# Moderator Actions in polls should affixed to the OP **URL:** \ **Category:** About This Message Board\ **Created:** [August 6, 2011, 5:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderator-actions-in-polls-should-affixed-to-the-op/591702 "2011-08-06T05:24:39Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**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:** [August 6, 2011, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderator-actions-in-polls-should-affixed-to-the-op/591702/21 "2011-08-06T14:39:00Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > Which would still require people to read the OP and/or the entire thread before every post in a poll, wouldn’t it? Hmm. It would mean reading the OP or the whole thread before the _first_ post in a thread, and then either the OP again or the posts after their first post before posting again. If someone’s posting repeatedly in a thread without reading the responses, there’s not a lot can be done, I guess. But what happened in the thread that started this discussion is people were posting without realising there were any mod notes - if it’s mentioned in the title that’s unlikely to happen again. There’s no realistic way to _force_ every poster to read mod notes, but there are ways to make sure as many people as possible do. ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2011, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderator-actions-in-polls-should-affixed-to-the-op/591702/22 "2011-08-06T14:40:40Z")
If you need multiple mod notes (as in, more than two) with sufficiently different instructions (so that one doesn’t supersede the other), then that means the thread pretty much needs to be closed. And, really, I don’t see there really needing to be very complicated instructions. The only things I can think of are pretty short: “Don’t be hostile” (or “Be extra civil”) “Don’t mention subject X”, “Don’t discuss your choice,” “Don’t mention other posters,” etc. Save the long explanation for the real mod note. EDIT: And if you are taking so much time that a mod note could be issued in the interim, then you are likely reading the thread, and thus the stuff in the title doesn’t really matter. ---
**Author:** ![billfish678](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7bcc69/32.png) [@billfish678](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/billfish678)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2011, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderator-actions-in-polls-should-affixed-to-the-op/591702/23 "2011-08-06T14:45:16Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#): > > ETA, I see the problem with that now…notes being added to the OP after someone has already read it…can’t win them all. I suppose all you can hope for is that after your post, you will read all subsequent posts even if you haven’t read the ones prior to yours. Any solution to any given problem doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be better than the way things are currenty done. ---
**Author:** ![Una\_Persson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/una_persson/32/346_2.png) [@Una\_Persson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Una_Persson)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2011, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderator-actions-in-polls-should-affixed-to-the-op/591702/24 "2011-08-06T14:48:39Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#): > > Not even just that, but a lot of problems seem to stem from mod notes in the middle of multipage threads. > > We have plenty of long threads around here. Now, if I stumble across a thread asking for my opinion on, say, coffee I’ll probably just toss my opinion in at the end. If the thread is already 150 posts deep, I’m not going to read them all. The problem is, that maybe somewhere around posts 70-85 something happened and a mod stepped in, calmed everyone down and added a note that the OP is asking about coffee only and if anyone brings up energy drinks again, they’ll be warned…fair enough…but if the OP simply asked about your favorite coffee, are you really going to read all 150 posts? Probably not. What I tend to do is just stop posting. Not only is there too much of a chance that someone will jump on me with a “Hey, dumbfuck, that was addressed in post #1,718 KTHXBYE”, or, lately, I guess there is the risk of falling afoul of a Moderator warning at some point earlier in the thread. So like I said, I just stop posting to long threads; it’s not like anyone misses One Person’s contributions. ---
**Author:** ![johnpost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f17d59/32.png) [@johnpost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/johnpost)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2011, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderator-actions-in-polls-should-affixed-to-the-op/591702/25 "2011-08-06T14:54:17Z")
i think it would be a good idea that if a general mod note is made to a thread that it be given (or at least referenced) in a footnote of the OP. as mentioned some OP are (intentionally or not) likely to derail or acquire a tone, you read it and know someone will take it there often without reading beyond the OP. if a mod note applies to only one person then this wouldn’t be needed but if the note would apply to two or more persons it would be a good idea. ---
**Author:** ![Oakminster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/77aa72/32.png) [@Oakminster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oakminster)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2011, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderator-actions-in-polls-should-affixed-to-the-op/591702/26 "2011-08-06T15:17:43Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > If I might ask a question: Would this mean if there were more than one **mode** note they would all be included in the title? I don’t know if that’s really feasible. (bolding mine) This ain’t The Snackpit. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2011, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderator-actions-in-polls-should-affixed-to-the-op/591702/27 "2011-08-06T15:37:44Z")
> [@Oakminster](#): > > (bolding mine) > > This ain’t The Snackpit. Never been there. ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2011, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderator-actions-in-polls-should-affixed-to-the-op/591702/28 "2011-08-06T15:51:55Z")
> [@SoulFrost](#): > > Yeah. The moderation around here had gotten really good, but now we seem to be back to the [dumbassery-by-Mod](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=14107561&postcount=150) of years past. Jesus. _That_ is how they chose to deal with the problem? No, you shouldn’t have “policed that IMHO thread stronger and more aggressively earlier.” And the idea of having polls but no posts is fucking stupid. ---
**Author:** ![Beadalin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/3be4f8/32.png) [@Beadalin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beadalin)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2011, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderator-actions-in-polls-should-affixed-to-the-op/591702/29 "2011-08-06T15:57:16Z")
> [@mhendo](#): > > Jesus. > > _That_ is how they chose to deal with the problem? > > No, you shouldn’t have “policed that IMHO thread stronger and more aggressively earlier.” And the idea of having polls but no posts is fucking stupid. I know. “We should have policed that IMHO thread stronger and more aggressively earlier.” I literally laughed out loud. ---
**Author:** ![voltaire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voltaire/32/313_2.png) [@voltaire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/voltaire)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2011, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderator-actions-in-polls-should-affixed-to-the-op/591702/30 "2011-08-06T16:13:14Z")
> [@Amblydoper](#): > > I propose that any time a moderator posts any action in a poll, they should also indicate that action by editing the OP. > \ > Notes: **This is not the place to discuss Avatars, or the specific moderator actions that led to this topic.** Maybe you should have started a poll about your proposal… 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Ostrya](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/35a633/32.png) [@Ostrya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ostrya)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2011, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderator-actions-in-polls-should-affixed-to-the-op/591702/31 "2011-08-06T16:19:47Z")
> [@mhendo](#): > > No, you shouldn’t have “policed that IMHO thread stronger and more aggressively earlier.” And the idea of having polls but no posts is fucking stupid. This. Exactly this. ---
**Author:** ![shijinn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/cc9497/32.png) [@shijinn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shijinn)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2011, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderator-actions-in-polls-should-affixed-to-the-op/591702/32 "2011-08-06T16:25:25Z")
> [@](#): > > … In retrospect, we should have policed that IMHO thread stronger and more aggressively earlier. We’ll try to be better about that in future. … huh. what should have been done was either merge the poll with the ATMB thread or close it. impractical draconian measures are ---
**Author:** ![jackdavinci](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackdavinci/32/3259_2.png) [@jackdavinci](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jackdavinci)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2011, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderator-actions-in-polls-should-affixed-to-the-op/591702/33 "2011-08-06T16:34:36Z")
I think that was a pretty unique situation. It was ridiculous for the OP to create a poll and then ask the mods not to let people discuss their answers. Basically they just wanted the poll, and the poll only, with no thread. :rolleyes: Those sorts of threads should be immediately closed for stupidity. ---
**Author:** ![MsWhatsit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/eb8c5e/32.png) [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2011, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderator-actions-in-polls-should-affixed-to-the-op/591702/34 "2011-08-06T16:43:51Z")
> [@jackdavinci](#): > > I think that was a pretty unique situation. It was ridiculous for the OP to create a poll and then ask the mods not to let people discuss their answers. Basically they just wanted the poll, and the poll only, with no thread. :rolleyes: Those sorts of threads should be immediately closed for stupidity. Yeah, this is not something we should be encouraging with software hacks or anything else. ---
**Author:** ![Erdosain](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/erdosain/32/7284_2.png) [@Erdosain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Erdosain)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2011, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderator-actions-in-polls-should-affixed-to-the-op/591702/35 "2011-08-06T17:14:58Z")
I get that being a mod is a thankless time-suck, but can’t they ever, just once, own up to making a mistake? This really shouldn’t be this big of a deal. A stupid mod note was made, some rash warnings were handed out. This whole boring mess could be solved in two seconds with: “I’m sorry, we made a mistake.” Jesus Christ. You’d think someone’s honor was at stake or that rescinding a warning cost them money. ---
**Author:** ![Larry\_Borgia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/larry_borgia/32/156_2.png) [@Larry\_Borgia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Larry_Borgia)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2011, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderator-actions-in-polls-should-affixed-to-the-op/591702/36 "2011-08-06T17:58:10Z")
Why not just allow people to talk about sheep? ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2011, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderator-actions-in-polls-should-affixed-to-the-op/591702/37 "2011-08-06T18:14:36Z")
> [@Amblydoper](#): > > However, for a poll in IMHO, it is sometimes beneficial to vote and perhaps even post a response to the OP without reading others’ responses. As such, any moderator action posted after the OP will be unknown. The current rules conflict with this situation. > > I propose that any time a moderator posts any action in a poll, they should also indicate that action by editing the OP. Something simple, such as “Mod Edit to add: blah blah, see post xx” in bold at the end of the OP would accomplish this. I think this is one situation where adding a tag to the OP could potentially be helpful. I’m not sure how many people would notice them, but it’s true that in some polls you’re supposed to reply without reading the entire thing (and that people may not to go the trouble of voting, then reading the whole thread, then posting). I’m not sure it’s worth it but it’s a better option than editing thread titles, for example. I don’t moderate in IMHO and I’m not sure how often this kind of problem really comes up but I could be convinced this falls into the ‘can’t hurt to try’ column. ---
**Author:** ![voltaire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voltaire/32/313_2.png) [@voltaire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/voltaire)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2011, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderator-actions-in-polls-should-affixed-to-the-op/591702/38 "2011-08-06T18:20:31Z")
> [@Erdosain](#): > > I get that being a mod is a thankless time-suck, but can’t they ever, just once, own up to making a mistake? > > This really shouldn’t be this big of a deal. A stupid mod note was made, some rash warnings were handed out. > > This whole boring mess could be solved in two seconds with: “I’m sorry, we made a mistake.” Jesus Christ. You’d think someone’s honor was at stake or that rescinding a warning cost them money. **I don’t disagree with anything you just said.** But on the flip side of the coin, there is a huge uproar arising over a handful of people who received Mod Warnings - something that doesn’t even rise to the level of a slap on the wrist. As I understand it, if such infractions ever add up to the level of coming under review, the frequency and specific circumstances of each of them is considered. IOW, the chances are close to nil that any of those who received warnings will be impacted by them in any way, unless they’re practically trying to rack them up. Just saying… a little more perspective = a little less outrage. ---
**Author:** ![SoulFrost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f07891/32.png) [@SoulFrost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SoulFrost)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2011, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderator-actions-in-polls-should-affixed-to-the-op/591702/39 "2011-08-06T18:23:30Z")
Since nobody seems to have banned my ass yet, this should be addressed: > [@Bullshit modding in the IMHO avatar thread (yeah, you knew it was coming)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bullshit-modding-in-the-imho-avatar-thread-yeah-you-knew-it-was-coming/591393/150): > > Okay, here’s what we’re going to do: > > 1. We are keeping the original IMHO thread closed. If you wish to comment about avatars on the SDMB, please go to the ATMB thread on the subject. > > [http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/...d.php?t=618021](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/...d.php?t=618021) > > You are invited to make your comments/state your opinion in this thread, as was requested to begin with. > > Please remember that ATMB is not the Pit; personal insults and intemperate behavior will not be appreciated. > > The purpose of the thread is not to bash other people who hold differing opinions nor to slap at management for how they run things. If you feel that way, open a separate thread in the appropriate forum as necessary. All fine and good, since none of that was ever even an issue. > [@](#): > > 1. The thread in IMHO will not be reopened. We need to figure out how to set up situations where there can be polls and not posts – it works the other way around but apparently with our current software you can’t just have a poll without supporting postings. So… you’re planning on having a whole bunch of opinion-less polls in the future? What, exactly, would be the point of that? > [@](#): > > In retrospect, we should have policed that IMHO thread stronger and more aggressively earlier. We’ll try to be better about that in future. The thread garnered four Warnings in the space of half an hour–how much more damn policing do you want to do? > [@](#): > > 1. The warnings issued in IMHO will stand. > > Refusal to read all relevant posts in a thread and being ignorant of posted moderator instructions is no excuse. > > Posters are obligated to read and comply with moderator instructions, even if they disagree with them. If you have a problem, complaints can be made in ATMB. You seem to be still laboring under the impression that anyone actively disagreed with the Mod Note. Nobody even read the damn thing. That’s the way people vote in polls. To sum up: Every one of you Mods know perfectly well that those who got warned hadn’t read the Mod Note. You all know know perfectly well that there was no reason for them to have read it, given the nature of polls. We can dispense with **Czarcasm** ’s attempts to hijack these threads with his “oh, but the title might get too long!” commentary. Don’t get off track. The problem–the whole problem–was **Czarcasm**. He decided to change the normal poll process–indeed, the very rules for posting–halfway through the thread. Then he started handing out Warnings all willy-nilly to people who he knew hadn’t seen his on-the-fly Mod Note. What’s that? Maybe he didn’t know? Well, he knew the hell out of it the next day. So did the rest of you. He was wrong in every single decision he made over the course of that entire thread. And you people support him? You say that it’s a technical problem and that there should have been more eyes watching. No. You should have grown a pair of ladyballs and shut **Czarcasm** ’s ass down as soon as he started getting all stupid with the Warnings. I don’t care how long he’s been here or who he’s friends with or how much he really, really hates being shown to be wrong–there is no excuse for that kind of behavior. ---
**Author:** ![RaftPeople](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/6f9a4e/32.png) [@RaftPeople](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RaftPeople)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2011, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderator-actions-in-polls-should-affixed-to-the-op/591702/40 "2011-08-06T20:11:23Z")
This is the simple answer: There was no moderation required in that thread. It gained the board nothing. Without the moderation in that thread ALL of these posts and threads in ATMB would never have come into existence, and a number of people would have happily continued posting in a thread about Avatars. No need to create complexity where there is none. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderator-actions-in-polls-should-affixed-to-the-op/591702.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderator-actions-in-polls-should-affixed-to-the-op/591702.md?page=3)