# How often do people report posts to the admin? **URL:** \ **Category:** About This Message Board\ **Created:** [March 13, 2003, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-do-people-report-posts-to-the-admin/161118 "2003-03-13T15:54:06Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2003, 1:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-do-people-report-posts-to-the-admin/161118/21 "2003-03-14T13:41:11Z")
I still get to suggest it to those who **aren’t** considering a name change then? Great! ---
**Author:** ![NE\_Texan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/e99b99/32.png) [@NE\_Texan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NE_Texan)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2003, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-do-people-report-posts-to-the-admin/161118/22 "2003-03-14T15:29:06Z")
> [@](#): > > _Originally posted by Truth Seeker \* > \*\* > I assume that people only report posts to complain. I mean, people don’t report a lot of posts to call attention to their trenchant wit, do they?_\* **WHAT?** You mean that you don’t regularly use this function to report to the moderators of the forum and say “Hey, this is a really vivid, witty, charming post that you absolutely can’t miss”? Yeah, me neither. ---
**Author:** ![kniz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/c37758/32.png) [@kniz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kniz)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2003, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-do-people-report-posts-to-the-admin/161118/23 "2003-03-14T17:22:08Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Bearflag70 \* > \*\*I reported one post. > > In the mod’s next post, the poster was banned. \*\* Same thing happened to me. I was reporting a thread started by a one post wonder and poof just as I hit “submit” the whole damn thing disappeared. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![manhattan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/manhattan/32/7_2.png) [@manhattan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/manhattan)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2003, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-do-people-report-posts-to-the-admin/161118/24 "2003-03-15T00:31:30Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Monty \* > \*\*Can you share one or two of your favourites, manhattan? Of course, without revealing who reported it. \*\* I don’t really save them. They’re mostly one liners along the lines of “This thread is hungry. If only there were a Cafe to send it to…” Occasionally, when an OP is particularly stupid _and_ unintelligible all at once, someone will “report this post” with a parody of the OP. And there are sometimes personal references – “Bib, move this quick before manny sees it and has a heart attack!” We get a couple a week that simply say, “spamspamspamspam” or some more elaborate reference to the famous Monty Python bit. Call me simple, but they crack me up _every single time_. ---
**Author:** ![Polycarp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/82dd89/32.png) [@Polycarp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Polycarp)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2003, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-do-people-report-posts-to-the-admin/161118/25 "2003-03-15T01:26:52Z")
There’s a pretty specific description of what you’re supposed to use it for, with the word **ONLY** emphasized about like that, on the form you get when you click on the link. I try to use it sparingly but when appropriate – and to include a little note to (hopefully) lift the Mod.'s spirits as he attempts to deal with it. Also not to prejudge: “This sounds a lot like trolling to me; please check it out” is typical – it’s **their** call whether it is or not, but my role to call attention to it so they can make that call. And I’ll include little notes like “I think something crawled out from under a bridge here” or “This post smells like the Pit; I think it needs to be move there” as a touch of wit or humor to take the edge off the Mod’s. sense of “Oh, sh\*t, another trouble-post e-mail” when he gets my report. ---
**Author:** ![Biggirl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biggirl/32/3294_2.png) [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2003, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-do-people-report-posts-to-the-admin/161118/26 "2003-03-15T03:50:53Z")
I’ve used it only 6 or 7 times in my time here and I have to say, it just doesn’t work. I have yet to get any of the dirty sex I’ve asked for. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2003, 7:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-do-people-report-posts-to-the-admin/161118/27 "2003-03-15T07:18:39Z")
What particular dirty sex have you been asking for, **Biggirl**? I’m sure that your _ahem_ _needs_ can be accomodated. ---
**Author:** ![Smeghead](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f1d935/32.png) [@Smeghead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smeghead)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2003, 7:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-do-people-report-posts-to-the-admin/161118/28 "2003-03-15T07:19:59Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by manhattan \* > \*\*I don’t really save them. They’re mostly one liners along the lines of “This thread is hungry. If only there were a Cafe to send it to…” > > Occasionally, when an OP is particularly stupid _and_ unintelligible all at once, someone will “report this post” with a parody of the OP. > > And there are sometimes personal references – “Bib, move this quick before manny sees it and has a heart attack!” > > We get a couple a week that simply say, “spamspamspamspam” or some more elaborate reference to the famous Monty Python bit. Call me simple, but they crack me up _every single time_. \*\* I’d like to announce that I just resisted the temptation to report this post to the mods with a witty comment. You’re welcome. ---
**Author:** ![Biggirl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biggirl/32/3294_2.png) [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2003, 12:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-do-people-report-posts-to-the-admin/161118/29 "2003-03-15T12:41:12Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Chronos \* > \*\*What particular dirty sex have you been asking for, **Biggirl**? I’m sure that your _ahem_ _needs_ can be accomodated. \*\* Says the now lowly member. When he was high and mighty it was always “Listen Big: We **ban** spammers. We don’t cover our hairy bits in spam goo and do the naked hokey pokey with mere posters. And who told you about our Moderator Madness Melees anyway?” ---
**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:** [March 15, 2003, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-do-people-report-posts-to-the-admin/161118/30 "2003-03-15T14:55:32Z")
**Biggirl,** the rumors about the peanut butter and the goat are completely untrue. I dunno what you heard about the Krispy Kremes, but I deny it with both hands. ---
**Author:** ![milquetoast](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/258eb7/32.png) [@milquetoast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/milquetoast)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2003, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-do-people-report-posts-to-the-admin/161118/31 "2003-03-15T17:13:52Z")
I just had the pleasure of reporting spam. I won’t post the link (I don’t think the poster deserves the recognition). But it’s in this forum, and it was the poster’s very first post (at least under that user name). What a bozo! ---
**Author:** ![milquetoast](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/258eb7/32.png) [@milquetoast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/milquetoast)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2003, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-do-people-report-posts-to-the-admin/161118/32 "2003-03-15T17:44:06Z")
FYI: The post I reported a little over 30 minutes ago is already gone. Damn those moderators are good! ‘course someone else coulda reported it prior to me. But I’m still taking ownership of the act. Considering it my good deed for the day. Now I don’t have to help no li’l ol’ ladies cross the street. ---
**Author:** ![manhattan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/manhattan/32/7_2.png) [@manhattan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/manhattan)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2003, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-do-people-report-posts-to-the-admin/161118/33 "2003-03-15T19:53:10Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by C K Dexter Haven \* > \*\ ***Biggirl,** the rumors about the peanut butter and the goat are completely untrue. I dunno what you heard about the Krispy Kremes, but I deny it with both hands. \*\* He can do that, on account of that’s not how he holds the donut. ---
**Author:** ![Melandry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/8797f3/32.png) [@Melandry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Melandry)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2003, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-do-people-report-posts-to-the-admin/161118/34 "2003-03-15T21:17:48Z")
I feel like I use it quite a bit, although I had no idea I was supposed to be making witty comments when I did so. Usually my comments are one-word, like “spam” or “sock”. I figure the feature is more important for calling attention to a post: if I can figure out what sort of a violation it is when I read it, surely the moderators can as well. ---
**Author:** ![Cervaise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cervaise/32/16693_2.png) [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2003, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-do-people-report-posts-to-the-admin/161118/35 "2003-03-15T21:18:10Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Biggirl \* > Says the now **lowly member.** Heh. Heh. Heh. ---
**Author:** ![Gaudere](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e495f1/32.png) [@Gaudere](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gaudere)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2003, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-do-people-report-posts-to-the-admin/161118/36 "2003-03-16T03:37:24Z")
Well, I changed the little note you get when you click “report this post” to something a bit more in line with what our actual policy is. Now it is: “This is to be used to report spam, duplicate posts/threads, violations of the forum rules and any other such things requiring a moderator’s attention.” ---
**Author:** ![MikeG](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mikeg/32/4329_2.png) [@MikeG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeG)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2003, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-do-people-report-posts-to-the-admin/161118/37 "2003-03-16T03:45:00Z")
_originally posted by **Gaudere** _ > [@](#): > > “…and any other such things requiring a moderator’s attention.” …so if I needed to schedule when I was dropping off your Girl Scout Cookies, I should click on that, **Gaudere**? ---
**Author:** ![bdgr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a87d85/32.png) [@bdgr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bdgr)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2003, 7:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-do-people-report-posts-to-the-admin/161118/38 "2003-03-16T07:39:00Z")
I reported a couple of posts to the admins, and I actually have in my saved messages email replys from Lynn and Tuba Diva…I shall treasure them always. ---
**Author:** ![Berkut](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a88e57/32.png) [@Berkut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Berkut)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2003, 7:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-do-people-report-posts-to-the-admin/161118/39 "2003-03-16T07:58:45Z")
What I wouldn’t give for a feature that showed reported posts (with reasons) in real time. Usernames removed, of course. ---
**Author:** ![Troy\_McClure\_SF](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/troy_mcclure_sf/32/4150_2.png) [@Troy\_McClure\_SF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Troy_McClure_SF)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2003, 8:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-do-people-report-posts-to-the-admin/161118/40 "2003-03-16T08:07:45Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Algernon \* > **I’ve often run across posts that are clearly in the wrong forum, but the extent of my action has at most been to mention that fact in a follow-up post (but only if I have something to contribute to the thread in general).** …And I think that makes sense, especially given the harsher wording when using the function (“ONLY to be used for posts containing details vital to build a nuclear bomb and equimpent required to target four major world cities”). But then again, if a mod wanders into the thread, they’re gonna see the problem post before they see any post pointing the problem post out, so it ends up being moot at best, hamster exercise at worst. I figured that if I was, in fact, misusing it, I’d get a “Knock it off, jackass” e-mail from a mod (and I would expect no less). [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-do-people-report-posts-to-the-admin/161118.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-do-people-report-posts-to-the-admin/161118.md?page=3)