# Mods/Admins, seriously stop it with the "Pls help, I need money" threads. **URL:** \ **Category:** About This Message Board\ **Created:** [August 13, 2012, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mods-admins-seriously-stop-it-with-the-pls-help-i-need-money-threads/631333 "2012-08-13T01:57:47Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![Oliveritaly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/oliveritaly/32/15233_2.png) [@Oliveritaly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oliveritaly)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2012, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mods-admins-seriously-stop-it-with-the-pls-help-i-need-money-threads/631333/101 "2012-08-14T14:42:57Z")
The donation thread I started was mentioned on page one. The money wasn’t for me but for a Soldier’s defense fund. I’m very grateful that the moderators here allowed me to post it as a few hundred dollars were donated to the cause I was championed. I for one, obviously, don’t find anything wrong with them. If you don’t like them don’t read or donate. Might be a good idea to have a standard “Donation Solicitation” tag or even a sub forum? Certainly wasn’t my intention or desire to scam or upset anyone. ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2012, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mods-admins-seriously-stop-it-with-the-pls-help-i-need-money-threads/631333/102 "2012-08-14T15:25:23Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > I would like to know when a ‘mod approved’ request for money is made: > > A. That it’s a member. Then the mods claim they at least have a valid email address for the person It’s a requirement to have a valid e-mail address to post on the board anyway, so that goes without saying. To the best of my recollection, most if not all recent requests have been by long-term members. We wouldn’t accept a request from someone who just signed up to ask for money. And I would characterize these threads as being “allowed” rather than “approved.” > [@](#): > > B. That the mods have read the OP and know what will actually be asked for and why We’ve already stated that. But we’re not able to investigate much beyond what the requester has told us. So if someone feels more information is needed before making a donation, ask in the thread. If you don’t, then don’t donate. ---
**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:** [August 14, 2012, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mods-admins-seriously-stop-it-with-the-pls-help-i-need-money-threads/631333/103 "2012-08-14T15:47:02Z")
> [@Colibri](#): > > It’s a requirement to have a valid e-mail address to post on the board anyway, so that goes without saying. To the best of my recollection, most if not all recent requests have been by long-term members. We wouldn’t accept a request from someone who just signed up to ask for money. > > And I would characterize these threads as being “allowed” rather than “approved.” > > We’ve already stated that. But we’re not able to investigate much beyond what the requester has told us. So if someone feels more information is needed before making a donation, ask in the thread. If you don’t, then don’t donate. Well, you’ve got your standard then. You should put in a sticky along with a \*donator caveat \*warning. After that I don’t care what they want the money for. If I don’t think they need it, I won’t consider it, and even if it seems like a legitimate request to me, I won’t give someone money unless I can verify what’s it’s being used for. ---
**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:** [August 14, 2012, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mods-admins-seriously-stop-it-with-the-pls-help-i-need-money-threads/631333/104 "2012-08-14T15:52:26Z")
I notice that my “Give Fenris Money, NOW!” thread request has neither been approved or denied. :mad: Please let me note that I have a cat, getting up in years, that likes to curl up next to me as I read on my iPad. If I had a 64 gig iPad 3, I could read 2x as much as I could on a 32 gig iPad 1. That’s more quality time with my cat. Isn’t this cause worthy enough to allow me a thread on it? ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Wilson](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/96bed5/32.png) [@Wilson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wilson)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2012, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mods-admins-seriously-stop-it-with-the-pls-help-i-need-money-threads/631333/105 "2012-08-14T16:15:50Z")
> [@Fenris](#): > > I notice that my “Give Fenris Money, NOW!” thread request has neither been approved or denied. :mad: > > Please let me note that I have a cat, getting up in years, that likes to curl up next to me as I read on my iPad. If I had a 64 gig iPad 3, I could read 2x as much as I could on a 32 gig iPad 1. That’s more quality time with my cat. Isn’t this cause worthy enough to allow me a thread on it? ☹ Did you forget to submit cat pictures along with your request? ---
**Author:** ![GrandWino](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grandwino/32/67_2.png) [@GrandWino](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GrandWino)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2012, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mods-admins-seriously-stop-it-with-the-pls-help-i-need-money-threads/631333/106 "2012-08-14T17:15:48Z")
Can we just donate cats? ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2012, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mods-admins-seriously-stop-it-with-the-pls-help-i-need-money-threads/631333/107 "2012-08-14T18:07:49Z")
> [@Fenris](#): > > I notice that my “Give Fenris Money, NOW!” thread request has neither been approved or denied. :mad: > > Please let me note that I have a cat, getting up in years, that likes to curl up next to me as I read on my iPad. If I had a 64 gig iPad 3, I could read 2x as much as I could on a 32 gig iPad 1. That’s more quality time with my cat. Isn’t this cause worthy enough to allow me a thread on it? ☹ Can I have your old one? Because I’ve always wanted to try [this](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v220/Guinastasia/Animated/tumblr_m6iv87xNfw1qdlh1io1_400.gif). (Yeah, I know it’s a cell phone, but I’m guessing something similiar will probably happen. And it’d be cool to find out) ---
**Author:** ![Azeotrope](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/0ea827/32.png) [@Azeotrope](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Azeotrope)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2012, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mods-admins-seriously-stop-it-with-the-pls-help-i-need-money-threads/631333/108 "2012-08-14T20:17:26Z")
> [@Fenris](#): > > I notice that my “Give Fenris Money, NOW!” thread request has neither been approved or denied. :mad: > > Please let me note that I have a cat, getting up in years, that likes to curl up next to me as I read on my iPad. If I had a 64 gig iPad 3, I could read 2x as much as I could on a 32 gig iPad 1. That’s more quality time with my cat. Isn’t this cause worthy enough to allow me a thread on it? ☹ Dear Mr. Fenris: Your “Give Fenris Money, NOW!” thread has been rejected for the following reason(s): Since it takes you twice as long to read the same amount of material on your 32 gig iPad 1, that means your cat is able to curl up at your side for twice as long. Upgrading to the 64 gig iPad 3 would deprive your cat of much-needed snuggle time. Lack of proof of feline existence. Money requests based on Writ of _Habeus Cattus_ submitted without proof of cat ownership are automatically rejected. Very truly yours, The Capricious Thread Rejection Committee ---
**Author:** ![TubaDiva](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tubadiva/32/507_2.png) [@TubaDiva](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TubaDiva)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2012, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mods-admins-seriously-stop-it-with-the-pls-help-i-need-money-threads/631333/109 "2012-08-14T20:24:29Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > I don’t care if someone wants money to pay for hookers and blow as long as there up front in asking for it. > > I would like to know when a ‘mod approved’ request for money is made: > > A. That it’s a member. Then the mods claim they at least have a valid email address for the person > B. That the mods have read the OP and know what will actually be asked for and why All email addresses by users on this board are supposed to be valid; that’s a condition of being here. You don’t have to display it to the public but it must be a working email address. A request for help cannot be made to the board without getting it cleared in advance. Any uncleared requests are removed. (No, I’m not going to remove the posting Fenris made, it’s satire.) Generally there’s two kinds of requests. One is for group things. It’s a damn good charitable cause … fundraisers for well known charities, local bake sales/car washes/benefit concerts, that kind of thing. The other kind of request is more personal. If it is a personal, there’s apparent true pressing financial need. Losing housing/being out of work/being ill and needing medical assistance are some of those criteria. We’re talking crises that change life for the worse where a helping hand might make all the difference in the world. Helping people is not the main reason this site exists. But it’s not a bad ancillary thing. Dopers have a long history of looking after their own. Your participation in any of this is entirely voluntary. But one request. If you’re not going to help, don’t hurt, neither: don’t use the situation as an attempt to shame others. Don’t kick people when they’re down. ---
**Author:** ![Chimera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Chimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chimera)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2012, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mods-admins-seriously-stop-it-with-the-pls-help-i-need-money-threads/631333/110 "2012-08-14T20:31:30Z")
> [@Fenris](#): > > I notice that my “Give Fenris Money, NOW!” thread request has neither been approved or denied. :mad: > > Please let me note that I have a cat, getting up in years, that likes to curl up next to me as I read on my iPad. If I had a 64 gig iPad 3, I could read 2x as much as I could on a 32 gig iPad 1. That’s more quality time with my cat. Isn’t this cause worthy enough to allow me a thread on it? ☹ Selfish prick. I only have a 16gb iPad and am currently without a cat. Please donate so I can get a 64gb iPad and a [Savannah Cat](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Savannah_(cat)). ---
**Author:** ![MsWhatsit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/eb8c5e/32.png) [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2012, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mods-admins-seriously-stop-it-with-the-pls-help-i-need-money-threads/631333/111 "2012-08-14T20:47:58Z")
> [@TubaDiva](#): > > Your participation in any of this is entirely voluntary. But one request. If you’re not going to help, don’t hurt, neither: don’t use the situation as an attempt to shame others. Don’t kick people when they’re down. As long as this is just a request and not an official policy that would prevent us from questioning someone in a thread where they were, say, begging for help to upgrade their cable package or whatever, sure. ---
**Author:** ![bucketybuck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/898d66/32.png) [@bucketybuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bucketybuck)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2012, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mods-admins-seriously-stop-it-with-the-pls-help-i-need-money-threads/631333/112 "2012-08-14T20:56:27Z")
> [@Chimera](#): > > Selfish prick. > > I only have a 16gb iPad and am currently without a cat. > > Please donate so I can get a 64gb iPad and a [Savannah Cat](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Savannah_(cat)). I’d probably have donated if you said you wanted a Tiger. Not for one of the boring cats though. ---
**Author:** ![Beastly\_Rotter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/45deac/32.png) [@Beastly\_Rotter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beastly_Rotter)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2012, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mods-admins-seriously-stop-it-with-the-pls-help-i-need-money-threads/631333/113 "2012-08-14T21:17:46Z")
> [@MsWhatsit](#): > > Because we don’t want MPSIMS to turn into the Begging Forum, and if people see that others are posting “send me money for [non-emergency reason]” threads and getting cash as a result, I promise you it will. It could be renamed the Begging Bowl. Or, if these type of threads are banned, A Farewell To Alms. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2012, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mods-admins-seriously-stop-it-with-the-pls-help-i-need-money-threads/631333/114 "2012-08-14T21:25:42Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > Well, you’ve got your standard then. You should put in a sticky along with a \*donator caveat \*warning. We could do that. But **Ellen Cherry** points out that the Registration Agreement does already mention this issue: > [@](#): > > CLM and its agents, including the administrators and moderators of the Straight Dope Message Board, make no representation that they have investigated or vetted charitable appeals, gift exchanges, and similar activities promoted on this board or groups or individuals associated with them. We do not vouch for, monitor, sponsor, endorse, or have any formal association with such activities. Proceed at your own risk. ---
**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:** [August 14, 2012, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mods-admins-seriously-stop-it-with-the-pls-help-i-need-money-threads/631333/115 "2012-08-14T21:33:25Z")
> [@TubaDiva](#): > > (No, I’m not going to remove the posting Fenris made, it’s satire.) :dubious: Oh _yeah_???//!?/ How do you know I’m _NOT_ really Mr. Will Keith Kellogg, back from the dead, kicking ass, taking names and mooching for donations? Hmmmm? How about THAT, Ms. TubaDiva??!!?!1 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Beastly\_Rotter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/45deac/32.png) [@Beastly\_Rotter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beastly_Rotter)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2012, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mods-admins-seriously-stop-it-with-the-pls-help-i-need-money-threads/631333/116 "2012-08-14T21:40:32Z")
> [@Marley23](#): > > We could do that. But **Ellen Cherry** points out that the Registration Agreement does already mention this issue. To be serious for a moment, then, what is the point of moderator approval if all it is certifying is that it doesn’t contain the words This Is A Scam? We are aware that requests may be spurious, but I think most people are aware of that and apply _caveat donor_. As a number of posters have said, though, that isn’t the major issue in this thread, it is that official permission is seen as being granted for donation requests that seem trivial, or at least inessential. Too many of these and the noise is going to drown out the genuinely serious requests for help. If there is to be a concern for community here, I think that part of the responsibility for the staff here when vetting requests is to see that goodwill is not tried or abused, and that means saying no to some of the less pressing requests for help. ---
**Author:** ![TubaDiva](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tubadiva/32/507_2.png) [@TubaDiva](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TubaDiva)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2012, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mods-admins-seriously-stop-it-with-the-pls-help-i-need-money-threads/631333/117 "2012-08-14T21:41:18Z")
> [@MsWhatsit](#): > > As long as this is just a request and not an official policy that would prevent us from questioning someone in a thread where they were, say, begging for help to upgrade their cable package or whatever, sure. Cite? I mean, come on. ---
**Author:** ![MsWhatsit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/eb8c5e/32.png) [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2012, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mods-admins-seriously-stop-it-with-the-pls-help-i-need-money-threads/631333/118 "2012-08-14T21:42:35Z")
> [@TubaDiva](#): > > Cite? > > I mean, come on. Cite for what? Edit: Are you asking me for a cite where someone asked for help upgrading their cable package? I don’t have one. I made that up. It was an example, as you can tell by the fact that I prefaced it with “say.” I was originally going to use the example of someone begging for help for air conditioning for his rabbits, but I didn’t want to drag that whole situation back into the thread. My point is that I would strongly disagree with any moderator instructions that disallow us from posting anything critical or questioning in “help request” threads, because some of them might actually be stupid or frivolous. I hope that your previous request wasn’t any sort of official instruction. That is all. ---
**Author:** ![TubaDiva](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tubadiva/32/507_2.png) [@TubaDiva](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TubaDiva)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2012, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mods-admins-seriously-stop-it-with-the-pls-help-i-need-money-threads/631333/119 "2012-08-14T21:46:31Z")
> [@Beastly\_Rotter](#): > > To be serious for a moment, then, what is the point of moderator approval if all it is certifying is that it doesn’t contain the words This Is A Scam? We are aware that requests may be spurious, but I think most people are aware of that and apply _caveat donor_. As a number of posters have said, though, that isn’t the major issue in this thread, it is that official permission is seen as being granted for donation requests that seem trivial, or at least inessential. Too many of these and the noise is going to drown out the genuinely serious requests for help. If there is to be a concern for community here, I think that part of the responsibility for the staff here when vetting requests is to see that goodwill is not tried or abused, and that means saying no to some of the less pressing requests for help. Name “less pressing” … without dragging Lute Skywatcher back into it, please, we were all misinformed on that one. People are really making a whole lot more of this issue than the circumstances warrant. Occasionally Dopers have situations where they might ask for help. If they do and you think it’s a worthwhile thing to help with, do so. If you think otherwise, you don’t have to do anything at all. ---
**Author:** ![billfish678](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7bcc69/32.png) [@billfish678](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/billfish678)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2012, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mods-admins-seriously-stop-it-with-the-pls-help-i-need-money-threads/631333/120 "2012-08-14T21:53:41Z")
Can we just send such requests to the Pit? If you can survive your request there you’ve earned any money you’ve “made” no matter why you actually want it 🙂 And if you can piss off a hundred other posters while doing so thats just extra free entertainment for everyone! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mods-admins-seriously-stop-it-with-the-pls-help-i-need-money-threads/631333.md?page=5) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mods-admins-seriously-stop-it-with-the-pls-help-i-need-money-threads/631333.md?page=7)