# Is There A Board Policy About Approving Donation Request Threads? **URL:** \ **Category:** About This Message Board\ **Created:** [March 25, 2015, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-board-policy-about-approving-donation-request-threads/715913 "2015-03-25T01:48:46Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 7
**Author:** ![kambuckta](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/53a042/32.png) [@kambuckta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kambuckta)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2015, 7:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-board-policy-about-approving-donation-request-threads/715913/121 "2015-03-27T07:24:08Z")
I disagree with a blanket ban. The SDMB has been a ‘community’ for many of us now for many years. Whilst we may not have met each other in the flesh, the dynamics of how we relate are akin to a real-life community, and as such, we help each other out when necessary. There’s no great difference in giving _advice_ and giving _material support_ as needed. And like any RL community, we decide whether our help is warranted under the circumstances. Donating to a young girl wanting to get to Europe for a holiday? Not going to happen! Donating to a long-term member who’s hit hard times? Maybe. Leave it to the members to determine whether a cause is worthy. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![spinky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/59ef9b/32.png) [@spinky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spinky)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2015, 7:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-board-policy-about-approving-donation-request-threads/715913/122 "2015-03-27T07:34:27Z")
> [@kambuckta](#): > > Donating to a young girl wanting to get to Europe for a holiday? Not going to happen! Donating to a long-term member who’s hit hard times? Maybe. Becoming the mortal enemy of someone in Australia who disagrees with you on a fairly trivial matter? Priceless. NOW WE MUST FIGHT ---
**Author:** ![bucketybuck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/898d66/32.png) [@bucketybuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bucketybuck)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2015, 8:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-board-policy-about-approving-donation-request-threads/715913/123 "2015-03-27T08:34:25Z")
> [@tapu](#): > > I agree with Grude. I’m puzzled as to why SD wouldn’t have a long-established rule against solicitations. The Straight Dope Message board, where you can ask for money but not for homework. ---
**Author:** ![crypto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b3f665/32.png) [@crypto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crypto)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2015, 8:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-board-policy-about-approving-donation-request-threads/715913/124 "2015-03-27T08:54:13Z")
> [@Suburban\_Plankton](#): > > For what it’s worth: > > I remember the “AC for bunnies” thread. What I did not remember who the OP of that thread was. When \*\*Fenris \*\*referenced it in this thread, I was \*not \*moved to go back and find out who started it. > > But now I know it was **Skywatcher** , because he reminded us that it was him. > > Make of that what you will. Make that two of us. Actually for me, it was even worse… I thought the comment **Fenris** made was a joke of some kind, and one I didn’t know the background to. No need to ask, I could live without knowing. Now, sadly, I know the history of the comment, and **Skywatchers** role. I think this is one of those things you just let go… certainly, you don’t remind people about it. I’d bet most people that didn’t know what **Fenris** was referring to zipped right by that comment. People that did know maybe had a reaction, but like **Suburban Plankton** , didn’t remember who was involved, and didn’t much care to find out. Until you showed up. Now I’ve read the links. Make of that what you will. ---
**Author:** ![crypto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b3f665/32.png) [@crypto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crypto)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2015, 8:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-board-policy-about-approving-donation-request-threads/715913/125 "2015-03-27T08:55:45Z")
> [@Shodan](#): > > What if it’s Hitler? > What if it _isn’t_ Hitler? > > Regards, > Shodan Well, good news, then! Hitler’s dead! ---
**Author:** ![PlainJain](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/5daacb/32.png) [@PlainJain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PlainJain)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2015, 10:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-board-policy-about-approving-donation-request-threads/715913/126 "2015-03-27T10:33:53Z")
> [@kambuckta](#): > > I’m curious as to why you’d bother bringing a totally unrelated topic into this thread. Did you think we’d all roll around the floor pissing ourselves laughing at your cutting edge wit? Well, yes it did strike me as funny but I sometimes use humor inappropriately. This was one of those times. In retrospect I see it was just dickish. I’m honestly sorry. ---
**Author:** ![Shodan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2015, 12:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-board-policy-about-approving-donation-request-threads/715913/127 "2015-03-27T12:11:27Z")
> [@Stink Fish Pot](#): > > Well, good news, then! Hitler’s dead! Then can you send me $4K so I can go to Europe and visit his grave? I’m 59, if that helps, but I am a good student. Regards, Shodan ---
**Author:** ![Morgenstern](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Morgenstern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgenstern)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2015, 1:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-board-policy-about-approving-donation-request-threads/715913/128 "2015-03-27T13:07:09Z")
> [@Shodan](#): > > Then can you send me $4K so I can go to Europe and visit his grave? > > I’m 59, if that helps, but I am a good student. > > Regards, > Shodan I have a boat you can use. How good are you at rowing? ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2015, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-board-policy-about-approving-donation-request-threads/715913/129 "2015-03-27T13:49:31Z")
> [@Morgenstern](#): > > I have a boat you can use. How good are you at rowing? _The boat that I row won’t cross no ocean, the boat that I row won’t get me there soon…_ -N. Diamond ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2015, 2:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-board-policy-about-approving-donation-request-threads/715913/130 "2015-03-27T14:21:13Z")
> [@Skywatcher](#): > > Dude. The bunny is _dead_. Let it go already. > [@mlees](#): > > Heat stroke? > [@Shodan](#): > > No, the crowd-funding request for food for the python didn’t raise enough. Best line of the thread. ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2015, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-board-policy-about-approving-donation-request-threads/715913/131 "2015-03-27T14:32:09Z")
> [@Loach](#): > > You are incorrect. Maybe it was a poor choice of words on my part. Making a statement as to the lack of merits of the request is perfectly fine. If your statement is compelling enough to keep others from donating that is fine too. > > The line you object to was in direct response to Grotonian who asked if his statement in post #10 was allowed. His statement opened with “I hope no one donates hard-earned money to this “cause”.” For the most part I had no problem with the rest of the statement after that first line. That is specifically what I was referring to. Not to any specific criticisms of the request. > > In my opinion exhorting others to not donate would be threadshitting. It would amount to starting a counter campaign in someone’s thread. Donate or don’t donate. Note your objections or not. Ask questions or don’t. But don’t threadshit. Just like in any other MPSIMS thread. I realize the last bit is a judgement call. That happens to be my judgement. To me, this seems to be an absurd bit of hairsplitting. It’s like those rules that an ad that says everything to try to persuade you to vote for Jack Smith except “Vote for Jack Smith” isn’t an actual campaign ad, but once it says “Vote for Jack Smith,” it’s stepped over the line. Obviously the only reason to argue, in the thread, against the merits of a particular donation request is to discourage others from donating, because you don’t need to post here to convince your own self. So you can make the argument that other people shouldn’t donate, but you just can’t state the conclusion out loud. That part steps over the line. :smack: ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2015, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-board-policy-about-approving-donation-request-threads/715913/132 "2015-03-27T14:36:07Z")
Very interesting thread. First the evil jack booted mods who never make a proper judgment about the trivial matters of this board are suddenly consider the sound and sober arbiters of what causes are worthy of asking for donations. Then further on they are applauded for their reason and restraint on this issue. Tomorrow after you get a polite note to keep a thread on track they’ll be fascist monsters again. Frankly, if in order to atone for my sins I am reincarnated as a mod in my next life I’d vote to allow no donations just to avoid this headache. On second though I’d just pull a Marley and ban everyone to avoid all the headaches. ---
**Author:** ![buddha\_david](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ee7513/32.png) [@buddha\_david](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/buddha_david)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2015, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-board-policy-about-approving-donation-request-threads/715913/133 "2015-03-27T16:03:39Z")
Not sure which forum this post belongs in, but I think it’s clear that the only reason the mods haven’t shut down that thread (as they did with the “hot bunny” thread) is because the new management’s too embarrassed to admit they made a mistake and were duped. It’s obvious that the OP misrepresented her request by portraying this overpriced guided tour as “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” It’s clearly nothing of the sort. She’s not gonna be performing in the Olympics opening ceremony or singing backup for a Eurovision contestant or witnessing [The Changing of the Note.](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/As_Slow_as_Possible) In fact, the only reason this trip exists at all is because the OP wants to head off her daughter’s complaints about how her older brother got to visit Europe at her age, so why can’t she too??? The _proper_ way to visit Europe is with a backpack, a Eurail Pass, and a budget hostel guide. Forget those tour guides who will only point out the popular monuments that anyone can see in a postcard or in the opening credits to a James Bond movie. Get off the beaten path, hitchhike, get to know the locals. Some of the best memories I have of Europe are finding a small British pub well outside the tourist areas, or hiking in the Alps, or spending several hours on an overnight train talking to a Spanish guy who doesn’t speak a lick of English (we had a great conversation!) Naturally, such a vacation isn’t proper for a high school student, but it’s perfect for someone of college age. Make her wait! (And work for it, dammit!) ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2015, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-board-policy-about-approving-donation-request-threads/715913/134 "2015-03-27T16:16:19Z")
> [@RTFirefly](#): > > To me, this seems to be an absurd bit of hairsplitting. It’s like those rules that an ad that says everything to try to persuade you to vote for Jack Smith except “Vote for Jack Smith” isn’t an actual campaign ad, but once it says “Vote for Jack Smith,” it’s stepped over the line. Unless you don’t agree that threadshitting she be modded at all then there has to be a line. Where to put that line is a judgement call. There can be no bright line rule. The decision has to be made using the context of the thread. You would place the line elsewhere. Duly noted. > [@RTFirefly](#): > > Obviously the only reason to argue, in the thread, against the merits of a particular donation request is to discourage others from donating, because you don’t need to post here to convince your own self. So you can make the argument that other people shouldn’t donate, but you just can’t state the conclusion out loud. That part steps over the line. > > :smack: It is certainly not obvious and not the only reason. Just from the top of my head from recent threads of this type people have. [ol] [li]Offered encouragement.[/li][li]Offered sympathy.[/li][li]Asked clarifying questions.[/li][li]State their opinions about the merits of the cause.[/li][li]Present possible alternatives to giving money.[/li][li]Propose solutions to the problem that the OP may not have thought of.[/li][li]Criticized the need for donations. [/li][li]Explained why they were not going to donate.[/li][/ol] I’m sure there is more that I am not thinking of. What I consider a threadshit is to go into someone’s thread and wage a counter campaign against them. Start your own Pit thread if you must. In this case there is one available for you already. If you for some reason feel compelled to tell other adults what they should or should not be doing then make your own thread. I have faith that our members are smart enough to reach their own conclusions without someone else directing them. ---
**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:** [March 27, 2015, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-board-policy-about-approving-donation-request-threads/715913/135 "2015-03-27T16:45:04Z")
> [@buddha\_david](#): > > Not sure which forum this post belongs in, but I think it’s clear that the only reason the mods haven’t shut down that thread (as they did with the “hot bunny” thread) is because the new management’s too embarrassed to admit they made a mistake and were duped. Or, much more likely, the new management is much more aware of what this forum was and should be for: discussion of the messageboard. It’s not a mausoleum where one should only speak in hushed whispers lest we disturb the dead, as it was treated for far too long. The old management would close any ATMB thread on the slightest opportunity, while throwing out canards such as “mods are beaten like rented mules” and other twaddle, whining and closing threads that had any more life than a month old corpse. One of the many, _many_ positive changes the new overlords have made is to allow the same type of discussion in ATMB as can be had in any non-Pit thread. (The new Overlords have also remembered there’s a “move thread” feature and a “talk to poster (or warn poster)” option they can use rather than simply closing any thread with the slightest hint of life.) These are _features_ not bugs. And seriously new Overlords: thanks! The Dope’s “tone” has improved so much since the big changeover, it’s amazing. I really appreciate it. ---
**Author:** ![Morgenstern](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Morgenstern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgenstern)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2015, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-board-policy-about-approving-donation-request-threads/715913/136 "2015-03-27T17:31:16Z")
> [@Fenris](#): > > … > > And seriously new Overlords: thanks! The Dope’s “tone” has improved so much since the big changeover, it’s amazing. I really appreciate it. I have to agree with this. Not that there bad mods before, but the new blood has given the board a new balance by burning their wagons instead of always circling them. ---
**Author:** ![Smeghead](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f1d935/32.png) [@Smeghead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smeghead)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2015, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-board-policy-about-approving-donation-request-threads/715913/137 "2015-03-27T17:37:35Z")
> [@buddha\_david](#): > > Not sure which forum this post belongs in, but I think it’s clear that the only reason the mods haven’t shut down that thread (as they did with the “hot bunny” thread) is because the new management’s too embarrassed to admit they made a mistake and were duped. Oh, nonsense. As has been said many times over, it’s better for the mods to throw this stuff out there and let the board membership decide how to treat it. ---
**Author:** ![buddha\_david](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ee7513/32.png) [@buddha\_david](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/buddha_david)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2015, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-board-policy-about-approving-donation-request-threads/715913/138 "2015-03-27T17:54:44Z")
> [@Fenris](#): > > Or, much more likely, the new management is much more aware of what this forum was and should be for: discussion of the messageboard. No, I’m talking about the [donation request](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=751930) thread. Sorry if that wasn’t clear. The oft-cited [A/C Bunny Thread](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?p=15068004) was shut down after 24 hours with the mod note: _“It was a request that probably should have been given more thought before having approval anyway, we freely admit.”_ There’s been no such admission from the mods regarding the Super-Special Eurotrip thread, which the board consensus seems to regard as far more frivolous than chilly bunnies. ---
**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:** [March 27, 2015, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-board-policy-about-approving-donation-request-threads/715913/139 "2015-03-27T18:04:23Z")
> [@buddha\_david](#): > > No, I’m talking about the [donation request](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=751930) thread. Sorry if that wasn’t clear. > > The oft-cited [A/C Bunny Thread](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?p=15068004) was shut down after 24 hours with the mod note: _“It was a request that probably should have been given more thought before having approval anyway, we freely admit.”_ There’s been no such admission from the mods regarding the Super-Special Eurotrip thread, which the board consensus seems to regard as far more frivolous than chilly bunnies. Ah–yeah, I totally misunderstood you. Sorry about that. 🙂 That said, I’m still fine with the “Buy My Kid A Luxury Vacation” thread being left open. It seems like the new mods are aware that there is no required number of pointless thread closings required by the makers of vBulletin software (which is the only reason I can think for the constant stream of bizarre, inexplicable, random thread closings we had before). There’s very little reason to close a thread. If people are posting to it, it means the thread is doing what it’s supposed to: getting people to post. If people aren’t posting, it’ll drop off the page and be forgotten. The mods are keeping the “Luxury Vacation” thread on track for MPSIMS and they’ve said here (and I think there) that they recognize they can warn posters who threadshit, and they’ve proven they know that the “move thread” button is only one (or two?) clicks more than the “close thread” option. So, again, kudos New Overlords! ---
**Author:** ![yoyodyne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/a9a28c/32.png) [@yoyodyne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yoyodyne)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2015, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-board-policy-about-approving-donation-request-threads/715913/140 "2015-03-27T18:09:23Z")
> [@PlainJain](#): > > Well, yes it did strike me as funny but I sometimes use humor inappropriately. This was one of those times. In retrospect I see it was just dickish. > > I’m honestly sorry. I chuckled. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-board-policy-about-approving-donation-request-threads/715913.md?page=6) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-board-policy-about-approving-donation-request-threads/715913.md?page=8)