# If Pit threads for members are allowed, it should only be for things they post in the Pit **URL:** \ **Category:** About This Message Board\ **Created:** [June 18, 2018, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-pit-threads-for-members-are-allowed-it-should-only-be-for-things-they-post-in-the-pit/816320 "2018-06-18T14:30:02Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2018, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-pit-threads-for-members-are-allowed-it-should-only-be-for-things-they-post-in-the-pit/816320/21 "2018-06-18T20:09:14Z")
While I disagree with the OP and agree with what most of the other posters are saying, it should be noted that there are only 3 Pit threads on the first page right now that are directed at specific posters and at least two of them mostly fizzled. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2018, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-pit-threads-for-members-are-allowed-it-should-only-be-for-things-they-post-in-the-pit/816320/22 "2018-06-18T20:10:12Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > The horrible insults, harrassment and bullying in out Pit just makes things worse, not better. So don’t go in there. Problem solved! ---
**Author:** ![engineer\_comp\_geek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/engineer_comp_geek/32/504_2.png) [@engineer\_comp\_geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/engineer_comp_geek)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2018, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-pit-threads-for-members-are-allowed-it-should-only-be-for-things-they-post-in-the-pit/816320/23 "2018-06-18T20:22:02Z")
> [@Skywatcher](#): > > So don’t go in there. Problem solved! Works for me. I never go into the Pit, and the SDMB seems like a pretty happy and decent place to me (maybe a bit less happy in some ATMB threads). You’re not required to go into the Pit. If someone ever Pits me (or has ever Pitted me), you’ll have to send me a PM or something to let me know because otherwise I’m not going to have a clue that it’s happened. ---
**Author:** ![Fleetwood](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fleetwood/32/271_2.png) [@Fleetwood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fleetwood)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2018, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-pit-threads-for-members-are-allowed-it-should-only-be-for-things-they-post-in-the-pit/816320/24 "2018-06-18T20:31:39Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > The horrible insults, harrassment and bullying in out Pit just makes things worse, not better. How do you know what goes on in there? I thought you claimed to never darken its doorstep? Is there some other way to find out what an poster is pitting there? ---
**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:** [June 18, 2018, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-pit-threads-for-members-are-allowed-it-should-only-be-for-things-they-post-in-the-pit/816320/25 "2018-06-18T20:43:18Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > Yes, that was _intent_. But it has completely and totally failed at that. > > It was a experiment that has failed, and needs to be put at rest. Seems to work pretty well for that function to me. > [@DrDeth](#): > > What the Pit seems to be actually used for is allowing non-paying guests to harass and bully paying members, causing a decrease in membership. I have seen absolutely zero evidence that this is the case. What support do you have for this allegation? ---
**Author:** ![Omar\_Little](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omar_little/32/269_2.png) [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2018, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-pit-threads-for-members-are-allowed-it-should-only-be-for-things-they-post-in-the-pit/816320/26 "2018-06-18T20:52:27Z")
Sounds like time for another poll: What causes the greater decrease in membership: the pit or zombie posts? ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2018, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-pit-threads-for-members-are-allowed-it-should-only-be-for-things-they-post-in-the-pit/816320/27 "2018-06-18T20:55:57Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > The purpose or point of the Pit was supposedly to allow members to blow off steam by insulting each other in a controlled environment. However, this has totally failed. It actually make the problem worse. Most boards dont have a Pit and the environment is much friendlier , much more calm and welcoming. The Pit may also be one of the reasons for the possible decline of female members. > > What the Pit seems to be actually used for is allowing non-paying guests to harass and bully paying members, causing a decrease in membership. > > And of course Mini-rants, or Political rants which could just as well be put in IMHO or a Rants area. > > There is no need at all for a area where members can be personally insulted and abused. I think I disagree with every single thing in this post, up to and including the punctuation. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2018, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-pit-threads-for-members-are-allowed-it-should-only-be-for-things-they-post-in-the-pit/816320/28 "2018-06-18T21:13:36Z")
> [@silenus](#): > > I think I disagree with every single thing in this post, up to and including the punctuation. I agre; additionally I’d have used “an” in place of “a” where warranted. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2018, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-pit-threads-for-members-are-allowed-it-should-only-be-for-things-they-post-in-the-pit/816320/29 "2018-06-18T21:19:48Z")
> [@John\_Mace](#): > > While I disagree with the OP and agree with what most of the other posters are saying, it should be noted that there are only 3 Pit threads on the first page right now that are directed at specific posters and at least two of them mostly fizzled. Yep. So, we make the Pit into Rants, and dont allow personal attacks anywhere. A nice rant does let off steam. ---
**Author:** ![CCitizen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/4af34b/32.png) [@CCitizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CCitizen)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2018, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-pit-threads-for-members-are-allowed-it-should-only-be-for-things-they-post-in-the-pit/816320/30 "2018-06-18T21:50:09Z")
> [@Colibri](#): > > The main point of the Pit is to allow people who have disagreements elsewhere on the board to have it out with the gloves off, without having to abide by the restrictions of other forums. It’s intended to be a safety valve so discussions in other forums can be less contentious. I guess so. On the other hand, it is a form of allowed and legalized abuse. Sadly many adult Homo Interneticus Humans are more aggressive then Homo Sapiens Junior High Students. But such is life. ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2018, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-pit-threads-for-members-are-allowed-it-should-only-be-for-things-they-post-in-the-pit/816320/31 "2018-06-18T21:51:53Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > Yep. So, we make the Pit into Rants, and dont allow personal attacks anywhere. A nice rant does let off steam. And leave nowhere on the board for us to call out the dips, dinks, dingbats, dorks, dummies, detestables, dopes, dolts, dimwits, ditzes, dastards, dunces, and deplorables that deign to darken our domain? I dramatically disagree! ---
**Author:** ![IvoryTowerDenizen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ivorytowerdenizen/32/17937_2.png) [@IvoryTowerDenizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IvoryTowerDenizen)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2018, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-pit-threads-for-members-are-allowed-it-should-only-be-for-things-they-post-in-the-pit/816320/32 "2018-06-18T21:55:47Z")
> [@Miller](#): > > And leave nowhere on the board for us to call out the dips, dinks, dingbats, dorks, dummies, detestables, dopes, dolts, dimwits, ditzes, dastards, dunces, and deplorables that deign to darken our domain? > > I dramatically disagree! D’oh! ---
**Author:** ![D\_Anconia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/67e7ee/32.png) [@D\_Anconia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/D_Anconia)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2018, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-pit-threads-for-members-are-allowed-it-should-only-be-for-things-they-post-in-the-pit/816320/33 "2018-06-18T22:02:37Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > Most boards dont have a Pit and the environment is much friendlier , much more calm and welcoming. What gave you the idea that the internet was friendly, calm, and welcoming? :dubious: ---
**Author:** ![raventhief](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/raventhief/32/4_2.png) [@raventhief](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/raventhief)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2018, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-pit-threads-for-members-are-allowed-it-should-only-be-for-things-they-post-in-the-pit/816320/34 "2018-06-18T22:12:37Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > Yep. So, we make the Pit into Rants, and dont allow personal attacks anywhere. A nice rant does let off steam. What if what one wants to Rant about is another member? Do we establish different rules, so that a lowly guest dare not attack a paid member? ---
**Author:** ![IvoryTowerDenizen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ivorytowerdenizen/32/17937_2.png) [@IvoryTowerDenizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IvoryTowerDenizen)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2018, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-pit-threads-for-members-are-allowed-it-should-only-be-for-things-they-post-in-the-pit/816320/35 "2018-06-18T22:22:48Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > The purpose or point of the Pit was supposedly to allow members to blow off steam by insulting each other in a controlled environment. However, this has totally failed. It actually make the problem worse. Most boards dont have a Pit and the environment is much friendlier , much more calm and welcoming. The Pit may also be one of the reasons for the possible decline of female members. > > What the Pit seems to be actually used for is allowing non-paying guests to harass and bully paying members, causing a decrease in membership. > > And of course Mini-rants, or Political rants which could just as well be put in IMHO or a Rants area. > > There is no need at all for a area where members can be personally insulted and abused. Where does the paying vs non-paying come into it? That part confuses me. Anyone who registers, regardless of paying or not, has equal access to the pit. Are paying members supposed to be isolated from pit threads? What if paying members pit other paying members, or non-paying members? Are those scenarios ok? ---
**Author:** ![CCitizen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/4af34b/32.png) [@CCitizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CCitizen)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2018, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-pit-threads-for-members-are-allowed-it-should-only-be-for-things-they-post-in-the-pit/816320/36 "2018-06-18T22:24:32Z")
> [@Miller](#): > > And leave nowhere on the board for us to call out the dips, dinks, dingbats, dorks, **dummies** , detestables, dopes, dolts, **dimwits** , ditzes, dastards, dunces, and deplorables that deign to darken our domain? > > I dramatically disagree! Sadly USA contains [40 million people with Mental Disability](https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-By-the-Numbers) – I have Autism and Depression. There are 10 million with Severe Mental Disability – they are in a much worse situation then me. Many people escape to Social Media to cope with their mental anguish. Could you please consider their perspective. ---
**Author:** ![JeffB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jeffb/32/188_2.png) [@JeffB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JeffB)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2018, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-pit-threads-for-members-are-allowed-it-should-only-be-for-things-they-post-in-the-pit/816320/37 "2018-06-18T22:27:11Z")
> [@andros](#): > > Some of us spend the bulk of our time there, because we’re dicks. > . But not jerks. > [@raventhief](#): > > What if what one wants to Rant about is another member? Do we establish different rules, so that a lowly guest dare not attack a paid member? Members can rant about guests; charter members can rant about members; mods can rant about charter members. ---
**Author:** ![Bone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bone/32/407_2.png) [@Bone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bone)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2018, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-pit-threads-for-members-are-allowed-it-should-only-be-for-things-they-post-in-the-pit/816320/38 "2018-06-18T22:29:17Z")
Mods can’t start pit threads about other posters - a steep price to pay. ---
**Author:** ![Sunny\_Daze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunny_daze/32/438_2.png) [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2018, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-pit-threads-for-members-are-allowed-it-should-only-be-for-things-they-post-in-the-pit/816320/39 "2018-06-18T22:48:29Z")
The only way we, as a community, can currently take someone to task for being a raging jerkopotamus is the Pit. Sometimes the mods can’t do it, but we, as a group, can. It works both ways. Sometimes a poster feels fed up, and decides to Pit someone and learns to their shock and dismay that not everyone feels the same way. That said, I think that many interesting discussions are had in the Pit. It’s certainly not a smoking, crater-filled landscape destitute of all hope or intelligence. ---
**Author:** ![IvoryTowerDenizen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ivorytowerdenizen/32/17937_2.png) [@IvoryTowerDenizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IvoryTowerDenizen)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2018, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-pit-threads-for-members-are-allowed-it-should-only-be-for-things-they-post-in-the-pit/816320/40 "2018-06-18T22:49:45Z")
> [@Sunny\_Daze](#): > > The only way we, as a community, can currently take someone to task for being a raging jerkopotamus is the Pit. Sometimes the mods can’t do it, but we, as a group, can. It works both ways. Sometimes a poster feels fed up, and decides to Pit someone and learns to their shock and dismay that not everyone feels the same way. > > That said, I think that many interesting discussions are had in the Pit. It’s certainly not a smoking, crater-filled landscape destitute of all hope or intelligence. That’d be Mos Eisley [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-pit-threads-for-members-are-allowed-it-should-only-be-for-things-they-post-in-the-pit/816320.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-pit-threads-for-members-are-allowed-it-should-only-be-for-things-they-post-in-the-pit/816320.md?page=3)