# Moderation of inappropriate sexual commentary **URL:** \ **Category:** About This Message Board\ **Created:** [May 6, 2013, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderation-of-inappropriate-sexual-commentary/657626 "2013-05-06T15:55:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 13
**Author:** ![magellan01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@magellan01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/magellan01)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2013, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderation-of-inappropriate-sexual-commentary/657626/241 "2013-05-06T23:40:24Z")
> [@nashiitashii](#): > > But can we have a bit of clarification? Romanticizing a practice that was all about shunning “unclean” women who were “other” to protect men who could not help but soil themselves around “unclean” women. It’s not separating them to be safe or private, but [to keep them away from all that is holy](http://bible.cc/leviticus/15-19.htm). :rolleyes: As this has been deemed off-topic, I’ll just point you to the second and third links I provided, raise you :rolleyes::rolleyes:, and see you in another thread if you’d like to continue this discussion. But can you explain this: > [@](#): > > I’ve been watching this thread and have been called to talk a little on it as well. ? ---
**Author:** ![nashiitashii](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/7c8e57/32.png) [@nashiitashii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nashiitashii)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2013, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderation-of-inappropriate-sexual-commentary/657626/242 "2013-05-06T23:43:03Z")
Someone had pointed out the thread to me and thought I should share my opinion. Simple enough, yes? ---
**Author:** ![Tequila\_Party](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a6a055/32.png) [@Tequila\_Party](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tequila_Party)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2013, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderation-of-inappropriate-sexual-commentary/657626/243 "2013-05-06T23:43:37Z")
> [@Cat\_Whisperer](#): > > Be that as it may, that ship has sailed now. I don’t think these new rules are going to work, because they’re too freaking complicated with far too much grey area, subjectivity, and room for rules-lawyering. I didn’t think we needed any more rules in this area anyway - I agree that the rules we already have cover these situations adequately. Many people agreed that the existing rules covered this issue. However, there was cries of “If the rules have changed, there needs to be a formal announcement and a stickie!” and lots of grousing about the direction the moderation had taken. Hence this now. And then more of the same. Obviously, they can’t win. > [@DiosaBellissima](#): > > No, it’s absolutely not. The mods seem to get it, I don’t know why you don’t. Apparently plenty of people get it, just not the “vocal minority” represented here that don’t like being forced not to behave like juveniles. > [@panaccione](#): > > I don’t see why a “serious” forum is such a bad idea. It can be gender and topic neutral, but just a place where only serious conversation is allowed, and jokes of all kinds are not encouraged. It would allow MPSIMS to serve as the non-serious forum that it is, and also allow a place to discuss topics seriously that don’t quite fit in Great Debates. See above. Again. > [@magellan01](#): > > Oh, so you get to wave your magic wand and decide something is offensive for everyone, and you are not obligated to explain yourself. How special. Oh, you meant besides what she and others have been explaining tirelessly for the past couple of weeks on end? That kind of special? ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2013, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderation-of-inappropriate-sexual-commentary/657626/244 "2013-05-06T23:43:38Z")
> [@nashiitashii](#): > > But can we have a bit of clarification? Romanticizing a practice that was all about shunning “unclean” women who were “other” to protect men who could not help but soil themselves around “unclean” women. It’s not separating them to be safe or private, but [to keep them away from all that is holy](http://bible.cc/leviticus/15-19.htm). :rolleyes: I’m not sure what you want clarified. I don’t know if **magellan01** is going to grasp your and **DiosaBellissima** ’s objection here, but in context of the rules it doesn’t matter - there’s not going to be a women only/women’s issues only/no joking forum. ( **panaccione** , consider what the life of the moderator who has to handle a Straight Dope forum where jokes aren’t allowed would be like.) So it doesn’t matter if a particular name is good or bad. It’s not worth arguing about. > [@Cartooniverse](#): > > Here’s a direct quote. Under the proposed rules, if I were to be the respondent to the query, I’d be in a bucket full of trouble. We don’t moderate Cecil’s columns. > [@](#): > > Someone asked about Slug Signorino’s illustrations. A perusal of the ones in the original set of books as well as others sprinkled throughout the SDMB do reveal a consistently disrespectful view of females. We don’t moderate Slug’s cartoons either. There but for the grace of… I don’t know what. > [@](#): > > Regarding **TriPolar** ’s post and **Marley23** ’s remark, might I fight a bit of ignorance here in the fray? [It is an incorrectly attributed quote to a famous feminist](http://www.snopes.com/quotes/mackinnon.asp). I know. > [@](#): > > If I may, could I request an Administrative clarification on this: Is the phrase “penis ensues” no longer permitted to be used? We’re not banning words and phrases. That’s never ever ever been how this stuff works. The only thing that’s even close is the Pit rules, and that’s only when it applies to other posters. Some people insist that has to be what we’re doing, but it isn’t. We go by context, not specific words and phrases. > [@Tequila\_Party](#): > > Apparently plenty of people get it, just not the “vocal minority” represented here that don’t like being forced not to behave like juveniles. I hope this is for the last time: cool it. Don’t call other posters juvenile. ---
**Author:** ![magellan01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@magellan01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/magellan01)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2013, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderation-of-inappropriate-sexual-commentary/657626/245 "2013-05-06T23:45:57Z")
> [@nashiitashii](#): > > Someone had pointed out the thread to me and thought I should share my opinion. Simple enough, yes? Yep. The phrased “called” threw me. “Asked” wouldn’t have been noticed. But I can certainly understand some in this thread feeling they need assistance. Whether or not it was one of them. ---
**Author:** ![nashiitashii](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/7c8e57/32.png) [@nashiitashii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nashiitashii)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2013, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderation-of-inappropriate-sexual-commentary/657626/246 "2013-05-06T23:47:15Z")
> [@Tequila\_Party](#): > > Apparently plenty of people get it, just not the “vocal minority” represented here that don’t like being forced not to behave like juveniles. This is really my point. If people were a little less juvenile about running into serious threads and trying to derail it into party or joke threads, we wouldn’t need the rule. **Marley23** , it was more a clarification on the fact that **magellan01** was romanticizing an unsavory practice based on what he read in a fictional novel. I’ll drop it now that I had pointed it out. **magellan01** , in that scenario, I’m more flexible re: the use of “call” and “ask”. The person who pointed out the thread to me feels I have a valid opinion on it and mentioned that I should post in it. No “I need defending” please for help. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2013, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderation-of-inappropriate-sexual-commentary/657626/247 "2013-05-06T23:47:26Z")
> [@nashiitashii](#): > > Someone had pointed out the thread to me and thought I should share my opinion. Simple enough, yes? Emissary? ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2013, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderation-of-inappropriate-sexual-commentary/657626/248 "2013-05-06T23:47:50Z")
> [@magellan01](#): > > But I can certainly understand some in this thread feeling they need assistance. Warning issued. I gave you plenty of chances here. Obviously there was no point. ---
**Author:** ![FloatyGimpy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/floatygimpy/32/7750_2.png) [@FloatyGimpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FloatyGimpy)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2013, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderation-of-inappropriate-sexual-commentary/657626/249 "2013-05-06T23:49:39Z")
> [@Ellen\_Cherry](#): > > Just as many of you have been discussing this topic, so has the moderation staff been attempting to hash it out behind the scenes… > > This is the consensus of the moderating staff. I think it’s hard for a lot of women to step forward and state that they support the moderation of crude, sexist and misogynistic comments - it’s very hard for me. But I do want the moderators to know that I support them. There is _tons_ of chatting and messaging amongst the women about this and though not all of them feel comfortable saying they support it, lots of us do. ---
**Author:** ![Steophan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steophan/32/9595_2.png) [@Steophan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steophan)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2013, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderation-of-inappropriate-sexual-commentary/657626/250 "2013-05-06T23:52:06Z")
There are a remarkable amount of warnings being given out in this thread when there’s been no breach of the rules. I really can’t see why you’re bothering to try to add new rules, you could just continue with the arbitrary and unfair (lack of a) system you’re currently using. Here’s a clue though - just because you don’t like what someone says doesn’t make it wrong for them to say it. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2013, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderation-of-inappropriate-sexual-commentary/657626/251 "2013-05-06T23:53:15Z")
> [@Steophan](#): > > There are a remarkable amount of warnings being given out in this thread when there’s been no breach of the rules. I don’t think two is a remarkable number. A lot of mod notes, yes, because some of the other threads on this subject got out of hand and became stupid very fast. ---
**Author:** ![bucketybuck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/898d66/32.png) [@bucketybuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bucketybuck)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2013, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderation-of-inappropriate-sexual-commentary/657626/252 "2013-05-06T23:53:41Z")
> [@magellan01](#): > > But I can certainly understand some in this thread feeling they need assistance. Whether or not it was one of them. > [@Marley23](#): > > Warning issued. I gave you plenty of chances here. Obviously there was no point. I assume you feel Magellans post was insulting to people posting in the thread. Can I ask if you think this post is doing the same thing? > [@Tequila\_Party](#): > > Apparently plenty of people get it, just not the “vocal minority” represented here that don’t like being forced not to behave like juveniles. ---
**Author:** ![nashiitashii](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/7c8e57/32.png) [@nashiitashii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nashiitashii)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2013, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderation-of-inappropriate-sexual-commentary/657626/253 "2013-05-06T23:54:09Z")
You can’t see that some of the warnings being issued are because folks are directly insulting people, regardless of whether actual names are used? Seriously? We’re trying to have a mature discussion on the change in rules and folks are jumping in to insult the people making and/or using the rules instead of the rule itself. That’s not constructive. ---
**Author:** ![Amara\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/7993a0/32.png) [@Amara\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amara_1)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2013, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderation-of-inappropriate-sexual-commentary/657626/254 "2013-05-06T23:56:30Z")
> [@MsWhatsit](#): > > Thanks, mods. > > FTR, anyone who reviews my posting history in ATMB will quickly see that I am not up the mods’ asses as a general rule. However, I think this is a good response to what has been a complicated and difficult issue. > > I’m a lot more impressed with the mod response to this than I am by the behavior of several other long-time posters in these threads, I’ll tell you that. This sums it up for me. I think this is a good response and I’ll be glad to see some moderation of these types of comments. I’m honestly quite stunned by some of the behavior in these threads. Edit: I’d like to give kudos to **Marley23**. I’ve found his comments on this topic to be thoughtful and helpful. ---
**Author:** ![magellan01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@magellan01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/magellan01)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2013, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderation-of-inappropriate-sexual-commentary/657626/255 "2013-05-06T23:58:05Z")
> [@Tequila\_Party](#): > > Oh, you meant besides what she and others have been explaining tirelessly for the past couple of weeks on end? That kind of special? No, I don’t mean that at all. ---
**Author:** ![Cartooniverse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cartooniverse/32/3084_2.png) [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2013, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderation-of-inappropriate-sexual-commentary/657626/256 "2013-05-06T23:58:45Z")
No need to do a huge quote. **Marley23** , thank you for the clarification. I know you know but not everyone knows and in the context of this discussion, such a deeply inflammatory quote that is in fact not a quote at all, well… I thought a cite might be useful. My apologies if it was not. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2013, 12:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderation-of-inappropriate-sexual-commentary/657626/257 "2013-05-07T00:03:12Z")
> [@Cartooniverse](#): > > No need to do a huge quote. > > **Marley23** , thank you for the clarification. > > I know you know but not everyone knows and in the context of this discussion, such a deeply inflammatory quote that is in fact not a quote at all, well… I thought a cite might be useful. My apologies if it was not. It’s worth noting, and it’s not a problem. I will emphasize we moderate the message board, after all - I understand why people sometimes compare the two, but it’s not in our “jurisdiction.” And for that matter the idea has a tugging on Superman’s cape kind of a vibe. ---
**Author:** ![kayT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayt/32/3633_2.png) [@kayT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayT)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2013, 12:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderation-of-inappropriate-sexual-commentary/657626/258 "2013-05-07T00:04:19Z")
> [@saje](#): > > I agree we don’t need a women’s forum. I confess that I’m somewhat puzzled by the mysogyny moderating as well. I don’t like the whole “pics or it didn’t happen” on a mammogram thread thing, but I figure it just tells me who the jerks are so I don’t take anything they say seriously anymore. > > I would like the ability to verbally dope-slap the morons that insist on saying stuff like that though, without having to take it to the pit. Finally someone made some sense. Come on, women, let’s fight our own battles. We don’t need daddy and mommy to do it for us! ---
**Author:** ![Cartooniverse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cartooniverse/32/3084_2.png) [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2013, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderation-of-inappropriate-sexual-commentary/657626/259 "2013-05-07T00:07:31Z")
> [@Marley23](#): > > And for that matter the idea has a tugging on Superman’s cape kind of a vibe. :eek: Nobody invokes [Jim Croce](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/You_Don%27t_Mess_Around_with_Jim_%28song%29) lightly. ---
**Author:** ![Steophan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steophan/32/9595_2.png) [@Steophan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steophan)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2013, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderation-of-inappropriate-sexual-commentary/657626/260 "2013-05-07T00:11:01Z")
> [@Marley23](#): > > I don’t think two is a remarkable number. A lot of mod notes, yes, because some of the other threads on this subject got out of hand and became stupid very fast. It says a lot that you don’t think two warnings when no rules have been broken is remarkable. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderation-of-inappropriate-sexual-commentary/657626.md?page=12) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderation-of-inappropriate-sexual-commentary/657626.md?page=14)