# Is the admin of this board ignoring me ? **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [December 16, 2005, 11:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-admin-of-this-board-ignoring-me/335900 "2005-12-16T11:20:10Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![jacquilynne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/67e7ee/32.png) [@jacquilynne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jacquilynne)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2005, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-admin-of-this-board-ignoring-me/335900/21 "2005-12-16T23:06:29Z")
> [@SpaceDog](#): > > I’m kinda surpised that people think that silence is a valid response, I disagree but maybe I’m wrong. I’m kinda surprised that you think that ‘What’s your financial situation look like?’ is a valid question, I disagree but maybe … well, actually, I’m pretty sure I’m right. ---
**Author:** ![Coin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/779978/32.png) [@Coin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Coin)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2005, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-admin-of-this-board-ignoring-me/335900/22 "2005-12-16T23:36:43Z")
Could someone explain to me why this is important? I think my membership fee is a fair exchange for getting to post here and using the search function. If I change my mind, I’ll quit renewing. If the staff of the Reader are burning my money to keep the cold from cutting through their suits woven out of hundred dollar bills, it won’t affect my position. If they’re giving blowjobs to mall Santas just to get something warm in their stomach, it doesn’t influence my position to resubscribe. It’s fifteen dollars a year. Four cents a day. Christ. ---
**Author:** ![AskNott](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asknott/32/5790_2.png) [@AskNott](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AskNott)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2005, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-admin-of-this-board-ignoring-me/335900/23 "2005-12-16T23:46:01Z")
**Space Dog,** this is not exactly what you are asking, but it might be food for thought. Most ad deals on websites are based on the number of viewers who click on ads. They pay the Chicago Reader (mumble) amount of money every time you or I click on an ad. So, if you want the Google ad deal to work out, click on an ad or two every day. It doesn’t matter at all if you intend to buy something. When you click on an ad for elephant guns or lacemaking or armadillo grinders, somebody pays Google, and Google pays the Chicago Reader. The advertisers really don’t mind. One out of a thousand or so clicks will result in a sale, and that’s enough to make it work. I’m going to click on something riiiiight now. ---
**Author:** ![Gangster\_Octopus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a8b319/32.png) [@Gangster\_Octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gangster_Octopus)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2005, 11:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-admin-of-this-board-ignoring-me/335900/24 "2005-12-16T23:57:13Z")
> [@jacquilynne](#): > > I’m kinda surprised that you think that ‘What’s your financial situation look like?’ is a valid question, I disagree but maybe … well, actually, I’m pretty sure I’m right. I think it is a valid and not inappropriate question at all. It would be inappropriate question to ask of an individual but I don’t think thereis anything improper about asking this of the SDMB. I also don’t see anything wrong with the staff of the SDMB (or whomever) politely declining to answer such a question. ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2005, 12:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-admin-of-this-board-ignoring-me/335900/25 "2005-12-17T00:05:59Z")
> [@Gangster Octopus](#): > > I also don’t see anything wrong with the staff of the SDMB (or whomever) politely declining to answer such a question. Which I believe they’ve done more than once before, and finally said that they would not be addressing this issue again in the future, IIRC. ---
**Author:** ![fluiddruid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/c2a13f/32.png) [@fluiddruid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fluiddruid)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2005, 12:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-admin-of-this-board-ignoring-me/335900/26 "2005-12-17T00:08:22Z")
> [@AskNott](#): > > So, if you want the Google ad deal to work out, click on an ad or two every day. It doesn’t matter at all if you intend to buy something. When you click on an ad for elephant guns or lacemaking or armadillo grinders, somebody pays Google, and Google pays the Chicago Reader. **AskNott** , I realize that you mean well, but it is against our terms of service with Google to solicit clicks in this manner. By all means, click on the Google ads if you’re interested in the ad itself; please don’t encourage others to click away just to support the board. While we appreciate your support, this puts our relationship with Google Ads in jeopardy. ---
**Author:** ![Lemur866](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lemur866/32/434_2.png) [@Lemur866](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lemur866)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2005, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-admin-of-this-board-ignoring-me/335900/27 "2005-12-17T00:11:00Z")
Damn, and here I was looking for a deal on armadillo grinders! I’ve got a stack of armadillos, now what am I gonna do with them? ---
**Author:** ![nd\_n8](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/439d5e/32.png) [@nd\_n8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nd_n8)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2005, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-admin-of-this-board-ignoring-me/335900/28 "2005-12-17T00:14:01Z")
> [@Coin](#): > > Could someone explain to me why this is important? > > I think my membership fee is a fair exchange for getting to post here and using the search function. If I change my mind, I’ll quit renewing. If the staff of the Reader are burning my money to keep the cold from cutting through their suits woven out of hundred dollar bills, it won’t affect my position. If they’re giving blowjobs to mall Santas just to get something warm in their stomach, it doesn’t influence my position to resubscribe. > > It’s fifteen dollars a year. Four cents a day. > > Christ. I second this opinion, what is the point? Except for the mall Santa part, I can chip in an extra four cents for a bag of hot cocoa mix with marshmallows, unless they really have a Santa thing that is. Who am I to judge? ---
**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:** [December 17, 2005, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-admin-of-this-board-ignoring-me/335900/29 "2005-12-17T00:53:02Z")
So now we know, **SpaceDog** - they’re not ignoring _you_, they’re ignoring your questions. Does that help at all? (I’ve emailed mods/admins in the past and got no response at all, too. It happens. Life went on.) ---
**Author:** ![Zoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/a4c791/32.png) [@Zoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zoe)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2005, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-admin-of-this-board-ignoring-me/335900/30 "2005-12-17T01:00:00Z")
> [@](#): > > **SpaceDog** : I’m not sure that not responding ever makes any sense, it’s an annoying, petty and ultimately self-defeating tactic when employed by anyone from children to politicians. I’m with **Mama Tiger** on this. I’m quite sure that asking about another individual’s or group’s financial business – especially in public – doesn’t make sense. It’s annoying, petty and ultimately self-defeating tactic when employed by anyone from children to other people who should know better. No one ever owes you a response of any sort to a personal question – not even an acknowledgement. There are few things in life that we can _demand._ Choose your battles wisely. ---
**Author:** ![Dijon\_Warlock](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a9a28c/32.png) [@Dijon\_Warlock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dijon_Warlock)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2005, 6:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-admin-of-this-board-ignoring-me/335900/31 "2005-12-17T06:26:57Z")
> [@Lemur866](#): > > Damn, and here I was looking for a deal on armadillo grinders! I’ve got a stack of armadillos, now what am I gonna do with them? [Aren’t you glad you asked?](http://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/recs/262/Texas_Armadillo35982.shtml) I do agree that ignoring a question is rude and at odds with the whole “fighting ignorance” thing (having recently run into it myself). If someone doesn’t want to answer a question, at least of the courtesy to say so. How hard is that? ---
**Author:** ![Dijon\_Warlock](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a9a28c/32.png) [@Dijon\_Warlock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dijon_Warlock)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2005, 6:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-admin-of-this-board-ignoring-me/335900/32 "2005-12-17T06:29:29Z")
…or “have” the courtesy to say so. I _so_ need to fire my editor. ---
**Author:** ![catsix](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e19b73/32.png) [@catsix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/catsix)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2005, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-admin-of-this-board-ignoring-me/335900/33 "2005-12-17T13:49:46Z")
> [@](#): > > **Agent Foxtrot** said: > I’m no computer genius, but I’d imagine that the admins would be hesitant to give out their server specs to prevent attacks on their system. Server specs? No problem. I’d even publish what OS it’s running without fear. Now firewall specs? You wouldn’t get those. > [@](#): > > **Mama Tiger** said: > Businesses don’t just hand out detailed information about their operations to any customer who asks. And in this situation, we’re the customers. Buisnesses don’t usually bitch and moan at the customers and tell them what a drain they are on the business’s back. They also usually advertise the strength of their products and all the stuff the customers are gonna get for being customers. > [@](#): > > **Smeghead** said: > There was a huge kerfuffle several months ago that ended with an Official Pronouncement that the staff would not be discussing or disclosing any financial information to any of us. But bitching at us about what a drain we are is still allowed! Aren’t we all lucky? ---
**Author:** ![Hamlet](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hamlet/32/2818_2.png) [@Hamlet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hamlet)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2005, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-admin-of-this-board-ignoring-me/335900/34 "2005-12-17T14:02:46Z")
> [@catsix](#): > > But bitching at us about what a drain we are is still allowed! Aren’t we all lucky? Boo fucking Hoo. I would’ve thought I’d have gotten sick of the “If you don’t like it, then leave” mantra, but it just seems so apropos. ---
**Author:** ![SpaceDog](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spacedog/32/9932_2.png) [@SpaceDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SpaceDog)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2005, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-admin-of-this-board-ignoring-me/335900/35 "2005-12-17T14:14:24Z")
I apologise in advance, this post may be quite lengthy. Let’s be absolutely clear on two things. First, I **never** indicated that I was entitled to the answers or demanded them. Second, I didn’t ask for a full profit and loss report of the Readers financials, in fact only one of my questions was financial when I asked if the board was losing or making money. Delving into the second point a bit, I see that asking for server stats, traffic, etc could be viewed as looking for financials but I really didn’t think that it was. Many sites show traffic stats and some server information. For example you can look at ‘site statistics’ page on [big-boards.com](http://big-boards.com) and see that some boards show traffic breakdowns and on the general information page some boards have filled in server details and other information they feel useful. I know that’s only **some** boards but it was this that led me to believe that these details aren’t always regarded as company confidential. The SDMB feels differently, fair enough I’m happy to accept that I’m just trying to highlight to the people in this thread that it’s not such an unacceptable question. Some responses to people: > [@Smeghead](#): > > There was a huge kerfuffle several months ago that ended with an Official Pronouncement that the staff would not be discussing or disclosing any financial information to any of us. Well I sure wish someone would have pointed me to that pronouncement a week or so ago. I’m a fairly sporadic reader/poster so I miss some things. To **Coin** and **nd\_n8** , I ask the questions for a couple of reason. One, professional curiosity, I work in networking, I’ve maintained high-load servers and written high-traffic database systems. I’m a geek, I love this stuff, the problems, the quirks, etc. More seriously some people pay for the ability to search and post on the SDMB and are not able to due to the server issues – that’s where this whole thing started in the ATMB thread. I never said anything about what the Reader does with the subscription or ad money and frankly I don’t really give a stuff what they do, I asked if the board performance was likely to be improved. Since it was indicated that server upgrades wouldn’t be forthcoming I was looking to explore if anything else could be done to improve some peoples experience of the boards. > [@Zoe](#): > > I’m quite sure that asking about another individual’s or group’s financial business – especially in public – doesn’t make sense. It’s annoying, petty and ultimately self-defeating tactic when employed by anyone from children to other people who should know better. Oh, don’t be cute. It’s nice how what I actually asked has morphed into ‘financial situation’ or ‘financial business’, that’s not what I was asking. Hopefully I’ve explained why I thought it was a valid question that I figured might be answered, and if not I’m happy to discuss the generic case in a different thread. I also made clear that I’d take no for an answer. They’ve said no and I’m not arguing with that. I’m honestly stunned that people think the silent treatment was more appropriate than **TubaDiva** posting an “Oh, and sorry **SpaceDog** but it’s policy not to answer questions regarding the server, traffic or financials of the board” at the bottom of her TubaChristmas performance post. Finally, I know this is the pit but there seems to be a bit of hostility here? Again I can’t see why? Christ people, I’m not out to ‘get you’ here. I only asked a few questions which, last I checked, is one of the things this board is about. Maybe my paranoia’s showing, I dunno. SD ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2005, 2:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-admin-of-this-board-ignoring-me/335900/36 "2005-12-17T14:28:43Z")
My guess is that no Mod knows. Mods are not the techies and may not be privvie to the techie info. It would be polite to say that, but politeness is not a requisite skill set for being a Mod. What Mod likes to admit to ignorance about anything? And the business people may like it that way. They may prefer that no one has access to any information that can be used to deduce profit/loss info in any way, even if that was not your intent. ---
**Author:** ![deevee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/57b2e6/32.png) [@deevee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/deevee)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2005, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-admin-of-this-board-ignoring-me/335900/37 "2005-12-17T14:37:46Z")
What’s so difficult about accepting the “if we make this place better we’ll get more customers and the place will be worse” argument? :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![Gaudere](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e495f1/32.png) [@Gaudere](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gaudere)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2005, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-admin-of-this-board-ignoring-me/335900/38 "2005-12-17T16:47:40Z")
We mods/admins _don’t_ in fact know server stats. We can find out a bit about how much load is on the server, so if the board is running slow we can look and see “Ah, there are 1000 people reading the boards right now, that’s why” or “hm, not all that many people online, better have Jerry see what’s slowing us down.” When SpaceDog asked, Tuba asked Ed and Jerry to weigh in, and Jerry did when he got around to it. Even if we did know anything about the bandwidth or income, we’re not supposed to speak on those things anyway–that’s up to the Reader to decide what they want to say. You can ask, but looks like you’ll get a “no” and they might take a while to say anything. ---
**Author:** ![Giraffe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/giraffe/32/129_2.png) [@Giraffe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Giraffe)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2005, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-admin-of-this-board-ignoring-me/335900/39 "2005-12-17T17:17:35Z")
> [@DSeid](#): > > My guess is that no Mod knows. Mods are not the techies and may not be privvie to the techie info. It would be polite to say that, but politeness is not a requisite skill set for being a Mod. What Mod likes to admit to ignorance about anything? I certainly don’t know the answer to **SpaceDog** ’s question, nor am I privy to the motivations of the Reader with respect to the administration of the boards. Why didn’t I post as such to this thread earlier, or to the previous threads of this type? Some posters may view Mods as being indistinguishable from The Administration of the boards (rather than schlubs who fix typos in exchange for a coffee cup), so our comments in these types of threads may be incorrectly viewed as official statements or reflect official views. Better to simply stay out of it, especially when I have nothing to add or contribute. ---
**Author:** ![catsix](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e19b73/32.png) [@catsix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/catsix)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2005, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-admin-of-this-board-ignoring-me/335900/40 "2005-12-17T18:07:47Z")
> [@](#): > > **Hamlet** said: > Boo fucking Hoo. > > I would’ve thought I’d have gotten sick of the “If you don’t like it, then leave” mantra, but it just seems so apropos. Pardon me for being baffled by any business that spends more time bitching about its customers than trying to figure out how to be more attractive to people who might want to give that business money. I wish I could be as simplistic as you and never think that the business practices of a place might just be driving customers away, but I just can’t seem to lower my IQ far enough. You think a business that has repeatedly said it’s struggling to even be in the black can afford to take the tone of ‘We don’t need you.’? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-admin-of-this-board-ignoring-me/335900.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-admin-of-this-board-ignoring-me/335900.md?page=3)