# 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:** 6
**Author:** ![crowmanyclouds](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crowmanyclouds/32/19884_2.png) [@crowmanyclouds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crowmanyclouds)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2018, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-pit-threads-for-members-are-allowed-it-should-only-be-for-things-they-post-in-the-pit/816320/101 "2018-06-20T16:28:25Z")
> [@filmore](#): > > {…} I think this crosses the line: A thread called “[SMDBPoster] creates stupid threads in GD” and all the replies are why the OP thinks SMDBPoster is stupid and boring. I worry that some posters could take such a thread very personally, not want to respond in any way to the thread, and even consider leaving the board all together. And? (Most would consider that a feature\*, not a bug. \*A feature that, clearly, doesn’t work as well as it could.) CMC fnord! ---
**Author:** ![filmore](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/7993a0/32.png) [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2018, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-pit-threads-for-members-are-allowed-it-should-only-be-for-things-they-post-in-the-pit/816320/102 "2018-06-20T17:12:08Z")
> [@crowmanyclouds](#): > > And? > > (Most would consider that a feature\*, not a bug. > \*A feature that, clearly, doesn’t work as well as it could.) > > CMC fnord! I see that as more the role of the mods more than by members creating pit threads. So if YackityYac is in GD creating excessive threads, trivial threads, or creating threads and abandoning them, then it’s best handled by reporting them and let the mods educate, warn, or ban as appropriate. If someone creates a pit thread to specifically complain about him instead, he’s likely to feel attacked and it won’t be handled in a productive and constructive manner. ---
**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2018, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-pit-threads-for-members-are-allowed-it-should-only-be-for-things-they-post-in-the-pit/816320/103 "2018-06-20T17:28:34Z")
> [@filmore](#): > > I see that as more the role of the mods more than by members creating pit threads. So if YackityYac is in GD creating excessive threads, trivial threads, or creating threads and abandoning them, then it’s best handled by reporting them and let the mods educate, warn, or ban as appropriate. If someone creates a pit thread to specifically complain about him instead, he’s likely to feel attacked and it won’t be handled in a productive and constructive manner. No, but sometimes all people are interested in is venting, even if it’s not productive or constructive. Sometimes you just need to get something off your chest. ---
**Author:** ![Fenris](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fenris/32/498_2.png) [@Fenris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fenris)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2018, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-pit-threads-for-members-are-allowed-it-should-only-be-for-things-they-post-in-the-pit/816320/104 "2018-06-20T17:29:02Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > Which is stealing, is it not? Damn, girl\*, you are just _determined_ to try to start a board-war, aren’t you? Coming into every ATMB thread and trying to stir up trouble between the Giraffeboards and here. It’s cute, but patently transparent. \*Or “guy”. Whichever’s appropriate. ---
**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 20, 2018, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-pit-threads-for-members-are-allowed-it-should-only-be-for-things-they-post-in-the-pit/816320/105 "2018-06-20T17:43:24Z")
**Moderator Note** > [@Fenris](#): > > Damn, girl\*, you are just _determined_ to try to start a board-war, aren’t you? Coming into every ATMB thread and trying to stir up trouble between the Giraffeboards and here. It’s cute, but patently transparent. A bit ironic, coming from someone who moderates a forum over on Giraffe which is specifically dedicated to making fun of people here and stirring up conflict between the two boards. Let’s not derail this thread with a discussion of Giraffeboards. Stick to the actual topic of this thread, please. IANAL, but as I understand it, stolen content for the purpose of parody probably isn’t actionable on our part, and if it is actionable it would probably require us to get the legal folks involved, which probably wouldn’t be worth the bother unless it was causing a significant problem. On the other hand, while what people do over on Giraffe is that board’s problem and responsibility, anything that is brought back over here is actionable on our part, and can result in warnings, suspensions, or other actions as we deem necessary. If you see something concerning, please report it to our attention via pm or e-mail. While the folks over on Giraffe are free to run their board as they see fit, we do not allow starting a board war from our end. ---
**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 20, 2018, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-pit-threads-for-members-are-allowed-it-should-only-be-for-things-they-post-in-the-pit/816320/106 "2018-06-20T17:49:29Z")
> [@filmore](#): > > I think this crosses the line: A thread called “[SMDBPoster] creates stupid threads in GD” and all the replies are why the OP thinks SMDBPoster is stupid and boring. I worry that some posters could take such a thread very personally, not want to respond in any way to the thread, and even consider leaving the board all together. Some posters might leave. Also, some posters, fed up with another board member who is frustrating them but hasn’t done anything mod-actionable might get fed up and leave as well. So we have the reporting tool, we have mods who can help keep the board a positive place, and we have an outlet for users to vent if needed, away from the main discussions. We cannot even try to keep everyone happy, and the best we can do is provide reasonable options to help keep the flow of good conversation going. ---
**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 20, 2018, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-pit-threads-for-members-are-allowed-it-should-only-be-for-things-they-post-in-the-pit/816320/107 "2018-06-20T18:12:12Z")
> [@filmore](#): > > I think this crosses the line: A thread called “[SMDBPoster] creates stupid threads in GD” and all the replies are why the OP thinks SMDBPoster is stupid and boring. I worry that some posters could take such a thread very personally, not want to respond in any way to the thread, and even consider leaving the board all together. But all the replies won’t be by the OP. Other posters will weigh in on one side or the other. If the complaint is justified, then many other posters will support it. Ideally, this will cause the target to reflect on their posting style, and improve it. If the complaint isn’t justified, then as has been noted it often turns into a reverse Pitting. The Pittee is vindicated, and the Pittee learns that his evaluation isn’t supported by most other posters. The Pit is one way to enforce community standards of behavior without the intervention by the moderators. Posters are free to ignore criticism, but at least they become aware of the weight of opinion. ---
**Author:** ![Ed\_Zotti](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/fbc32d/32.png) [@Ed\_Zotti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ed_Zotti)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2018, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-pit-threads-for-members-are-allowed-it-should-only-be-for-things-they-post-in-the-pit/816320/108 "2018-06-20T18:20:46Z")
> [@Crazy\_Canuck](#): > > The pit back in the early 2000’s is what brought me to this board, it’s a sad shell of what it used to be, and I really hope y’all don’t make it even sadder. > > This is hilarious. You actually post over at the giraffeboards, which also has civility rules and a pit, using the same username with an ‘e’ at the end. I can come up with multiple other examples of why you are incorrect about this, but none so funny. Let’s confine this discussion to how we do things on the SDMB. Please don’t drag other venues into it. ---
**Author:** ![Leo\_Bloom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leo_bloom/32/10377_2.png) [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2018, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-pit-threads-for-members-are-allowed-it-should-only-be-for-things-they-post-in-the-pit/816320/109 "2018-06-20T18:25:56Z")
> [@mistymage](#): > > …then you go look at kitty memes and read BBC articles. 🙂 Nice hendiadys. I think. But nice anyway. ---
**Author:** ![choie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/choie/32/7829_2.png) [@choie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/choie)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2018, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-pit-threads-for-members-are-allowed-it-should-only-be-for-things-they-post-in-the-pit/816320/110 "2018-06-20T18:28:54Z")
> [@filmore](#): > > I think this crosses the line: A thread called “[SMDBPoster] creates stupid threads in GD” and all the replies are why the OP thinks SMDBPoster is stupid and boring. I worry that some posters could take such a thread very personally, not want to respond in any way to the thread, and even consider leaving the board all together. As a wise man once said about the internet\*: > [@](#): > > If you can’t take a little bloody nose, maybe you ought to go back home and crawl under your bed. It’s not safe out here. It’s wondrous, with treasures to satiate desires both subtle and gross. But it’s not for the timid. I can count on the fingers of one hand–and have enough left to make a decent fist–the times that a pitting that was unjustified did _not_ end up with my favorite form of pugilism: Pittings that Backfire. Those are _the best_! Someone who’s pitted for good reasons will either a) wise up and fly right or b) dig in and be an even bigger asshat. Both are good ends (one because it results in a better SDMB member, two because it’s super-entertaining). Why fix what ain’t broke? As an aside, there are few who could’ve followed **Giraffe** as a mod and curated the chaos to his standards. **Miller** was an inspired choice, and deserves much applause. There’s probably less chaos than there used to be, but **Miller** ’s method of adhering to the rules is perfect. Also, many times, very very funny. - Okay, maybe not so much the internet. But there are certain similarities. ---
**Author:** ![Crazy\_Canuck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crazy_canuck/32/5282_2.png) [@Crazy\_Canuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crazy_Canuck)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2018, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-pit-threads-for-members-are-allowed-it-should-only-be-for-things-they-post-in-the-pit/816320/111 "2018-06-20T19:56:51Z")
> [@Ed\_Zotti](#): > > Let’s confine this discussion to how we do things on the SDMB. Please don’t drag other venues into it. I was responding to BigT’s incorrect assertion that the SDMB was unique in having a pit type forum acting as an release valve. I’m not sure how I could have done that without mentioning that other venues actually have one. Since apparently I’ve got the big dog reading my posts though, I will enthusiastically signal boost the following quote from page one of this thread just for your consideration Ed. > [@silenus](#): > > If anything, The Pit should have the restraints removed and let it go back to the way it was - the Wild West, where you sacked up or stayed out. Anybody and everybody was fair game, including Mods, and there weren’t any silly language restrictions. ---
**Author:** ![SmartAleq](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smartaleq/32/163_2.png) [@SmartAleq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmartAleq)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 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/816320/112 "2018-06-20T20:09:07Z")
^^^ Yeah, this. Especially since it was gutting the Pit that caused more of a diaspora right the fuck outta this place than anything else before or since. Incels take note, that’s how it’s done, fellas. ---
**Author:** ![expectopatronum](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/expectopatronum/32/173_2.png) [@expectopatronum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/expectopatronum)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2018, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-pit-threads-for-members-are-allowed-it-should-only-be-for-things-they-post-in-the-pit/816320/113 "2018-06-20T21:24:54Z")
> [@engineer\_comp\_geek](#): > > **Moderator Note** > > A bit ironic, coming from someone who moderates a forum over on Giraffe which is specifically dedicated to making fun of people here and stirring up conflict between the two boards. > > Let’s not derail this thread with a discussion of Giraffeboards. Stick to the actual topic of this thread, please. I feel it is unfair to make a blatantly untrue comment about GB and then forbid any further discussion of it. May I respond to this without being mod-noted, or should it go in a different thread? ---
**Author:** ![SmartAleq](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smartaleq/32/163_2.png) [@SmartAleq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmartAleq)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2018, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-pit-threads-for-members-are-allowed-it-should-only-be-for-things-they-post-in-the-pit/816320/114 "2018-06-20T21:37:29Z")
> [@engineer\_comp\_geek](#): > > This isn’t a topic about why women are leaving. This thread was started by **filmore** , and the topic of it is whether SDMB users should be restricted to pitting for things only in the Pit or if pittings should include things done elsewhere. > > This thread has nothing to do with the way women are treated here. **It was DrDeth who brought that into the thread, and others have continued it.** > > Let’s focus on the actual topic of this thread, please. [Bolding mine] So you explicitly state the hijack was actually started by one poster, but the only one who gets modded is the responder? How does THAT work? Just like that same poster brought up off-board draaaaama which wasn’t addressed, only **Fenris’** response? Might want to check your biases there, dude. ---
**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 20, 2018, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-pit-threads-for-members-are-allowed-it-should-only-be-for-things-they-post-in-the-pit/816320/115 "2018-06-20T23:09:36Z")
> [@expectopatronum](#): > > I feel it is unfair to make a blatantly untrue comment about GB and then forbid any further discussion of it. May I respond to this without being mod-noted, or should it go in a different thread? Blatantly untrue? Fact: Giraffeboards has a forum dedicated to snarking and making fun of people on the SDMB. Fact: People here see the snark and insults and get stirred up. In all honesty, I don’t give two hoots about what people do over at Giraffe. But when it starts spilling over into ATMB, then it becomes my problem. I don’t want it to be a problem in ATMB, and Ed doesn’t want us discussing it here. So no, you may not respond to it without being mod-noted and no, you may not discuss it in a different thread. If you think there is anything at all untrue about the two facts I just posted, feel free to send me a PM. You won’t be mod-noted or disciplined in any way. ---
**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 20, 2018, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-pit-threads-for-members-are-allowed-it-should-only-be-for-things-they-post-in-the-pit/816320/116 "2018-06-20T23:12:47Z")
> [@SmartAleq](#): > > [Bolding mine] > > So you explicitly state the hijack was actually started by one poster, but the only one who gets modded is the responder? How does THAT work? > > Just like that same poster brought up off-board draaaaama which wasn’t addressed, only **Fenris’** response? > > Might want to check your biases there, dude. See post 56. The mod note was issued to **DrDeth** for starting the hijack and to **Green Bean** for continuing it. The responder was not the only one modded. Also, it was just a mod note. No one was punished. ---
**Author:** ![Drunky\_Smurf](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drunky_smurf/32/449_2.png) [@Drunky\_Smurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drunky_Smurf)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2018, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-pit-threads-for-members-are-allowed-it-should-only-be-for-things-they-post-in-the-pit/816320/117 "2018-06-20T23:43:30Z")
Ok, how about the second sentence in SmartAleq’s post? ---
**Author:** ![expectopatronum](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/expectopatronum/32/173_2.png) [@expectopatronum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/expectopatronum)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2018, 12:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-pit-threads-for-members-are-allowed-it-should-only-be-for-things-they-post-in-the-pit/816320/118 "2018-06-21T00:10:02Z")
> [@engineer\_comp\_geek](#): > > Blatantly untrue? > > Fact: Giraffeboards has a forum dedicated to snarking and making fun of people on the SDMB. > Fact: People here see the snark and insults and get stirred up. > > In all honesty, I don’t give two hoots about what people do over at Giraffe. But when it starts spilling over into ATMB, then it becomes my problem. I don’t want it to be a problem in ATMB, and Ed doesn’t want us discussing it here. So no, you may not respond to it without being mod-noted and no, you may not discuss it in a different thread. > > If you think there is anything at all untrue about the two facts I just posted, feel free to send me a PM. You won’t be mod-noted or disciplined in any way. No thank you. If I can’t address something a mod says publicly I don’t see the point in doing so privately. I’ll just note that it was the second part of your statement that I quoted that I took issue with. ---
**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 21, 2018, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-pit-threads-for-members-are-allowed-it-should-only-be-for-things-they-post-in-the-pit/816320/119 "2018-06-21T01:36:06Z")
> [@Drunky\_Smurf](#): > > Ok, how about the second sentence in SmartAleq’s post? The “off board drama” part was addressed, by this: > [@engineer\_comp\_geek](#): > > Let’s not derail this thread with a discussion of Giraffeboards. Stick to the actual topic of this thread, please. This applies to **DrDeth** and anyone else bringing up Giraffe in ATMB threads. **DrDeth** wasn’t singled out because **DrDeth** isn’t the only person bringing up Giraffeboard issues in ATMB lately. ---
**Author:** ![Leo\_Bloom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leo_bloom/32/10377_2.png) [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2018, 5:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-pit-threads-for-members-are-allowed-it-should-only-be-for-things-they-post-in-the-pit/816320/120 "2018-06-21T05:12:34Z")
> [@Crazy\_Canuck](#): > > … > Since apparently I’ve got the big dog reading my posts… **Ed Zotti** , how do feel about being called The Big Dog? (For future reference.) [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=5) [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=7)