# Moderation approves personal harassment by silence **URL:** \ **Category:** About This Message Board\ **Created:** [June 11, 2018, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderation-approves-personal-harassment-by-silence/815870 "2018-06-11T13:49:28Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 14
**Author:** ![Tee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/73ab20/32.png) [@Tee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tee)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2018, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderation-approves-personal-harassment-by-silence/815870/262 "2018-06-12T21:51:06Z")
I appreciate the review and clarification on harassment. Thank you. ---
**Author:** ![Banquet\_Bear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/banquet_bear/32/373_2.png) [@Banquet\_Bear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Banquet_Bear)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2018, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderation-approves-personal-harassment-by-silence/815870/263 "2018-06-12T21:55:20Z")
> [@Ed\_Zotti](#): > > If you seen evidence of future harassment by Morgenstern or anyone else, please report it. What we’ve seen so far wasn’t actionable in our opinion. If we see a pattern we might think differently. …I’m curious why this post in this very thread was not actionable. > [@Morgenstern](#): > > Maybe to you this is perfectly normal… > > _fucking idiot woman cowered in the back of the elevator staring at me with her mace in her hand. I was young and very angry about this and if she had maced me for no reason but her fear, I’d have likely beaten her within an inch of her life_ > > …to me, not so much. I’ve never had such a thought, have you? Even though the post was in response to another poster, do you contend that this particular post, based on Morgenstern’s behaviour throughout this thread, was not another back-handed attack on Chimera? It didn’t even garner a mod-note? It was a quote taken completely out-of-context for the sole purpose of characterizing another poster as “not normal.” Is this sort of post the new standard in ATMB? (And yes, it was reported.) One of the things you guys are really missing here is the chilling effect of allowing this sort of thing to continue. Like the relentless bullying of Big T. I’ve stood up for him a couple of times in the pit, but I’ve stopped doing that because I don’t want to be made a target. And I’m sure I’m not the only one. I understand the desire for “free speech” here. But do you think you’ve got the “balancing act” correct here? ---
**Author:** ![Bone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bone/32/407_2.png) [@Bone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bone)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2018, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderation-approves-personal-harassment-by-silence/815870/264 "2018-06-12T21:55:28Z")
> [@octopus](#): > > These posts are a direct contradiction of each other. No they are not. ---
**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:** [June 12, 2018, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderation-approves-personal-harassment-by-silence/815870/265 "2018-06-12T21:56:38Z")
> [@octopus](#): > > These posts are a direct contradiction of each other. Not so. Our notion of being a jerk is doing things against the written rules. Doing so can get you banned if you keep at it long enough. Dickishness is not defined in our rules, and is not a useful enforcement standard. You think this would be a better world if cops could write you tickets for “being a dick”? ---
**Author:** ![Morgenstern](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Morgenstern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgenstern)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2018, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderation-approves-personal-harassment-by-silence/815870/266 "2018-06-12T21:57:45Z")
> [@Banquet\_Bear](#): > > …I’m curious why this post in this very thread was not actionable. > > Even though the post was in response to another poster, do you contend that this particular post, based on Morgenstern’s behaviour throughout this thread, was not another back-handed attack on Chimera? It didn’t even garner a mod-note? It was a quote taken completely out-of-context for the sole purpose of characterizing another poster as “not normal.” Is this sort of post the new standard in ATMB? (And yes, it was reported.) > > One of the things you guys are really missing here is the chilling effect of allowing this sort of thing to continue. Like the relentless bullying of Big T. I’ve stood up for him a couple of times in the pit, but I’ve stopped doing that because I don’t want to be made a target. And I’m sure I’m not the only one. I understand the desire for “free speech” here. But do you think you’ve got the “balancing act” correct here? Context again. That was in response to an issue underlying this thread. Be fair, show the before and the after. ---
**Author:** ![Mister\_Mills](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f0a364/32.png) [@Mister\_Mills](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mister_Mills)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2018, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderation-approves-personal-harassment-by-silence/815870/267 "2018-06-12T22:01:20Z")
> [@Chimera](#): > > (Extended campaign of personal harassment across the Pit and AMTB) > Me (Repeatedly): Hey moderators, could you do something about this? > Moderators: \ > > Even direct PM’ing only resulted in ¯\_(ツ)\_/¯. > > So since that sort of thing has moderator approval by silence and a refusal to do anything about it, I see no further need to remain a member of this board. > > Very shameful that pit rules allowing personal insults are being translated by weak moderation and a refusal to act into approval of harassing other posters. Between that and losing board admins and longtime members because of the refusal to moderate hate, I don’t see a future here. I recently quit a forum after a moderator called me a fool, and I liked that forum too, but I won’t stand for some things. Do what you think is right, but show care, you may miss this place. ---
**Author:** ![Banquet\_Bear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/banquet_bear/32/373_2.png) [@Banquet\_Bear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Banquet_Bear)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2018, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderation-approves-personal-harassment-by-silence/815870/268 "2018-06-12T22:02:43Z")
> [@Morgenstern](#): > > Context again. That was in response to an issue underlying this thread. Be fair, show the before and the after. …the question was asked of the moderation team. I’m not interested on what you consider “fair” or not. I’m quoting from this very page for goodness sakes. People can see the context. ---
**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:** [June 12, 2018, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderation-approves-personal-harassment-by-silence/815870/269 "2018-06-12T22:02:57Z")
> [@Banquet\_Bear](#): > > …I’m curious why this post in this very thread was not actionable. > > Even though the post was in response to another poster, do you contend that this particular post, based on Morgenstern’s behaviour throughout this thread, was not another back-handed attack on Chimera? It didn’t even garner a mod-note? It was a quote taken completely out-of-context for the sole purpose of characterizing another poster as “not normal.” Is this sort of post the new standard in ATMB? (And yes, it was reported.) > > One of the things you guys are really missing here is the chilling effect of allowing this sort of thing to continue. Like the relentless bullying of Big T. I’ve stood up for him a couple of times in the pit, but I’ve stopped doing that because I don’t want to be made a target. And I’m sure I’m not the only one. I understand the desire for “free speech” here. But do you think you’ve got the “balancing act” correct here? Two points: 1. We shouldn’t have left this thread open as long as we did. This kind of bickering has nothing to do with the rules or board administration. 2. Setting that (sizable) issue aside, what exactly is your objection to the use of the quote? Is it manufactured or altered in some way? ---
**Author:** ![Banquet\_Bear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/banquet_bear/32/373_2.png) [@Banquet\_Bear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Banquet_Bear)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2018, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderation-approves-personal-harassment-by-silence/815870/270 "2018-06-12T22:06:05Z")
> [@Ed\_Zotti](#): > > Two points: > > 1. We shouldn’t have left this thread open as long as we did. This kind of bickering has nothing to do with the rules or board administration. …is that a concession that that particular post was inappropriate for ATMB? > [@](#): > > 1. Setting that (sizable) issue aside, what exactly is your objection to the use of the quote? Is it manufactured or altered in some way? " It was a quote taken completely out-of-context for the sole purpose of characterizing another poster as “not normal.” ---
**Author:** ![octopus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/octopus/32/3716_2.png) [@octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/octopus)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2018, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderation-approves-personal-harassment-by-silence/815870/271 "2018-06-12T22:10:18Z")
> [@Ed\_Zotti](#): > > Not so. Our notion of being a jerk is doing things against the written rules. Doing so can get you banned if you keep at it long enough. Dickishness is not defined in our rules, and is not a useful enforcement standard. You think this would be a better world if cops could write you tickets for “being a dick”? Ok. That was a misunderstanding on my part and I’m probably not the only one. I was under the impression that the “don’t be a jerk” was an actual judgement call offense that was warnable or bannable. Thank you for clarifying. ---
**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:** [June 12, 2018, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderation-approves-personal-harassment-by-silence/815870/272 "2018-06-12T22:12:54Z")
> [@Banquet\_Bear](#): > > …is that a concession that that particular post was inappropriate for ATMB? Not that particular post. Most of the thread. We should have closed it as soon as it became apparent where things were headed and told the participants to take it to the Pit. > [@](#): > > " It was a quote taken completely out-of-context for the sole purpose of characterizing another poster as “not normal.” Are you saying you think we have a rule against characterizing another poster as not normal? Can you provide a cite? Please understand, I wrote or approved virtually all the rules we have. I recall no such rule. ---
**Author:** ![Morgenstern](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Morgenstern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgenstern)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2018, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderation-approves-personal-harassment-by-silence/815870/273 "2018-06-12T22:14:24Z")
> [@Banquet\_Bear](#): > > …is that a concession that that particular post was inappropriate for ATMB? > > " It was a quote taken completely out-of-context for the sole purpose of characterizing another poster as “not normal.” The entire quote had been posted a few posts above that and it was even quoted. No one doubted where that quote came from. ---
**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:** [June 12, 2018, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderation-approves-personal-harassment-by-silence/815870/274 "2018-06-12T22:17:40Z")
> [@octopus](#): > > Ok. That was a misunderstanding on my part and I’m probably not the only one. I was under the impression that the “don’t be a jerk” was an actual judgement call offense that was warnable or bannable. Thank you for clarifying. This is something I discuss with new mods. Once in a long while something happens that’s completely beyond the pale but not contemplated in our rules. Then, and only then, do we invoke the “don’t be a jerk” rule. But it’s the nuclear option, the last resort. Nothing in the present case rises to that level. ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2018, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderation-approves-personal-harassment-by-silence/815870/275 "2018-06-12T22:19:28Z")
I’ve tended to keep most personal stuff off this website, for other reasons. Now that I know that folks can take personal stuff and use it against me as has happened to Chimera in this case, you can bet I’m locking my presence down here even tighter–and I think it’d be a terrible idea for folks to talk here about things such as illnesses, family tragedies, or the like, given that they can be turned into attacks with impunity. I think this is terrible for the boards, and I hope y’all reconsider, but I suppose it’s up to you. ---
**Author:** ![Banquet\_Bear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/banquet_bear/32/373_2.png) [@Banquet\_Bear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Banquet_Bear)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2018, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderation-approves-personal-harassment-by-silence/815870/276 "2018-06-12T22:20:38Z")
> [@Ed\_Zotti](#): > > Are you saying you think we have a rule against characterizing another poster as not normal? Can you provide a cite? Please understand, I wrote or approved virtually all the rules we have. I recall no such rule. …nope. That isn’t what I’m saying at all. But its good to know that the snark on this board goes all the way to the top. Do you not think that characterizing another poster as “not normal” is an attack on that poster? Are attacks on other posters now allowed in ATMB? I thought that was what the pit was for. ---
**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:** [June 12, 2018, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderation-approves-personal-harassment-by-silence/815870/277 "2018-06-12T22:31:56Z")
> [@Banquet\_Bear](#): > > …nope. That isn’t what I’m saying at all. > > But its good to know that the snark on this board goes all the way to the top. > > Do you not think that characterizing another poster as “not normal” is an attack on that poster? Are attacks on other posters now allowed in ATMB? I thought that was what the pit was for. Please read what I wrote. We made a mistake in not closing the thread right off the bat. ATMB is not the place for arguments between posters. As for “attacks” - what do you mean by attack? People criticize each other all the time on this board in many forums. In your view does this constitute an attack? Do you think we do, or should, have a rule against this? Sorry, need to go make dinner, it’ll be an hour or two before I get back. ---
**Author:** ![Measure\_for\_Measure](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/measure_for_measure/32/557_2.png) [@Measure\_for\_Measure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Measure_for_Measure)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2018, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderation-approves-personal-harassment-by-silence/815870/278 "2018-06-12T22:58:08Z")
> [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](#): > > I’ve tended to keep most personal stuff off this website, for other reasons. Now that I know that folks can take personal stuff and use it against me as has happened to Chimera in this case, you can bet I’m locking my presence down here even tighter–and I think it’d be a terrible idea for folks to talk here about things such as illnesses, family tragedies, or the like, given that they can be turned into attacks with impunity. > > I think this is terrible for the boards, and I hope y’all reconsider, but I suppose it’s up to you. The internet in general and this board in particular has always been this way. Self disclosure on this message board has always run a risk. **Morgenstern** is not the first poster to delight in resurrecting posts that are many years old for the purpose of humiliation. Nor are facile and unreflective cynicism and ludicrously hostile readings a new thing. It’s shitty behavior and has always been practiced by a small minority, but a small minority is sufficient. A larger minority cheers them on. Anyway LHoD, most people like you here. But still, watch what you post. Same advice goes for everyone else. This isn’t a great message board for self-disclosure. ---
**Author:** ![madsircool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madsircool/32/3432_2.png) [@madsircool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madsircool)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2018, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderation-approves-personal-harassment-by-silence/815870/279 "2018-06-12T23:51:08Z")
> [@Ed\_Zotti](#): > > I’m sorry, I somehow overlooked this link. You think this is trolling? I see sarcasm here - trolling, no. Please explain your reasoning. Perhaps there’s something I’m not seeing. Here is a brief summary of a very long thread: OP post Posts 57 94 99 120 make cogent factual responses to OP points Post 199 and 212 he restated original points without responding to or referencing posts by lawyers and posters working in government 215 Really Not all that Bright makes cogent reply as does Shodan in post 219 298 OP makes false claims about Cali water production to further the ‘debate’. 302 and 303 he proved wrong by Ravenman and DinoR yet carries on his debate 310 Guestchaz catches on to his trolling 339 reports long debunked UN issues 341 357 again shot down Skip to 860 and 873 CarnalK mocks him and accuses him of arguing both sides when it suits him And he only stops when its revealed that Yes California was funded by the Russians Sorry for not linking to the posts directly but I’m on my phone And I’ve only scanned about 25% of the tbread ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2018, 12:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderation-approves-personal-harassment-by-silence/815870/280 "2018-06-13T00:02:18Z")
> [@madsircool](#): > > Here is a brief summary of a very long thread: 😕 “Trolling” doesn’t mean “makes lousy arguments with snark, even though I disagree with them.” It gets used that way far too often around here, but that’s not its meaning. I looked at most of the posts you linked to–there’s nothing there that looks remotely trollish to me. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2018, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderation-approves-personal-harassment-by-silence/815870/281 "2018-06-13T00:06:43Z")
> [@Ed\_Zotti](#): > > Please read what I wrote. We made a mistake in not closing the thread right off the bat. ATMB is not the place for arguments between posters. As for “attacks” - what do you mean by attack? People criticize each other all the time on this board in many forums. In your view does this constitute an attack? Do you think we do, or should, have a rule against this? There’s a difference between a disagreement that lasts for one thread or one topic, or two posters who have frequently differences of view but who don’t engage in campaigns against each other, and delibrate targeting of a poster with people going back years to find material to use against that person, whether it’s relevant to the topic at hand or not. > [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](#): > > Yeah, I think there are a variety of situations here that are getting conflated. > > 1. Morgenstern’s behavior toward Chimera in various places, which has gone un-modded. Especially his behavior concerning abusive relationships and mental illness. Note that LHofD seems to be seeing a pattern of unacceptable behavior here. Like many of us, he/she sees Morgenstern’s dig at Chimera’s mental health (pure speculation on Morgenstern’s part) and his recent divorce as unacceptable. > [@Morgenstern](#): > > **Chimera** , seriously, a little word of advice. You mention that your _“repeated”_ reports to mods were ignored. (I think that means more than one) You mentioned that your PM was dismissed. Then you post your dissatisfaction in ATMB for the world to see. You know what you really did here? You’ve just told everyone where your BIG button is. Most people won’t push it, but they will all be there, in the pit, watching, waiting, wondering if someone will. The air will be thick with suspense. > > Bad move on your part. IMHO. This post, in this thread, I view as admission that Morgenstern is targeting Chimera and pointing out to others how to target him, encouraging a dogpile. The whole dwelling on waiting, watching, and “thick with suspense” is intended to threaten and intimidate. Telling Chimera he made a “bad move”, as if this is a chess game and not an attack on Chimera regarding both his sanity and a resentful hurtful episode is also a jerk tactic. > [@Broomstick](#): > > On the other hand, Morgenstern took personal details about Chimera’s divorce, added in speculation and embellishment, and crafted it into a hurtful statement to hurl back at Chimera. That strikes more as more than simply dickishly repeating shared information and goes into actual malice. ^ This, as I pointed out. > [@Whiskey\_Dickens](#): > > I’m glad to hear that. I reported Morgenstern for following me around the pit a while ago. Didn’t get a response from Miller, but I’m sure it’s been noted in some capacity, especially considering other users are noticing it and possibly reporting it too. So… It has been noted by several people (including me) that Morgenstern has been targeting Chimera. Wiskey Dickens reported Morgenstern for following him around. I have reported Morgenstern for doing the same to me - with the same non-result. I have to wonder how many other people have reported this behavior but haven’t come forward in this thread. One? Five? Ten? None? > [@Morgenstern](#): > > No campaign when you merely start posting what he’s said. Yeah, that’s how the pit works. He said it, he’ll see it again. And here Morgenstern is, again, stating in advance that he’s going to repeat something of Chimera’s and, based on his past behavior, I’m expecting it will be out of context and presented in the least-flattering manner with malicious intent. > [@Ed\_Zotti](#): > > If you seen evidence of future harassment by Morgenstern or anyone else, please report it. What we’ve seen so far wasn’t actionable in our opinion. If we see a pattern we might think differently. Yes, Ed, I get that you _don’t see it_. But other people are seeing it, and some of your members here are reporting being targeted by Morgenstern. MAYBE they’re seeing something you’re not. Seriously, this is reminding me about the thread involving sexism and misogyny on the Dope - some people just don’t see, while to others it’s a plain as day. > [@Ed\_Zotti](#): > > Please read what I wrote. We made a mistake in not closing the thread right off the bat. ATMB is not the place for arguments between posters. I’m not arguing with posters here, I’m trying to point out that I agree with the premise of this thread - the moderation here permits personal harassment. It is driving people away and it is stifling others. > [@](#): > > As for “attacks” - what do you mean by attack? People criticize each other all the time on this board in many forums. In your view does this constitute an attack? Do you think we do, or should, have a rule against this? There is a difference between criticizing opinions and positions and criticizing the person. There is a difference between honest questioning and malice. I’m rather gobsmacked at how many people can’t understand the difference. We SHOULD have a rule, even in the Pit, about malicious attacks, those designed to _purposely hurt another person_ - such as stating that the reason they got a divorce is because they’re mentally ill when there is no factual indication of that, the person making the accusation is not a mental health professional (who most likely would not presume to diagnose over the internet anyhow), and stating that they will happily throw that out again and again because that’s the way he rolls. Or, to take one from my own past - questioning whether or not I’m a pilot then demanding a copy of my pilot’s license via PM to prove my claim of being a pilot - which, by the way, violates the rules on asking for personal information (my pilot’s license has my legal name, my address, and my social security number). I reported this _YET IT WAS NEVER ACTED ON_. THIS is the problem: someone CLEARLY violates the rules, _demands_ I hand over personal information of a sensitive nature\*\* _and not a goddamned thing is done about it_\*\* even though I reported it to the mods. The rules are NOT being enforced. I was told “there was not enough evidence”. Dude, _someone demanded personal information from me in a manner that was clearly against the rules_. I believe this was in connection with a Pit thread which I chose not to participate in because it was basically one long attack on me and my credibility. People have been reporting these things, and they’re invariably swept under the rug with a “there’s not FACTUAL evidence” or “we don’t see it” or something else dismissive. Then we get here and we hear “no one has reported it” and “there’s not record of this”. What is the point of even trying anymore? And that’s why you’re losing some long-term posters that contributed a lot to this board. People get tired of the harassment, the bullying, the rules-violating demands, and having NOTHING done about it. That’s why this board is gaining a reputation of tolerating cyberstalking and bullying… because you are, even if you don’t see it. Or as bucketybuck said: > [@bucketybuck](#): > > “Don’t be a jerk” is not actually a rule, and action will only be taken if there is clear and objective violation? So the gang can all wander in together and harass, thats ok, but the target can’t tell them to fuck off, thats bad. Sounds about right. That is the atmosphere you’re promoting here, whether or not that’s what you intend. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderation-approves-personal-harassment-by-silence/815870.md?page=13) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderation-approves-personal-harassment-by-silence/815870.md?page=15)