2.png) [@voltaire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/voltaire)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2012, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forum-member-needs-to-buy-a-clue/621936/10 "2012-05-15T00:47:26Z")
> [@Dufus](#): > > Playing nice seems to depend on which teams’ coach is making the call > > [You decide](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=513707) If you’re posting that link to reinforce your argument that your particular political views are being repressed, it’s an exceptionally bad example. In the GQ forum, political jabs are verboten, doubly so if they are totally off-topic political jabs. Like others have said, it’s probably a good idea if you read the rules before you complain about how they are enforced. ---
**Author:** ![Dufus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/c77e96/32.png) [@Dufus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dufus)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2012, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forum-member-needs-to-buy-a-clue/621936/11 "2012-05-15T00:51:52Z")
> [@voltaire](#): > > If you’re posting that link to reinforce your argument that your particular political views are being repressed, it’s an exceptionally bad example. > > In the GQ forum, political jabs are verboten, doubly so if they are totally off-topic political jabs. Like others have said, it’s probably a good idea if you read the rules before you complain about how they are enforced. Thank you so much. Link to the rules please… ---
**Author:** ![voltaire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voltaire/32/313_2.png) [@voltaire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/voltaire)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2012, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forum-member-needs-to-buy-a-clue/621936/12 "2012-05-15T00:53:54Z")
> [@Dufus](#): > > Thank you so much. Link to the rules please… They are in a sticky towards the top of each different forum. [Here’s a link to the rules for GQ.](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=466202) ---
**Author:** ![Capt\_Kirk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/779978/32.png) [@Capt\_Kirk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capt_Kirk)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2012, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forum-member-needs-to-buy-a-clue/621936/13 "2012-05-15T01:08:40Z")
Playing nice means exactly the same thing it meant in kindergarten, be respectful, try to follow the rules(every newbie(me)makes mistakes), admit when you are wrong, be prepared to back up your arguments with facts(we like citations) and have fun really have fun, the pit is different Cheers Capt Kirk ---
**Author:** ![Dufus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/c77e96/32.png) [@Dufus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dufus)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2012, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forum-member-needs-to-buy-a-clue/621936/14 "2012-05-15T01:09:20Z")
> [@voltaire](#): > > They are in a sticky towards the top of each different forum. [Here’s a link to the rules for GQ.](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=466202) Thank you ---
**Author:** ![Dufus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/c77e96/32.png) [@Dufus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dufus)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2012, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forum-member-needs-to-buy-a-clue/621936/15 "2012-05-15T01:15:00Z")
> [@Capt\_Kirk](#): > > Playing nice means exactly the same thing it meant in kindergarten, be respectful, try to follow the rules(every newbie(me)makes mistakes), admit when you are wrong, be prepared to back up your arguments with facts(we like citations) and have fun > > really have fun, > > the pit is different > > Cheers > > Capt Kirk Really have fun? Just so long as you don’t step out of line? I’ve seen a few pits before. ---
**Author:** ![zoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zoid/32/336_2.png) [@zoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zoid)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2012, 1:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forum-member-needs-to-buy-a-clue/621936/16 "2012-05-15T01:25:18Z")
> [@Dufus](#): > > Really have fun? Just so long as you don’t step out of line? > > I’ve seen a few pits before. If by “step out of line” you actually mean break the rules, then yes, you’ve got it now. ---
**Author:** ![Dufus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/c77e96/32.png) [@Dufus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dufus)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2012, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forum-member-needs-to-buy-a-clue/621936/17 "2012-05-15T01:45:15Z")
> [@zoid](#): > > If by “step out of line” you actually mean break the rules, then yes, you’ve got it now. OOOO KKKK, I’m studying the rules, I’ll shut the fuck up for a while… It’s a lot like the shows on TV about prison life…sheesh, I’ll smuggle in a tattoo gun and charge all you guys extra!! ---
**Author:** ![XT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/xt/32/456_2.png) [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2012, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forum-member-needs-to-buy-a-clue/621936/18 "2012-05-15T01:47:05Z")
[QUOTE=Dufus] Forum member needs to buy a clue [/QUOTE] Put a link in your OP next time and people would more easily be able to answer your question. > [@](#): > > Every time I post a reply to a thread, the moderators swarm all over me like enraged hornets! I am, once again, currently “under review for posting privileges”. There are sticky threads in every forum explaining the rules. Read them. Follow them. If you violate the rules in a particular forum you will be smacked by a mod…and, eventually banned. My guess is you are already on thin ice, so you might want to think about that, assuming you want to stick around here. > [@](#): > > You decide The thread was in GQ…you are pretty clearly in violation of the forum rules and deserved the mod smack you got. See? That was easy. > [@](#): > > Only when it falls within the agenda… Nope…it has more to do with following the rules, which you didn’t. You obviously didn’t even know there WERE rules for the various forums out there…you didn’t bother even asking or checking into it before weighing in on a thread in GQ with a political rant that had nothing to do with the question being asked in the OP and totally disregarded the rules you didn’t bother looking for. :smack: There are posters on this board from all the points on the political compass, including compass points in lots of other countries that don’t remotely resemble those in the US. The key to surviving on this board has nothing to do with what your political orientation is…it has to do with how good an argument you can make, how good you are at making it, how good you are at backing it up…and whether you are smart enough to learn the rules and the boards ways and modifying your posting style to accommodate both factors. Or whether you don’t, and you bull ahead without regard to the rules or the boards culture. In which case you’ll be banned and can move on to some other board. The choice is yours. -XT ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2012, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forum-member-needs-to-buy-a-clue/621936/19 "2012-05-15T01:54:48Z")
Since the OP has now been suspended for 30 days for repeated rule violations (which he has already had explained to him several times), I am closing this thread. > **[Dufus has been suspended for 30 days](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=651818)** > > Dufus has received four Official Warnings just over two weeks, for political jabs in General Questions and for trolling. Some of his posts in other threads have also been questionable. After discussion by the moderators, it has been decided to... Perhaps by the time the suspension is up he will have bought a clue. ---
**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:** [May 15, 2012, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forum-member-needs-to-buy-a-clue/621936/20 "2012-05-15T01:55:33Z")
On just about every internet forum, there’s a Registration Agreement and/or Terms of Service article that you’re supposed to read before you sign up. These articles are usually in the first forum listed. Here’s the Straight Dope Message Board Registration Agreement: [SDMB registration agreement as of 12/21/2014 - About This Message Board - Straight Dope Message Board](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=650726) . Yeah, it’s long, but we found that “Don’t be a jerk” wasn’t specific enough. And here’s the Straight Dope Message Board FAQs: [FAQs - Please Read First - Rules, Guidelines, Etiquette, Technical Issues - About This Message Board - Straight Dope Message Board](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=562482) . Actually, it’s a list of links to our FAQs. It’s always a good idea to read posts for a while, to get a feel of what is and is not allowed.