# Intro and I'm a little confused **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [December 31, 2024, 6:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intro-and-im-a-little-confused/1012379 "2024-12-31T06:26:07Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2024, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intro-and-im-a-little-confused/1012379/21 "2024-12-31T17:22:07Z")
Some tiny follow ups to other comments that may be helpful. First, related to our cites or your “link, please” issue is that we’ve lost some posters (of their own will or due to mod action) because when asked they will publish false, poorly sourced, or misleadingly titled cites. This blows back on them hard and almost always lands them in a Pit thread. And of course, the doubling or trippling down on false assertations _rarely_ goes well. If you post a bad cite, or are wrong on some matter, you’ll get a thousand times less flack for just letting it lie, and even backhanded (we are a snarky bunch!) for just admitting it and moving on. Second, and related to avoiding the Pit… still definitely my advice for some time, BUT… while the Pit is not-quite anything goes, it’s not uncommon for a poster to start a thread that you may participate in, but the conversation is so intense, or was a barely disguised _rant_ in the first place, and it gets placed in the Pit after the fact. Plenty of us _still_ have reasoned debate in the Pit after such things, but you can find yourself in an uncomfortable place with fewer guardrails despite your intentions. So if a Mod mentions a venue change as it were, pay extra attention! Not that paying attention to the Mods isn’t a key point no matter what… ---
**Author:** ![burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/burpo_the_wonder_mutt/32/365_2.png) [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2024, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intro-and-im-a-little-confused/1012379/22 "2024-12-31T17:29:52Z")
Has the squid protocol been retired? ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2024, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intro-and-im-a-little-confused/1012379/23 "2024-12-31T17:35:26Z")
It was replaced with a second goat during the Discourse transition. Or so I’ve heard. ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2024, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intro-and-im-a-little-confused/1012379/24 "2024-12-31T17:36:08Z")
The only one who knows the answer to that _for sure_ is Kayla Mari. ---
**Author:** ![Ulfreida](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ulfreida/32/8014_2.png) [@Ulfreida](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ulfreida)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2024, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intro-and-im-a-little-confused/1012379/25 "2024-12-31T17:51:44Z")
This is another example of the Dope – casual references to persons or long-running jokes that are only understandable to those who were there at the time and also paying attention. ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2024, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intro-and-im-a-little-confused/1012379/26 "2024-12-31T17:54:33Z")
I figured I was walking into something with that one. Yet, walk I did, and _unafraid_, I might add 😉 ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2024, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intro-and-im-a-little-confused/1012379/27 "2024-12-31T17:57:37Z")
> [@Ulfreida](#): > > This is another example of the Dope – casual references to persons or long-running jokes that are only understandable to those who were there at the time and also paying attention. > [@Beginner's Guide to Glossary of Terms on Straight Dope Message Boards](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beginners-guide-to-glossary-of-terms-on-straight-dope-message-boards/307442): > > There are a number of terms commonly used on the Straight Dope Message Boards, that are basically “in-jokes” or references. There are several threads listing such, I have tried to compile them all into one post here. If anyone has additions or corrections, please email me – I’m going to keep this locked, so it doesn’t become too long and rambling, but remains fairly focused and easy to use. I have taken these descriptions from various threads and posts by various members. This thread isn’t upda… Will cover SOME of the inside jokes and customary language. ---
**Author:** ![OttoDaFe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ottodafe/32/356_2.png) [@OttoDaFe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OttoDaFe)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2024, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intro-and-im-a-little-confused/1012379/28 "2024-12-31T18:01:18Z")
Sadly, the gorilla took a wrong turn (probably overdosed on lime Jell-O) and ended up in Mariah’s den. So he’s no longer around to be shaved. ---
**Author:** ![burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/burpo_the_wonder_mutt/32/365_2.png) [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2024, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intro-and-im-a-little-confused/1012379/29 "2024-12-31T18:07:50Z")
We do all this just to keep **Ulfreida** on her toes. ---
**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:** [December 31, 2024, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intro-and-im-a-little-confused/1012379/30 "2024-12-31T18:25:37Z")
> [@Ulfreida](#): > > This is another example of the Dope – casual references to persons or long-running jokes that are only understandable to those who were there at the time and also paying attention. Eh, I think that squids and goats as part of an initiation ritual is pretty self-explanatory. ---
**Author:** ![chappachula](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/d2c977/32.png) [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2024, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intro-and-im-a-little-confused/1012379/31 "2024-12-31T18:31:41Z")
> [@pezworld](#): > > this place seems a lot like my current forum, May I ask what this current forum is? I hope I’m not invading your privacy. But it’s on the internet, so it’s public, and it sounds like an interesting place. ---
**Author:** ![burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/burpo_the_wonder_mutt/32/365_2.png) [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2024, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intro-and-im-a-little-confused/1012379/32 "2024-12-31T18:32:39Z")
No, please, I couldn’t eat another bite. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2024, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intro-and-im-a-little-confused/1012379/33 "2024-12-31T19:00:01Z")
Welcome. Hope you hang around. Hey, you get to know me, which, I have to say, is delightful. 😁 Watch out for these jokers. You come here, you takes your chances. ---
**Author:** ![pezworld](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/bb73d2/32.png) [@pezworld](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pezworld)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2024, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intro-and-im-a-little-confused/1012379/34 "2024-12-31T20:03:56Z")
Political Stew. Offshoot of Lonely Planet Thorn Tree (TT) message boards when they kicked the politics board off TT. Started in Jan 2005, so almost 20 years old. Privately owned/run now. TT kicked off the general chat/Your Choice branch circa 2013, so we got most of those posters. TT doesn’t exist anymore. Because it’s from Lonely Planet, most Stewbies are big on travel, and like to argue. Stew lets in new people who know the way to get in. I’d say message me for the way to get in (kinda a password) but it would look like I’m recruiting. (shrug) Verrrry lightly moderated. Yet mods get flak for moderation that gets in the way of the feuds. It’s nice to see how another discussion board runs. ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2024, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intro-and-im-a-little-confused/1012379/35 "2024-12-31T20:41:15Z")
> [@pezworld](#): > > Looking for something a little less feud-y than that forum We do have [feuds](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rebos-feuds-can-now-be-found-in-the-thread-games-forum/822278) here, every once in a while, when @Rebo decides to run one. ---
**Author:** ![pezworld](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/bb73d2/32.png) [@pezworld](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pezworld)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2024, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intro-and-im-a-little-confused/1012379/36 "2024-12-31T21:00:53Z")
Our feuds (sometimes spelled “fueds,” one of our in-jokes) are not games, if I’m interpreting yours. Years ago, it was the Trayf Yobs (or maybe just the frat boys) vs. the Scandi Twat Cabal, but most of the latter group disappeared or were permabanned or died. Now it’s more like Antipodeans\* vs. everyone else, or of course the handful of Trump/MAGA faithful vs. everyone else. \*I have an Aussie husband so we make it over to Melbourne every year, and sometimes have “pissups” there, so it’s not all Antipodeans vs. everyone else. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2024, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intro-and-im-a-little-confused/1012379/37 "2024-12-31T21:02:06Z")
> [@pezworld](#): > > Ours feuds (sometimes spelled “fueds,” one of our in-jokes) are not games, if I’m interpreting yours. Exactly. Ours aren’t internecine fights, they’re a friendly game, inspired by the TV game show _Family Feud_. ---
**Author:** ![pezworld](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/bb73d2/32.png) [@pezworld](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pezworld)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2024, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intro-and-im-a-little-confused/1012379/38 "2024-12-31T21:02:44Z")
That would be a nice change! ---
**Author:** ![pezworld](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/bb73d2/32.png) [@pezworld](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pezworld)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2024, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intro-and-im-a-little-confused/1012379/39 "2024-12-31T21:07:48Z")
Out of curiosity, what’s the tolerance here for foul language? I’m a Stew mod an let off an f-bomb there just a few minutes ago! (But I’m much nicer in person and can control myself on a message board.) Come to think of it, my sigline has an f-bomb in it there, but it’s just quoting someone else’s post. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2024, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intro-and-im-a-little-confused/1012379/40 "2024-12-31T21:17:11Z")
> [@pezworld](#): > > Out of curiosity, what’s the tolerance here for foul language? We’re all adults here. I’ve not ever noticed people being offended here by situationally-appropriate cursing, though we’ve had some immature-sounding posters who have tend to swear a _lot_. (Most of them tend to not last, probably for other reasons.) Foul language is definitely most prominent in The BBQ Pit, but it’s not prohibited elsewhere, AFAIK. That said, outside of the Pit, remember that it’s generally against board rules to insult or attack other posters (with foul language or not). [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intro-and-im-a-little-confused/1012379.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intro-and-im-a-little-confused/1012379.md?page=3)