# I'm different now. Just saying. **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [November 6, 2011, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-different-now-just-saying/602108 "2011-11-06T22:48:07Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2011, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-different-now-just-saying/602108/61 "2011-11-08T19:14:25Z")
> [@Boyo\_Jim](#): > > I remain unchanged, a fixture on the horizon, a beacon of hope to the unwashed masses. And, I hope, the washed masses too. > > Just sayin’ I’m ready to take on the burden of adoration if some folks are looking to switch fixations. Hmmm, tempting offer. You’re going to have to step up your game if you want me to switch my undying devotion away from **Inigo Montoya** , though. 🙂 > [@cmyk](#): > > \ Frankly, I’m tried of the pussified cynicism here, myself. “Pussified Cynicsim” - dammit, too late for my username change! ---
**Author:** ![cmyk](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cmyk/32/3353_2.png) [@cmyk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmyk)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2011, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-different-now-just-saying/602108/62 "2011-11-08T20:05:30Z")
> [@Cat\_Whisperer](#): > > \ “Pussified Cynicsim” - dammit, too late for my username change! Opal, on second thought… if you wanted to change your user name… 😉 ---
**Author:** ![elmwood](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmwood/32/3060_2.png) [@elmwood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elmwood)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2011, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-different-now-just-saying/602108/63 "2011-11-08T20:16:07Z")
> [@OpalCat](#): > > IMO I’ve received more disciplinary action than most, having been threatened with legal action–have most other dopers been? There are things I can’t do that others can because I’m under higher scrutiny. Almost everybody who runs a Web site with more than a little bit of traffic is going to be “threatened” by some kind of legal action. Cease-and-desist and takedown notices are a part of the job. I’ve gotten a few. It sucks, but most of the time, they can be resolved without much drama. You have to stay aware of case and statutory law regarding copyright, trademarks, and libel to reduce your risk. However, you _do_ enjoy special privileges and protection here. From a former staff member who was a mod when they made this post: [http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=3712300&postcount=6](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=3712300&postcount=6) > [@UncleBeer](#): > > Bullshit. Opal’s been treated with kid gloves in comparison. **Hell, anything we mods/admins do regarding warnings and such to Opal have to be run through Ed** and that’s the procedure we followed in this instance. Opal has also been made aware of this policy. **It’s most certainly not something we do with other posters.** There’s also the perception that you can get away with a lot more than other Dopers, and that mods will be more likely to run to your defense and close threads or warn users when you’re attacked. Odds are this thread will be closed fairly soon. If it was anyone else who made a similar OP, outside of the Pit, and the thread took the turn of becoming an intervention of sorts, would the mods take similar action? ---
**Author:** ![Gary\_Robson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gary_robson/32/3448_2.png) [@Gary\_Robson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_Robson)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2011, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-different-now-just-saying/602108/64 "2011-11-08T22:18:51Z")
> [@elmwood](#): > > Does that mean you’ll willingly give up the special “Get Out of Jail Free” status you now enjoy on the SDMB, where any warnings or disciplinary action against you has to be approved by Ed first? Are you willing to face the consequences of your actions on the SDMB like the rest of us? I guess when I became a moderator, **Ed** forgot to send me the list of “most favored Dopers” with “get out of jail free” cards. Just so you know, each of the 20+ mods and admins on this board can issue a warning or mod note to any non-staff member without approval from anyone else. Suspensions require discussion and consensus. We’re all authorized to ban spammers and sock puppets on sight. All other bans require discussion and consensus. > [@elmwood](#): > > However, you _do_ enjoy special privileges and protection here. From a former staff member who was a mod when they made this post: > > [http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=3712300&postcount=6](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=3712300&postcount=6) Oh, NOW I understand. You’re referencing something that happened eight years ago, that everyone else has forgotten about! Look, **elmwood** , I’ve never had a beef with you or with **Opal** , I’d be no more or less likely to issue a warning to either of you, and I wouldn’t have to get **Ed’s** approval before doing so. I obviously can’t speak for the rest of the mods (we’re all real human beings with our own biases, however much we try to be unbiased), but I can tell you there simply ain’t no magic list of people who can do anything they want on the Straight Dope without repercussions. Either way, though, this little sidetrack has left MPSIMS territory and wandered over to ATMB. If you’d like to continue the discussion of moderator favoritism and bias, let’s take it out of this thread and start a new one. > [@olivesmarch4th](#): > > I’d say _most_ people love attention. Speaking of which, enough about **Opal**. Let’s talk about ME some more… ---
**Author:** ![GuanoLad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guanolad/32/42_2.png) [@GuanoLad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuanoLad)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2011, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-different-now-just-saying/602108/65 "2011-11-08T22:21:23Z")
> [@elmwood](#): > > However, you _do_ enjoy special privileges and protection here. From a former staff member who was a mod when they made this post: > > [http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=3712300&postcount=6](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=3712300&postcount=6) That was nearly ten years ago! Isn’t Opal’s point that she’s tried to move ahead from those very days? ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2011, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-different-now-just-saying/602108/66 "2011-11-08T22:54:49Z")
[I Can Change!](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJo0_llL1Q8) Seemed apropos. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2011, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-different-now-just-saying/602108/67 "2011-11-08T23:01:40Z")
[quote=“Gary “Wombat” Robson, post:64, topic:602108”] …Just so you know, each of the 20+ mods and admins on this board can issue a warning or mod note to any non-staff member without approval from anyone else. … [/QUOTE] Hell, I can do that. Mod, note: be warned! ---
**Author:** ![Gary\_Robson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gary_robson/32/3448_2.png) [@Gary\_Robson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_Robson)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2011, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-different-now-just-saying/602108/68 "2011-11-08T23:05:56Z")
> [@Boyo\_Jim](#): > > Hell, I can do that. > > Mod, note: be warned! (slinking away, suitably chastised…) 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Dread\_Pirate\_Jimbo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dread_pirate_jimbo/32/3897_2.png) [@Dread\_Pirate\_Jimbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dread_Pirate_Jimbo)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2011, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-different-now-just-saying/602108/69 "2011-11-08T23:08:11Z")
> [@Boyo\_Jim](#): > > Hell, I can do that. > > Mod, note: be warned! As **Boyo Jim** ’s worshipping fan, I heartily applaud this post. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2011, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-different-now-just-saying/602108/70 "2011-11-08T23:23:02Z")
> [@Boyo\_Jim](#): > > Hell, I can do that. > > Mod, note: be warned! Not bad, not bad. If you keep this up, I might have to switch allegiances. ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2011, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-different-now-just-saying/602108/71 "2011-11-08T23:23:16Z")
Keep in mind that being worshipped is a passive state – don’t expect any help from me. ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2011, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-different-now-just-saying/602108/72 "2011-11-08T23:26:19Z")
> [@Boyo\_Jim](#): > > Keep in mind that being worshipped is a passive state – don’t expect any help from me. Hmm, good point. I guess you’ll just have to fall backwards into it. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![OpalCat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/8edcca/32.png) [@OpalCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OpalCat)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2011, 11:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-different-now-just-saying/602108/73 "2011-11-08T23:35:03Z")
I just want to clarify a point. When I say I’ve changed I mean I’m not the person who freaks out over everything crying. I’m not the one on the edge of a suicidal relapse. I’m not the one with unpredictable mood swings like I used to be. I still post silly crap but I guarantee you it’s almost never BECAUSE I’m trying to get attention. I just like to gab and I consider the SDMB my casual circle of friends. ---
**Author:** ![Crown\_Prince\_of\_Irony](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ed655f/32.png) [@Crown\_Prince\_of\_Irony](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crown_Prince_of_Irony)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2011, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-different-now-just-saying/602108/74 "2011-11-08T23:56:00Z")
WTF is the deal with the pile-on? While I’ve not always agreed with everything I’ve seen from **Opal** , it seems to me that she was sharing some heartfelt self-reflection with the rest of us - IMO, if anyone’s entitled to overshare on the Dope, it’s the one person who’s pretty much permanently enshrined as a local meme. So what if said self-reflection borders on self-validation? We all deserve to be able to say to the world “I’m getting better” and have it taken at face value - for you all to come in and say (to paraphrase) “You’re not different now and stop being an attention whore” is approaching the height of douchebaggery. If you disagree with something so personal, how about you just, oh, I don’t know, keep it to yourself? Sometimes, you people really do make the SDMB a miserable fucking place. ---
**Author:** ![Alice\_The\_Goon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ed8c4c/32.png) [@Alice\_The\_Goon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alice_The_Goon)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2011, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-different-now-just-saying/602108/75 "2011-11-09T00:07:13Z")
> [@Crown\_Prince\_of\_Irony](#): > > WTF is the deal with the pile-on? > > \ > > Sometimes, you people really do make the SDMB a miserable fucking place. Wait a minute. **Opal** herself started a thread whereupon we could talk about her. How is it a pile-on? People are going to have different opinions, and if she only wanted positive opinions, then she should have finished the thread title with (positive opinions only, please!). I say if you’re going to start a thread about who you are and invite responses, it’s not a pile-on if you get some negative responses. ---
**Author:** ![YogSothoth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/8edcca/32.png) [@YogSothoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YogSothoth)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2011, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-different-now-just-saying/602108/76 "2011-11-09T00:24:58Z")
I don’t know you and you don’t know me, but I’ve always wondered if you have an opal colored cat ---
**Author:** ![Larry\_Mudd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f14d63/32.png) [@Larry\_Mudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Larry_Mudd)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2011, 12:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-different-now-just-saying/602108/77 "2011-11-09T00:34:25Z")
I was never counted among those who were annoyed by Opal. Just wanted to say: glad you are doing better. KBO. ---
**Author:** ![Crown\_Prince\_of\_Irony](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ed655f/32.png) [@Crown\_Prince\_of\_Irony](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crown_Prince_of_Irony)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2011, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-different-now-just-saying/602108/78 "2011-11-09T00:35:44Z")
> [@Alice\_The\_Goon](#): > > Wait a minute. **Opal** herself started a thread whereupon we could talk about her. How is it a pile-on? People are going to have different opinions, and if she only wanted positive opinions, then she should have finished the thread title with (positive opinions only, please!). I say if you’re going to start a thread about who you are and invite responses, it’s not a pile-on if you get some negative responses. I recall she very specifically said this: > [@OpalCat](#): > > NOTE: this is not a thread for posting all kinds of links to “prove” that I’m some kind of despicable person. In fact, if this thread got no responses at all and just got read by the people who I intended it for, that would be fine. ---
**Author:** ![lisacurl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/41988e/32.png) [@lisacurl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lisacurl)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2011, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-different-now-just-saying/602108/79 "2011-11-09T00:49:52Z")
And one person has done that, with maybe one or two posters agreeing with the viewpoint. Hardly a pile-on. ---
**Author:** ![elmwood](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmwood/32/3060_2.png) [@elmwood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elmwood)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2011, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-different-now-just-saying/602108/80 "2011-11-09T00:50:52Z")
> [@Crown\_Prince\_of\_Irony](#): > > I recall she very specifically said this: In the past, the mods have said that OPs don’t own their threads, and generally have no choice in the direction that it will take. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-different-now-just-saying/602108.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-different-now-just-saying/602108.md?page=5)