# Giraffe/VCO3 **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [December 23, 2007, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giraffe-vco3/430992 "2007-12-23T02:59:06Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2007, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giraffe-vco3/430992/101 "2007-12-24T17:25:04Z")
[QUOTE=Giraffe] Well, if it makes you feel better, when I posted I meant it to be a rule that applied to only one person. šŸ˜› However, I think **Dex** ā€™s view is accurate (despite the semantic quicksand heā€™s struggling against) ā€“ given **VCO3** ā€™s past warnings and probation, this is as much a guideline about how to avoid future banning as anything. And while the current restriction applies only to **VCO3** , anyone who did the same thing would end up with a similar restriction, i.e. weā€™re not doing this because we like/dislike **VCO3** more than any other poster. Really, I donā€™t care what we call it. I just want **VCO3** to participate in his Pit threads. I have no interest in banning him, and I hope he follows this new rule/guideline/whatever and sticks around. [/QUOTE] Maybe we should have some designated trolls, like crazy cousins locked up in the basement, to have fun with. VC03, and we can bring back Guyinbluejeans, and Iā€™m sure there are more. We allow them rights to post only to a ā€œDog Poundā€ forum, where we can be amused by them and taunt them. And there could be ways to earn their way back to normal Dope society, like blow jobs at dopefests or somethinā€™. ---
**Author:** ![zut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zut/32/2875_2.png) [@zut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zut)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2007, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giraffe-vco3/430992/102 "2007-12-24T17:39:22Z")
[QUOTE=Boyo Jim] My brain hurts! It is not a rule even though the word ā€œruleā€ was used. It is not true that this is applied to one person only, even though the post in question says, and I quote: ["ā€¦this rule applies only to VCO3ā€¦ "] [/QUOTE] I know what youā€™re saying, but **Dex** did say this: ā€œWhen we have others who start many (many!) controversial threads and never return to them, we will handle them the same way weā€™re handling this one.ā€ That seemed clear enough to me. How about this: ā€œIn general, starting numerous controversial threads and never returning is bad manners at best, and trolling/jerkism at worst. The key here, though is _multiple_ threads. Currently, **VC03** is the only poster whoā€™s annoying enough to actually have a series of punchbowl-turds in his name. To curb this behavior, the moderators have **VC03** , and only **VC03** , on double-non-secret-probation, prohibiting him from posting-and-leaving. Since no other poster is currently starting _multiple_ controversial threads and never returning, no other poster is specifically warned. _If_ any other poster develops this pattern of behavior, the ā€œruleā€ would cover that poster. One or two threads does not a pattern make.ā€ ---
**Author:** ![Caffeine.addict](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f475e1/32.png) [@Caffeine.addict](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Caffeine.addict)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2007, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giraffe-vco3/430992/103 "2007-12-24T17:51:50Z")
I donā€™t have a problem with this if it is a probationary measure which follows after warnings or a suspension. As long as we call it probation, Iā€™m fine with it. I agree with Boyo Jim, can we have a forum where our trolls are still allowed? We need our nutjobs, without them, the forums just donā€™t feel the same. Besides, Iā€™ve learned a lot from VC03. I never knew that somebody would feel so strongly about laptops and that using one on public transport could piss somebody off like that. Iā€™m going to take mine with me the next time I ride the Metro. I never knew that there was a stereotype about back people not liking coffee. Without knowing what the ignorant think, how can we fight it? ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2007, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giraffe-vco3/430992/104 "2007-12-24T17:52:07Z")
[QUOTE=zut] I know what youā€™re saying, but **Dex** did say this: ā€œWhen we have others who start many (many!) controversial threads and never return to them, we will handle them the same way weā€™re handling this one.ā€ That seemed clear enough to me. How about this: ā€œIn general, starting numerous controversial threads and never returning is bad manners at best, and trolling/jerkism at worst. The key here, though is _multiple_ threads. Currently, **VC03** is the only poster whoā€™s annoying enough to actually have a series of punchbowl-turds in his name. To curb this behavior, the moderators have **VC03** , and only **VC03** , on double-non-secret-probation, prohibiting him from posting-and-leaving. Since no other poster is currently starting _multiple_ controversial threads and never returning, no other poster is specifically warned. _If_ any other poster develops this pattern of behavior, the ā€œruleā€ would cover that poster. One or two threads does not a pattern make.ā€ [/QUOTE] Believe me, I have no complaints about the double non-secret-probation. Iā€™m just thinking the Mods need to have a get-together and come up with some standards of punishment and the language used to describe it. ---
**Author:** ![Hostile\_Dialect](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e495f1/32.png) [@Hostile\_Dialect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hostile_Dialect)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2007, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giraffe-vco3/430992/105 "2007-12-24T20:52:28Z")
> [@Caffeine.addict](#): > > Besides, Iā€™ve learned a lot from VC03. I never knew that somebody would feel so strongly about laptops and that using one on public transport could piss somebody off like that. Iā€™m going to take mine with me the next time I ride the Metro. I never knew that there was a stereotype about back people not liking coffee. Generally, whenever **VCO3** says anything, itā€™s a good idea to remind yourself that the world inside his head works much, much differently from the world outside of it. Itā€™s an angry world colored in sepia with dashes of intense red; aggression and hostility are as important in there as money and prosperity are out here. Lessons learned in that world may not apply in this one. ---
**Author:** ![Caffeine.addict](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f475e1/32.png) [@Caffeine.addict](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Caffeine.addict)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2007, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giraffe-vco3/430992/106 "2007-12-24T21:45:10Z")
[QUOTE=Hostile Dialect] Generally, whenever **VCO3** says anything, itā€™s a good idea to remind yourself that the world inside his head works much, much differently from the world outside of it. Itā€™s an angry world colored in sepia with dashes of intense red; aggression and hostility are as important in there as money and prosperity are out here. Lessons learned in that world may not apply in this one. [/QUOTE] I know, my post was tongue in cheek. That being said, I will take my laptop and a copy of the Wall Street Journal with me on public transport from now on, hoping that VC03 or someone like him sees me, and that I can finally fulfill my lifeā€™s dream of seeing someoneā€™s head explode. šŸ™‚ ---
**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:** [December 24, 2007, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giraffe-vco3/430992/107 "2007-12-24T22:50:29Z")
[QUOTE=Boyo Jim] Believe me, I have no complaints about the double non-secret-probation. Iā€™m just thinking the Mods need to have a get-together and come up with some standards of punishment and the language used to describe it. [/QUOTE] The standards are pretty consistent, itā€™s just the language used to describe it that can woffle from one mod to the next. The last similar situation that I handled (person was border-line being a one-trick pony, with a vast majority of posts all on one topic) was by private email: I said, ā€œHereā€™s the problem, your posts are mono-topic, please show some diversity. Consider this a friendly warning.ā€ **Giraffe** has handled this situation in pretty much the same way (i.e., said ā€œHereā€™s the behavior that we donā€™t want to see repeated.ā€)ā€¦ but he used different language because the circumstances and situation and infraction are all different. We have a variety of tools to use to try to get folks to behave themselves (which is, after all, the goal ā€“ weā€™re not out to punish the wicked, but to try to ensure that these Message Boards are a fun place.) Those tools include public warnings, private warnings, unofficial warnings, strong suggestions, penultimate threats, probation, etc. You donā€™t like the word ā€œrule,ā€ when itā€™s related to a specific situation, then fine, please submit the yellow form (Complaint Form 17(b)(ii)) in triplicate. ---
**Author:** ![Hostile\_Dialect](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e495f1/32.png) [@Hostile\_Dialect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hostile_Dialect)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2007, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giraffe-vco3/430992/108 "2007-12-25T00:23:35Z")
> [@Caffeine.addict](#): > > VC03 Seriously, people, how fucking hard is it to spell **VCO3**? ---
**Author:** ![Inner\_Stickler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inner_stickler/32/318_2.png) [@Inner\_Stickler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inner_Stickler)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2007, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giraffe-vco3/430992/109 "2007-12-25T00:25:51Z")
Very, **h0stILe DlalecT**. ---
**Author:** ![fisha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/da6949/32.png) [@fisha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fisha)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2007, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giraffe-vco3/430992/110 "2007-12-25T01:21:01Z")
[QUOTE=Hostile Dialect] Seriously, people, how fucking hard is it to spell **VCO3**? [/QUOTE] You remind me of that one guy, what was his nameā€¦ oh yeah, **Fetus**. ---
**Author:** ![Telperien](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/65b543/32.png) [@Telperien](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telperien)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2007, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giraffe-vco3/430992/111 "2007-12-25T01:35:11Z")
[QUOTE=Hostile Dialect] Seriously, people, how fucking hard is it to spell **VCO3**? [/QUOTE] If it bothered him, Iā€™m sure heā€™d tell us. Itā€™s not as if heā€™s silent on anything else that chaps his ass. ---
**Author:** ![Hostile\_Dialect](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e495f1/32.png) [@Hostile\_Dialect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hostile_Dialect)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2007, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giraffe-vco3/430992/112 "2007-12-25T01:37:52Z")
It bothers _me_, and we all know thatā€™s the most important thing here. šŸ˜‰ ---
**Author:** ![Autolycus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/22d042/32.png) [@Autolycus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Autolycus)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2007, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giraffe-vco3/430992/113 "2007-12-25T01:48:46Z")
[QUOTE=Boyo Jim] Maybe we should have some designated trolls, like crazy cousins locked up in the basement, to have fun with. VC03, and we can bring back Guyinbluejeans, and Iā€™m sure there are more. We allow them rights to post only to a ā€œDog Poundā€ forum, where we can be amused by them and taunt them. And there could be ways to earn their way back to normal Dope society, like blow jobs at dopefests or somethinā€™. [/QUOTE] What a horrible idea. I love it! ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2007, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giraffe-vco3/430992/114 "2007-12-25T02:04:43Z")
[QUOTE=Autolycus] What a horrible idea. I love it! [/QUOTE] I specialize in the horrendously bad. ---
**Author:** ![Telperien](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/65b543/32.png) [@Telperien](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telperien)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2007, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giraffe-vco3/430992/115 "2007-12-25T02:15:00Z")
[QUOTE=Hostile Dialect] It bothers _me_, and we all know thatā€™s the most important thing here. šŸ˜‰ [/QUOTE] Itā€™s your world, and weā€™re just living in it, eh? All right, but next Tuesday, we move to my world. I have an alternative to the ā€œdesignated trollā€ idea (although it does have its charms). Other posters could take turns trolling. For a week or a month, one certain poster could have troll duty and give us such craziness as that would warrant. Hey, I said it was an alternative. I never said it was a good one. ---
**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 25, 2007, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giraffe-vco3/430992/116 "2007-12-25T02:34:50Z")
[QUOTE=Boyo Jim] Maybe we should have some designated trolls, like crazy cousins locked up in the basement, to have fun with. VC03, and we can bring back Guyinbluejeans, and Iā€™m sure there are more. [/QUOTE] Oh yeah, that guy that claimed Satan told him to kill people, and that he saw Jesus in the clouds. What about that **andrewdt85** kid? I always got a chuckle out of the pure stupidity he exuded. Or hmmm, letā€™s see, **Wildest Bill**? Hell, bring back **Number Six/Kaitlyn**!!! Thatā€™d be a real hoot. And that chick who said she felt gang raped when someone Pitted her. ---
**Author:** ![nameless](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/779978/32.png) [@nameless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nameless)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2007, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giraffe-vco3/430992/117 "2007-12-25T02:44:47Z")
[QUOTE=Telperien] I have an alternative to the ā€œdesignated trollā€ idea (although it does have its charms). Other posters could take turns trolling. For a week or a month, one certain poster could have troll duty and give us such craziness as that would warrant. Hey, I said it was an alternative. I never said it was a good one. [/QUOTE] It would be bizarre and somewhat hilarious. Especially when your month was up and your credibility was totally shot with anyone who hadnā€™t been around. I have thought of starting devilā€™s advocate threads for our amusement and education, but could never really bring myself to do it. I do really like the idea of an ā€œUnder the Bridgeā€ forum for the trolls that choose to stick around. ---
**Author:** ![Caffeine.addict](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f475e1/32.png) [@Caffeine.addict](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Caffeine.addict)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2007, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giraffe-vco3/430992/118 "2007-12-25T03:05:11Z")
[QUOTE=Guinastasia] Hell, bring back **Number Six/Kaitlyn**!!! Thatā€™d be a real hoot. And that chick who said she felt gang raped when someone Pitted her. [/QUOTE] Who was that last one? I donā€™t recall that one. ---
**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:** [December 25, 2007, 3:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giraffe-vco3/430992/119 "2007-12-25T03:22:20Z")
[QUOTE=Caffeine.addict] Who was that last one? I donā€™t recall that one. [/QUOTE] Some dude pretending to be a post-op M-F transsexual. ---
**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 25, 2007, 3:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giraffe-vco3/430992/120 "2007-12-25T03:26:41Z")
[QUOTE=Q.E.D.] Some dude pretending to be a post-op M-F transsexual. [/QUOTE] No, even more bizarre-a long time poster all of a sudden admitting that he was a pre-op MTF. And his spouse went along with it totally-switching to the other team just like _that_. Then there was this whole monolog about how ā€œsheā€ was an elementry school teacher, and the principal totally went along with it, not even shrugging, and told off all the parents who were upset. Then the pictures ā€œsheā€ claimed were of her and her wife turned out to be Korean/Chinese actresses. (Oh, and I only say ā€œsheā€ because it was apparent that **NumberSix/Kaitlyn** was a complete fraud) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giraffe-vco3/430992.md?page=5) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giraffe-vco3/430992.md?page=7)