# I Really Used to Like ATMB **URL:** \ **Category:** About This Message Board\ **Created:** [August 3, 2012, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-really-used-to-like-atmb/630251 "2012-08-03T03:37:16Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2012, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-really-used-to-like-atmb/630251/21 "2012-08-03T16:49:13Z")
Separating ATMB into a forum for bitching and a forum for test threads wouldn’t reduce complaining, although obviously it would make those threads easier to ignore for those of you who don’t have to read the stuff. I don’t see the point. And yes, there are some people who complain for fun, but it’s good to have a forum for reasonable questions and complaints and having it in ATMB instead of the Pit at least gives us a chance at dealing with the latter category of complaints in a sensible way. ---
**Author:** ![Darth\_Nader](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ad7895/32.png) [@Darth\_Nader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darth_Nader)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2012, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-really-used-to-like-atmb/630251/22 "2012-08-03T18:12:35Z")
ATMB: About this message board. Sub boards: ATMBBitching: Respectful complaints about this message board. ATestingTMB: Testes, testes, one, two… ---
**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:** [August 3, 2012, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-really-used-to-like-atmb/630251/23 "2012-08-03T18:17:41Z")
> [@Covered\_In\_Bees](#): > > Yes, “issues” that never lead anywhere and if the attention does lead somewhere, I’m not convinced a private, more civil exchange wouldn’t accomplish the same thing and probably faster. This is true. If you actually want an issue resolved, the best way is to first contact the moderator concerned privately. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, you could then contact another moderator. A public complaint should be the last resort, unless your main objective is to get sympathy from other posters rather than have the decision reversed. We do make every effort to treat posters fairly, even if we’ve had problems with them before. And in such cases, moderators will often run complaints through the mod loop to see if others who are not involved directly in the situation read it differently. Most of us have reversed decisions based on input from the poster concerned or from other mods. ---
**Author:** ![Rhythmdvl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/85f322/32.png) [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2012, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-really-used-to-like-atmb/630251/24 "2012-08-03T18:30:49Z")
> [@Rhythmdvl](#): > > Test posts (easiest to moderate, blanket rule that any thread can be locked) > Technical questions (again easy to mod; very limited and dry subject area) > [@Darth\_Nader](#): > > ATMB: About this message board. > Sub boards: > ATestingTMB: Testes, testes, one, two.. I’d even volunteer to mini-mod it. No ‘real’ powers except to ban/block outright spam, lock threads that need a-locking, and move threads that need amoving. No warning, note, or other powers, no jackboots, not even a coffee mug. Just minor janitorial abilities to keep things tidy. Heck, I woudln’t even have the ability to insta-ban the entire board. Don’t even need access tot he super-secret mod board. If a dispute arises, a real mod can get involved then (but really, how many test or how-to threads have required actual mod intervention?). Basically, it’d be the equivalent of Aquamod. ---
**Author:** ![Duckster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duckster/32/1244_2.png) [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2012, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-really-used-to-like-atmb/630251/25 "2012-08-03T18:55:40Z")
> [@Siam\_Sam](#): > > I know some people think we’re a little forum heavy already, but maybe we should have a separate one just for bitching about moderators and return ATMB to technical issues. Adding another forum might just add to the forum glut I think we already have. However, this view does have some merit. I offer the following suggestion: [ul] [li] **ATMB** - Remains as the standard forum to ask questions about the technical operations of the SDMB. Yes, the test posts home would remain here. IMHO, test posts don’t qualify for their own forum. Their current forum impact is minimal anyway.[/li][li] **ATIM** - All Things In Moderation - A new forum strictly for mod/moderation issues. Here is where the mods post suspension and ban notices of current members and goodbye members, respectively. The forum would also be the place where the membership may question the mods’ actions of the **SDMB** , including whinings, moanings, pleadings, beatings, whippings, keelhaulings, etc.[/li][/ul] If not worthy of serious consideration, I can live with it, too. ---
**Author:** ![Darth\_Nader](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ad7895/32.png) [@Darth\_Nader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darth_Nader)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2012, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-really-used-to-like-atmb/630251/26 "2012-08-03T19:08:55Z")
> [@Rhythmdvl](#): > > I’d even volunteer to mini-mod it. No ‘real’ powers Aww, crap. It’s not you, specifically, just the whole “Everyone ever who wanted some control was a bad guy thing…” No new mods. We just need to help them fly free. Not like Mork and his eggs, either. Well, maybe. ---
**Author:** ![Irishman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b487fb/32.png) [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2012, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-really-used-to-like-atmb/630251/27 "2012-08-03T19:10:55Z")
> [@Marley23](#): > > And yes, there are some people who complain for fun, but it’s good to have a forum for reasonable questions and complaints and having it in ATMB instead of the Pit at least gives us a chance at dealing with the latter category of complaints in a sensible way. I don’t think the suggestion is to move all board moderation issues to the Pit. Rather, keep questions and complaints that you would like an answer in ATMB and move bitching and whining about moderation to the Pit, where it can be ignored or wallowed in at the user’s discretion. ---
**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:** [August 3, 2012, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-really-used-to-like-atmb/630251/28 "2012-08-03T19:13:54Z")
> [@Duckster](#): > > The forum would also be the place where the membership may question the mods’ actions of the **SDMB** , including whinings, moanings, pleadings, beatings, whippings, keelhaulings, etc. I would make that “May _respectfully_ question the mod’s actions…”. The mods and admins are volunteers, and most boards I’ve visited would never allow their volunteer staff to be treated like shit. You know-“Disagree without being disagreeable”. ---
**Author:** ![Electric\_Warrior](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ee7513/32.png) [@Electric\_Warrior](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Electric_Warrior)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2012, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-really-used-to-like-atmb/630251/29 "2012-08-03T19:14:41Z")
> [@Rhythmdvl](#): > > I think moving mod discussion TO the pit was one of the biggest mistakes of the board. Now, even though it’s been years since mod discussions were moved out, people can’t shake the feeling that they _must_ snark. No, not everyone, and no, not every snark is related. But kind of like in the pit, where if you are disagreed with it’s almost culturally expected that the retort will be insulting or vitriolic. Here, so much venom is inserted into modding threads that half of the posts are way over the top. It’s sad, really. That’s a good point. It might be good to develop a culture of polite and businesslike discussion of board policy and mod actions. ---
**Author:** ![Duckster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duckster/32/1244_2.png) [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2012, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-really-used-to-like-atmb/630251/30 "2012-08-03T19:18:04Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > I would make that “May _respectfully_ question the mod’s actions…”. Works for me. ---
**Author:** ![Darth\_Nader](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ad7895/32.png) [@Darth\_Nader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darth_Nader)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2012, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-really-used-to-like-atmb/630251/31 "2012-08-03T19:20:25Z")
> [@Irishman](#): > > move bitching and whining about moderation to the Pit, where it can be ignored or wallowed in at the user’s discretion. Yeah. That’s the thing. So don’t READ THIS as some fucking cunt might get butthurt, and, well, resubscribe my son’s LEGO magazine for free as a gift. Yeah. Now it makes sense. ---
**Author:** ![Darth\_Nader](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ad7895/32.png) [@Darth\_Nader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darth_Nader)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2012, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-really-used-to-like-atmb/630251/32 "2012-08-03T19:22:38Z")
> [@Darth\_Nader](#): > > ATMB: About this message board. > Sub boards: > **ATMBBitching: Respectful complaints about this message board.** > ATestingTMB: Testes, testes, one, two.. cough ---
**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:** [August 3, 2012, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-really-used-to-like-atmb/630251/33 "2012-08-03T19:49:33Z")
> [@Irishman](#): > > Rather, keep questions and complaints that you would like an answer in ATMB and move bitching and whining about moderation to the Pit, where it can be ignored or wallowed in at the user’s discretion. I doubt it would help. Many threads contain a mixture of both. What starts out as a simple question not infrequently spirals into a bitchfest. ---
**Author:** ![Irishman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b487fb/32.png) [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2012, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-really-used-to-like-atmb/630251/34 "2012-08-03T21:19:15Z")
Better grounds for stronger moderation. “There’s a forum for that, take it there.” vs “You can’t vent at all.” Right now, there’s a forum that’s supposed to be for respectfully discussing and addressing questions and issues, but no place to vent. Thus venting gets lumped in with the discussing. ---
**Author:** ![ftg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ftg/32/2801_2.png) [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2012, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-really-used-to-like-atmb/630251/35 "2012-08-03T21:56:00Z")
What I don’t get is the page after page pointless stuff in this forum. Take the current avatar offence thread. 7 pages now. Look folks, if there is any chance whatsoever that there might be some avatar that you could possibly be displeased with for any reason at all _don’t do the avatar script._ Really, really, simple. Once that’s been said, why is the thread allowed to continue? It’s just RO and such at this point. The mods seem to clamp down hard on some threads in ATMB, and others are allowed to drag on for no good reason. Once the official opinion is stated or it’s clear it’s going nowhere, just lock the thing. ---
**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:** [August 3, 2012, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-really-used-to-like-atmb/630251/36 "2012-08-03T22:50:46Z")
> [@ftg](#): > > What I don’t get is the page after page pointless stuff in this forum. Take the current avatar offence thread. 7 pages now. > > Look folks, if there is any chance whatsoever that there might be some avatar that you could possibly be displeased with for any reason at all _don’t do the avatar script._ > > Really, really, simple. Once that’s been said, why is the thread allowed to continue? It’s just RO and such at this point. Let’s not open the door for that debate here, or this thread will go seven pages too.😉 > [@](#): > > The mods seem to clamp down hard on some threads in ATMB, and others are allowed to drag on for no good reason. > > Once the official opinion is stated or it’s clear it’s going nowhere, just lock the thing. That generally just leads to another thread being opened. So we don’t do it very often. We do, however, lock threads if they devolve into personal bickering between posters. ---
**Author:** ![Siam\_Sam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2012, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-really-used-to-like-atmb/630251/37 "2012-08-04T00:32:13Z")
> [@Duckster](#): > > Adding another forum might just add to the forum glut I think we already have. However, this view does have some merit. I offer the following suggestion: > [ul] > [li] **ATMB** - Remains as the standard forum to ask questions about the technical operations of the SDMB. Yes, the test posts home would remain here. IMHO, test posts don’t qualify for their own forum. Their current forum impact is minimal anyway.[/li][li] **ATIM** - All Things In Moderation - A new forum strictly for mod/moderation issues. Here is where the mods post suspension and ban notices of current members and goodbye members, respectively. The forum would also be the place where the membership may question the mods’ actions of the **SDMB** , including whinings, moanings, pleadings, beatings, whippings, keelhaulings, etc.[/li][/ul] > > If not worthy of serious consideration, I can live with it, too. > [@Czarcasm](#): > > I would make that “May _respectfully_ question the mod’s actions…”. The mods and admins are volunteers, and most boards I’ve visited would never allow their volunteer staff to be treated like shit. You know-“Disagree without being disagreeable”. I like it myself. ---
**Author:** ![Simple\_Linctus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Simple\_Linctus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Simple_Linctus)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2012, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-really-used-to-like-atmb/630251/38 "2012-08-04T01:06:18Z")
> [@Colibri](#): > > This is true. If you actually want an issue resolved, the best way is to first contact the moderator concerned privately. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, you could then contact another moderator. A public complaint should be the last resort, unless your main objective is to get sympathy from other posters rather than have the decision reversed. > > We do make every effort to treat posters fairly, even if we’ve had problems with them before. And in such cases, moderators will often run complaints through the mod loop to see if others who are not involved directly in the situation read it differently. Most of us have reversed decisions based on input from the poster concerned or from other mods. I agree with you that a poster should contact the original moderator first. But there’s no way that I would contact another moderator if the first moderator’s decision was unacceptable to me **unless** the initial moderator had explicitly said I was free to do so. It would feel sneaky. Hell, it **is** sneaky. Taking it to the board would be the only option. Not that I have any complaints, just saying. ---
**Author:** ![Measure\_for\_Measure](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/measure_for_measure/32/557_2.png) [@Measure\_for\_Measure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Measure_for_Measure)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2012, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-really-used-to-like-atmb/630251/39 "2012-08-04T01:11:48Z")
Um. Please, no. Back in the day, moderation was gruff, but the whiners would almost invariably receive the pile-on. **manhattan** and **DavidB** would jokingly compete for the most pit threads dedicated to them. During one of my many absences, the pit evolved in an unfortunate direction and most of the enmity began to be directed against management. I see that as a natural development, albeit one which was postponed for many years. So public mod discussions were moved here. Having a few innocent bystanders wander in and occasionally tell the modest number of active whiners that they are full of shit is a good thing. So methinks segregating ATIM would be a bad idea. ---
**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:** [August 4, 2012, 1:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-really-used-to-like-atmb/630251/40 "2012-08-04T01:58:04Z")
> [@Measure\_for\_Measure](#): > > With respect, discussion of moderator decisions earns an instaban on most boards. If this board was any more transparent, it would be invisible. Not any of the boards I’ve ever visited. Most of them have an “About this Board” section just like we do, and there are complaints all the time. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-really-used-to-like-atmb/630251.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-really-used-to-like-atmb/630251.md?page=3)