# Melin has been banned **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [March 20, 2000, 5:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/melin-has-been-banned/4855 "2000-03-20T05:56:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 11
**Author:** ![Scylla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a5b964/32.png) [@Scylla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scylla)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2000, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/melin-has-been-banned/4855/201 "2000-03-22T17:20:00Z")
Ed Zotti: I appreciate the effort that goes into making this board work. I don’t know enough to comment or have a reasonable opinion on the current situation, but your previous post brought up a question. In another thread (Jon is Cyberian) you used the following quote as an example of a high quality flame "The following example is from Lynn Bodoni: “I want to tell [a certain individual] that he’s a complete fuckhead, and that he is consuming precious oxygen that could be better used to rust iron, and that the reason other people don’t like him is because he is a pimple on the ass of humanity, and that if he’d have the grace to die now the worldwide average human IQ would probably increase by five points.” This seems stronger than some of the above flames which you reprimand. Should I assume that in light of recent events and abuses, that the criteria for what constitutes an allowable flame have become more stringent? BTW, I think that quote was after the rule change. ---
**Author:** ![Rysdad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/7cd45c/32.png) [@Rysdad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rysdad)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2000, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/melin-has-been-banned/4855/202 "2000-03-22T17:30:00Z")
> [@](#): > > Originally posted by Alphagene: > \*\*Thanks for your brilliant insight into my behavior, Rysdad. Now let’s stop and think… \*\* I already have, and I’ve read your whiny, little rant asking why anyone is still here. My conclusion was easy to reach, and you haven’t done anything to dissuade me from my original position. Some people are born suckups. They’re the ingratiating head-nodders you usually find in the front row, absorbing (unscreened by any mental bullshit filters) whatever spewage emanates from “The Man” in front of the blackboard. They’re the ones that will try to complete your sentences for you, even though they’re often mistaken. They’re the ones with the overloud, false laughter. Your recent entries made me think of them. And, re: Melin’s crotch. I appreciate the visual. Wouldst that I were so pleasantly insulted more often. Lastly, I initiated my sig line well prior to having anything to do with you. Don’t flatter yourself. Putz. ---
**Author:** ![Rysdad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/7cd45c/32.png) [@Rysdad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rysdad)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2000, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/melin-has-been-banned/4855/203 "2000-03-22T17:35:00Z")
After all that, I forgot the sig line. * * * I voted for Melin ---
**Author:** ![Diane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/2acd7d/32.png) [@Diane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diane)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2000, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/melin-has-been-banned/4855/204 "2000-03-22T17:42:00Z")
## I give the SDMB a couple of more days before they lose their patience and just shut the entire place down. Pardon me while I burst into flames. ---
**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:** [March 22, 2000, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/melin-has-been-banned/4855/205 "2000-03-22T17:51:00Z")
> [@](#): > > I don’t know enough to comment or have a reasonable opinion on the current situation, but your previous post brought up a question. > > In another thread (Jon is Cyberian) you used the following quote as an example of a high quality flame > > "The following example is from Lynn Bodoni: “I want to tell [a certain individual] that he’s a complete fuckhead, and that he is consuming precious oxygen that could be better used to rust iron, and that the reason other people don’t like him is because he is a pimple on the ass of humanity, and that if he’d have the grace to die now the worldwide average human IQ would probably increase by five points.” > > This seems stronger than some of the above flames which you reprimand. > > Should I assume that in light of recent events and abuses, that the criteria for what constitutes an allowable flame have become more stringent? You raise a good point. Yes, the criteria for what constitutes an allowable flame have become more stringent. Previously we allowed a great deal of abuse to stand, particularly in the Pit, either because we thought it was funny or because the poster got as good as he or she gave. In retrospect, however, this policy was a mistake. We have let people say things that were simply beyond the pale. We intend to take a firmer approach from here on out. ---
**Author:** ![Ursa\_Major](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/a88e57/32.png) [@Ursa\_Major](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ursa_Major)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2000, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/melin-has-been-banned/4855/206 "2000-03-22T17:53:00Z")
> [@](#): > > I give the SDMB a couple of more days before they lose their patience and just shut the entire place down. Why would you think that, Diane? Ed said, “You are free to disagree with other posters or with the administration of this board in strong terms.” Sounds like I have more trust in Ed’s word than you do. I’m constantly suprised by the “Don’t criticize the administration or they might shut the board down” arguement. If that happened, it would only confirm the accusations of pettiness. I love this board because it allows me to express my opinions and speak out against stupidity. If the Administration can’t take the heat (and I think they can) they sure shouldn’t be running a forum for free expression. ---
**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:** [March 23, 2000, 6:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/melin-has-been-banned/4855/207 "2000-03-23T06:04:00Z")
**Alphagene:** First warning. Please refrain from any further remarks such as the following. I realize you were provoked; that’s no excuse. > [@](#): > > Or is your nose too deep in Melin’s crotch to notice that? **Rysdad:** Final warning. One more post such as the following, at any time in any forum on this board, and you’ll be excluded from further participation in the SDMB. > [@](#): > > I already have, and I’ve read your whiny, little rant asking why anyone is still here. My conclusion was easy to reach, and you haven’t done anything to dissuade me from my original position. > > Some people are born suckups. They’re the ingratiating head-nodders you usually find in the front row, absorbing (unscreened by any mental bullshit filters) whatever spewage emanates from “The Man” in front of the blackboard. They’re the ones that will try to complete your sentences for you, even though they’re often mistaken. They’re the ones with the overloud, false laughter. > > Your recent entries made me think of them. > > And, re: Melin’s crotch. I appreciate the visual. Wouldst that I were so pleasantly insulted more often. > > Lastly, I initiated my sig line well prior to having anything to do with you. Don’t flatter yourself. > > Putz. ---
**Author:** ![OpalCat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/8edcca/32.png) [@OpalCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OpalCat)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2000, 6:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/melin-has-been-banned/4855/208 "2000-03-23T06:18:00Z")
> [@](#): > > Originally posted by CalifBoomer: > \*\*OpalCat: > I don’t know what you mean by “I RUN A WEB HOSTING COMPANY”, or in what capacity, as you are so obviously UNAWARE of costs associated with operating a business. Either you are someone’s employee, or your costs are being otherwise subsidized. > \*\* When I say “I run a web hosting company” I mean that I have a business license, I run my own server (the machine, not space on someone else’s machine. I own it.) and I have paying customers whose sites are hosted on my server. I make about $1500/month from my business, and no one is subsidising it. My bandwidth costs are $250/month and I pay that without anyone’s help. The server is a machine I physically own. The business license has my name on it and no one else’s. Off topic: I got a new client yesterday that I’m very VERY excited about. A local chocolate company! Can you say FREEEE SAMPLES? (and yes, it’s already been confirmed, I do get free samples!) * * * – From an actual catalog: “Disco balls create an enchanting, dazzling effect of light shafts, adding movement and glamour to any occasion” _the Abrams’ bris was certainly memorable_ O p a l C a t [www.opalcat.com](http://www.opalcat.com) ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2000, 6:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/melin-has-been-banned/4855/209 "2000-03-23T06:25:00Z")
coosa: I didn’t read all of it; given the need to click on individual posts in DejaNews, I stuck to posts by SD personnel, Melin, and Aster. What I learned: 1. If I said anything here that reflects badly on TubaDiva, I retract it and fully apologize. She may have snapped at Melin early on (when things first broke down on the SDMB - who can blame her?) but she quickly and sincerely apologized. TD, you’ve always been a class act, and that hasn’t changed. 2. Amongst the others, it was one hell of a cat-fight. That’s about it. Sometimes, we can look at the same thing, and reach different conclusions. It happens. ---
**Author:** ![Diane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/2acd7d/32.png) [@Diane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diane)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2000, 6:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/melin-has-been-banned/4855/210 "2000-03-23T06:31:00Z")
## I just figure it won’t be too much longer until they are fed up with the B.S. Pardon me while I burst into flames. ---
**Author:** ![Drain\_Bead](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e47774/32.png) [@Drain\_Bead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drain_Bead)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2000, 6:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/melin-has-been-banned/4855/211 "2000-03-23T06:34:00Z")
> [@](#): > > You are not free to post gratuitous insults . . . or other unprovoked personal abuse. What if the insults aren’t gratuitous, or the abuse is provoked? ---
**Author:** ![Falcon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/49beb7/32.png) [@Falcon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Falcon)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2000, 6:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/melin-has-been-banned/4855/212 "2000-03-23T06:53:00Z")
See Ed’s post above, DB…looks like you get a warning. * * * Winner, SDMB’s Biggest FEMALE Chat Addict (Happy, Jophiel?) “Only two things that’ll soothe my soul - cold beer and remote control.” ---
**Author:** ![Alphagene](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Alphagene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alphagene)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2000, 6:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/melin-has-been-banned/4855/213 "2000-03-23T06:59:00Z")
Well, apparently all that “ass kissing” isn’t working. No matter how intelligent the posters, it always comes down to name calling. “Putz?” How nice. And original too! Your _ad hominem_ attacks of me, Rysdad, are noted. Good job. Really makes your case. Please. Just because I agree with someone doesn’t mean I’m looking to suck off their proverbial teat. > [@](#): > > Don’t flatter yourself. Actually, you did that for me with “Alpha… I generally enjoy and respect your offerings” Does that make you a “team-player” too? Ursa, I am clearly not against debate. I just don’t think the debate belongs outside of the Pit. I don’t want to open a thread about Pringles and see someone whine in their sig about Melin. It’s practically a form of witnessing. Christ, I asked Sue politely and I get personally insulted in response. Screw it. I’ve been through a lot of debates. But when I get singled out by being called a stream of insults like “putz”, an “ingratiating head-nodder” and a “suck-up” and generally get treated like a troll because my opinions happen to coincide with Ed Zotti’s rather then get an honest debate going, well then the whole thing seems fucking pointless. You want to debate, Rys, let’s debate. You want to have Fun With Name Calling, leave me out of it. Melin’s posts ain’t even close to being worth this shit. * * * **Gypsy** : Tom, I don’t get you. **Tom Servo** : Nobody does. I’m the wind, baby. ---
**Author:** ![Weirddave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/919ad9/32.png) [@Weirddave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Weirddave)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2000, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/melin-has-been-banned/4855/214 "2000-03-22T19:01:00Z")
My god people, have you learned nothing since you were six? Somewhere about that time I am sure your mother told you " if you don’t stop picking at it, it wont heal.", yet here everyone is, madly trying to get a fingernail under the scab. I was prepairing to unleash a huge flame at everyone, but in light of what just transpired, I won’t. Frankly, the only thing I have left do is shake my head and be glad everyone is here. After all, you can’t fight ignorance until you find the ignorant, can you? * * * Cecil said it. I believe it. That settles it. ---
**Author:** ![WallyM7](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/b5e925/32.png) [@WallyM7](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WallyM7)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2000, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/melin-has-been-banned/4855/215 "2000-03-22T19:17:00Z")
It appears to me that everyone’s sense of outrage, both pro and con, has only hardened Pharoh’s heart. What used to be a free-for-all is being replaced by - what? Whatever it is, there’s rules that weren’t there before. Is that a good thing? I guess it’s true. We reap what we sow. * * * ---
**Author:** ![Spiritus\_Mundi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c68b51/32.png) [@Spiritus\_Mundi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiritus_Mundi)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2000, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/melin-has-been-banned/4855/216 "2000-03-22T19:42:00Z")
No. It is not a good thing. * * * - The best lack all conviction The worst are full of passionate intensity. \* ---
**Author:** ![Alphagene](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Alphagene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alphagene)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2000, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/melin-has-been-banned/4855/217 "2000-03-22T19:50:00Z")
I said this in another Pit thread but I’d like to plagarize myself here, if the audience would indulge me: If Melin’s legacy is one of cheap insults, accusations of sycophanty and overuse of the word “Putz” (which I consider to be a Wally trademark, anyway) than I think that’s a damn shame. And I would hope that even those who staunchly support her feel the same way. ---
**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:** [March 22, 2000, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/melin-has-been-banned/4855/218 "2000-03-22T20:06:00Z")
> [@](#): > > What if the insults aren’t gratuitous, or the abuse is provoked? Another good point. We recognize that arguments get heated and sometimes personal. That’s why we have the Pit. If somebody says, “That’s the stupidest thing I ever read in my life,” and somebody else says, “Well, you’re a jerk then,” we’re not going to ban or even warn them for that. (When I included “you’re an idiot” in the list of unacceptable comments above, I confess it was mostly so it wouldn’t look like I was strictly going after people who disagreed with me.) But I think we all have a pretty good sense of when a comment is totally uncalled for. That’s what we’re going to take a harder line on. Don’t get paranoid about this. As I said before, we are NOT going to ban or warn anyone for disagreeing with us or anybody else in strong terms. In the Pit, at least, we are not going to go after anyone for mere vulgarity (although if you get too graphic we may delete the post and tell you to chill). General venting, fine. Your garden variety flame war, no prob. However, if it starts to get really ugly, we will warn the participants to stop. That’s the thing, see. Except in the case of obvious trolls, sock puppets, etc., we will post a warning before doing anything. (Well, usually. One concedes the possibility that a veteran poster would do something so completely over the top that we’d want them out of here immediately.) Most warnings will be on the order of the following: (a) general warning for everybody in an ugly thread to knock it off. (b) If shit continues, specific warnings addressed to individuals telling them to knock it off or else. Once an individual has been warned, they step over that line at their peril. You’ll appreciate that this sort of thing is impossible to enforce uniformly. Some moderators will be more tolerant than others. We’ll just miss some stuff. By posting warnings first, however, we hope to forestall anyone saying, “But you didn’t TELL me …” And if anybody doesn’t like it they can kiss my ass. This IS the Pit, after all. ---
**Author:** ![24KaratGold](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/2/cc9497/32.png) [@24KaratGold](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/24KaratGold)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2000, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/melin-has-been-banned/4855/219 "2000-03-22T20:21:00Z")
I’ve just read MajorMD’s discussion of the email that Jill sent to her, and Ty’s discussion of the email she got. And Melin’s comments on her take when she saw that email to MajorMD. And Melin’s apology. I admit to being a supporter of Melin, given her kindness to me, although I do see that she might have tried some other way first? Doesn’t anybody care? If Jill’s going around sending emails to people and taking potshots at Melin (and who knows who else) behind her back, doesn’t anybody care, especially if those potshots are apparently untrue? Melin’s not blameless here, but by God it seems that when you push somebody to the wall you ought not to be surprised when they push back. This all seems so unfair to me. When the thing with MajorMD and Nickrz blew up (I re-read the link that MajorMD posted and realized that that was one of my first de-lurkings here…I seem to respond to crisis ;)), I stopped lurking for awhile because I was frustrated. I think I’m going to have to do that again. And I like MajorMD’s Sig: UNBAN MELIN! Goldie * * * Gentlemen certainly DO prefer blondes – and with good reason! ---
**Author:** ![ultress](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/7c8e57/32.png) [@ultress](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ultress)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2000, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/melin-has-been-banned/4855/220 "2000-03-22T20:26:00Z")
Diane, I’ll take you up on the bet. I bet you they will be back in 5 days or less. * * * _I’ve learned that if someone says something unkind about me, I must live so that no one will believe it._ [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/melin-has-been-banned/4855.md?page=10) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/melin-has-been-banned/4855.md?page=12)