# Have You Ever Wanted to Pit Another Doper? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [January 11, 2005, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-wanted-to-pit-another-doper/284138 "2005-01-11T01:41:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![joyfool](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/df788c/32.png) [@joyfool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joyfool)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2005, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-wanted-to-pit-another-doper/284138/1 "2005-01-11T01:41:00Z")
In what time I’ve been here, I’ve never felt the urge. Too hippie-esque, I suppose. And I’ve always been quite content to read along with what’s already there or post my agreement or not. Now, I’m not _afraid_ of hanging out in the Pit or replying there (hell, I’ve even started a thread or two, but both were about off-board people/events). However, today I found myself _desperately_ wanting to, but apparently I’m too chicken. I think (in my own little pea brain) that it would be more than justified and perhaps have the weight of the majority see things the same way. But the idea of the others coming in and ripping me another one (or being part of a snark session in other places), seems to prevent me from going ahead. So, I ask you all if you’ve been through the same thing. Did you just squelch your desire or did you buck up and have stones enough to go through with it? If you did, what were the results like? If you didn’t (and this undoubtedly will be the category I’ll fall into), did it bother you later? Make you wish you had or feel you’ve given tacit consent to their deplorable behavior? Or did you just forget about it and either leave it for another day or member? Enquiring minds and all that. ---
**Author:** ![Ephemera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8baadc/32.png) [@Ephemera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ephemera)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2005, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-wanted-to-pit-another-doper/284138/2 "2005-01-11T01:47:08Z")
No. I’ve been here two years and have started all of two Pit threads and one of those was a joke thread when they were still allowed. (_p’taQ_!) Plenty of Dopers annoy me, rub me the wrong way, or otherwise make me see red but I’m not the type to belittle someone publicly. I’ll grumble about it in private with friends but don’t see the point or appeal of making a spectacle of it. ---
**Author:** ![Khadaji](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Khadaji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khadaji)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2005, 2:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-wanted-to-pit-another-doper/284138/3 "2005-01-11T02:06:29Z")
Not so much. I don’t usually have the vitriol needed for a pitting. Only once since I have been here have I wanted to pit another doper. I’m glad now that I didn’t. ---
**Author:** ![Nightwatch\_Trailer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/9dc877/32.png) [@Nightwatch\_Trailer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nightwatch_Trailer)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2005, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-wanted-to-pit-another-doper/284138/4 "2005-01-11T02:09:48Z")
Yes, but I can only think of one Doper that I have, for an extended period of time, wanted to Pit (or see someone Pit). Most of the time when I get peeved at someone, it’s just over one incident and not really worth starting a thread about, or someone else has already started one about it. ---
**Author:** ![Reeder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c6cbf5/32.png) [@Reeder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reeder)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2005, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-wanted-to-pit-another-doper/284138/5 "2005-01-11T02:11:13Z")
Nope. I don’t pit people. I pit actions. ---
**Author:** ![Nightwatch\_Trailer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/9dc877/32.png) [@Nightwatch\_Trailer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nightwatch_Trailer)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2005, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-wanted-to-pit-another-doper/284138/6 "2005-01-11T02:11:22Z")
> [@Nightwatch Trailer](#): > > Yes, but I can only think of one Doper that I have, for an extended period of time, wanted to Pit (or see someone Pit). Most of the time when I get peeved at someone, it’s just over one incident and not really worth starting a thread about, or someone else has already started one about it. Actually, let me amend that. I can think of two now. ---
**Author:** ![START](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/2bfe46/32.png) [@START](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/START)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2005, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-wanted-to-pit-another-doper/284138/7 "2005-01-11T02:11:38Z")
Well once somebody was saying that they hoped that Christianity would be wiped out or something like that and I thought about pitting them but now I can’t even remember who said it or exactly what they said. I don’t think I would pit another doper though and risk being “beat up” in the pit because the pit is “dangerous” enough without calling out another Doper. If I was pitted (I have been pitted) I would come to defend myself but I can’t see going on the offensive. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Blue\_Sky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d26b3c/32.png) [@Mr.Blue\_Sky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Blue_Sky)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2005, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-wanted-to-pit-another-doper/284138/8 "2005-01-11T02:18:35Z")
I’ve only pitted another Doper once. He was a jerk, not only to me, but to several other Dopers. My pitting was extremely mild by comparison. The pittee ended up getting banned soon after for continued jerkiness. He even tried to come back as a guest and was banned again. ---
**Author:** ![Telperien](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/65b543/32.png) [@Telperien](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telperien)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2005, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-wanted-to-pit-another-doper/284138/9 "2005-01-11T02:20:18Z")
I’ve wanted to pit a few people sometimes, but I know I couldn’t keep up my end if I did. I’d get my ass handed to me, possibly lose people’s respect, and make a fool of myself. I don’t want to do any of those things, and the frustration generally passes. ---
**Author:** ![Kyla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/eada6e/32.png) [@Kyla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kyla)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2005, 2:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-wanted-to-pit-another-doper/284138/10 "2005-01-11T02:24:10Z")
Nah. I don’t like confrontation, online or in person. I do pit my coworkers from time to time, though, so I hope they never find this MB. ---
**Author:** ![Reeder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c6cbf5/32.png) [@Reeder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reeder)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2005, 2:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-wanted-to-pit-another-doper/284138/11 "2005-01-11T02:25:19Z")
> [@Harimad-sol](#): > > I’ve wanted to pit a few people sometimes, but I know I couldn’t keep up my end if I did. I’d get my ass handed to me, possibly lose people’s respect, and make a fool of myself. I don’t want to do any of those things, and the frustration generally passes. I’m just curious. Please don’t take this as an insult because it’s not. Does it really matter what someone sitting behind a keyboard trying to be as anonymous as they can, thinks? If you know the people I agree. ---
**Author:** ![Telperien](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/65b543/32.png) [@Telperien](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telperien)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2005, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-wanted-to-pit-another-doper/284138/12 "2005-01-11T02:34:07Z")
> [@Reeder](#): > > I’m just curious. Please don’t take this as an insult because it’s not. > > Does it really matter what someone sitting behind a keyboard trying to be as anonymous as they can, thinks? > > If you know the people I agree. No, but I have a need for approval. I get a silly little glow if someone indicates they “like” me, and depending on the person, I feel a tiny bit down if they indicate “dislike.” I place these words in quotes because how does one know if someone really means what they post? The poster may just be trying to push one’s various buttons. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with not wanting to look foolish. (Og knows I do it enough IRL.) I’m not insulted by the question you asked; I’m just telling you how I think. ---
**Author:** ![Reeder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c6cbf5/32.png) [@Reeder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reeder)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2005, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-wanted-to-pit-another-doper/284138/13 "2005-01-11T02:44:06Z")
> [@Harimad-sol](#): > > No, but I have a need for approval. I get a silly little glow if someone indicates they “like” me, and depending on the person, I feel a tiny bit down if they indicate “dislike.” I place these words in quotes because how does one know if someone really means what they post? The poster may just be trying to push one’s various buttons. > > I don’t think there’s anything wrong with not wanting to look foolish. (Og knows I do it enough IRL.) I’m not insulted by the question you asked; I’m just telling you how I think. I appreciate how you feel. But on a board such as this…you can be a sheep or you can assert yourself. Let your opinions be known. How do you think I got so hated by the anonymous masses? 😛 ---
**Author:** ![Malthus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/85f322/32.png) [@Malthus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malthus)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2005, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-wanted-to-pit-another-doper/284138/14 "2005-01-11T02:45:19Z")
> [@Reeder](#): > > I’m just curious. Please don’t take this as an insult because it’s not. > > Does it really matter what someone sitting behind a keyboard trying to be as anonymous as they can, thinks? > > If you know the people I agree. Maybe not at a board of this size - I’ve been hanging around for a while, and _still_ don’t feel that I “know” people. But on smaller boards, I surely get to “know” people through the keyboard, just as well as I would meeting them in person: so being humilated on-line can be just as painful as if it was in person. ---
**Author:** ![Telperien](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/65b543/32.png) [@Telperien](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telperien)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2005, 2:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-wanted-to-pit-another-doper/284138/15 "2005-01-11T02:56:46Z")
> [@Reeder](#): > > I appreciate how you feel. > > But on a board such as this…you can be a sheep or you can assert yourself. > > Let your opinions be known. > > How do you think I got so hated by the anonymous masses? > 😛 How is not wanting to make myself obnoxious being a sheep? I admire your assertiveness, but it’s not my style. I prefer more underhanded methods. 😛 **Malthus** says it well. ---
**Author:** ![Carnac\_the\_Magnificent](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ccd318/32.png) [@Carnac\_the\_Magnificent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Carnac_the_Magnificent)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2005, 3:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-wanted-to-pit-another-doper/284138/16 "2005-01-11T03:15:12Z")
IIRC, I’ve only posted in the Pit on one thread–mine–and only after a mod moved that thread from IMHO. Let’s just say I got a bit overtorqued re: Enlightenment philosophers and their postmodernist/contemporary counterparts. In hindsight, the entire incident is so random as to make me laugh. I do not like the Pit. It’s ugly. It’s full of vitriol, anger and negative energy. While the content of someone’s post may anger or revulse me, pitting them seems both sophomoric and repugnant. I have no desire to feed the negativity of the Pit. Live long and prosper. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Reeder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c6cbf5/32.png) [@Reeder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reeder)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2005, 3:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-wanted-to-pit-another-doper/284138/17 "2005-01-11T03:15:25Z")
Since when did voicing one’s opinion become obnoxious? The eye of the beholder and all. ---
**Author:** ![iampunha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/74df32/32.png) [@iampunha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iampunha)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2005, 3:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-wanted-to-pit-another-doper/284138/18 "2005-01-11T03:21:00Z")
Have had the desire, have done so, have few - if any - regrets. At least one of the folks I pitted is now banned. [sub]I’m really not that powerful. If you’re a loud and obnoxious jackass and don’t play by the rules it’s really not that difficult to get banned.[/sub] ---
**Author:** ![Telperien](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/65b543/32.png) [@Telperien](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telperien)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2005, 3:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-wanted-to-pit-another-doper/284138/19 "2005-01-11T03:22:15Z")
> [@Reeder](#): > > Since when did voicing one’s opinion become obnoxious? > > The eye of the beholder and all. If I did it in the way I contemplate, it would indeed be obnoxious. I’m not that good at expressing myself. ---
**Author:** ![rolandgunslinger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/cdc98d/32.png) [@rolandgunslinger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rolandgunslinger)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2005, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-wanted-to-pit-another-doper/284138/20 "2005-01-11T03:29:05Z")
> [@Reeder](#): > > Since when did voicing one’s opinion become obnoxious? > > The eye of the beholder and all. Thats it! :mad: To the Pit with you! Just Kiddin’ 😃 [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-wanted-to-pit-another-doper/284138.md?page=2)