# Mods, can't you tell Snowboarder Bo to shut up? **URL:** \ **Category:** About This Message Board\ **Created:** [January 14, 2012, 5:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mods-cant-you-tell-snowboarder-bo-to-shut-up/609483 "2012-01-14T05:02:09Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 10
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2012, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mods-cant-you-tell-snowboarder-bo-to-shut-up/609483/181 "2012-01-16T00:24:03Z")
> [@mhendo](#): > > You keep saying that you use it in context, yet what you apparently fail to recognize is that context is a _shared_ component of communication. To use something in context requires that the context and the usage be understood by, if not all, at least a majority of your audience. If something is truly being used in context, people don’t look at your comment and scratch their heads, wondering what the hell those words are doing there. > > Saying to yourself “I’m going to let this set of words stand arbitrarily for that other set of words” is NOT “context,” no matter how many times you link to the obscure reference that motivated your iconoclastic usage. This is a ridiculous argument. If it were true, then there really wouldn’t be a need for that guide I linked to in my last post, would there? Before you counter that the majority understands those in-jokes, let me point out that at one time, the majority did not. They had to be created at some time, and people got to know them by seeing them and asking “what the hell are those words doing there?” Others then had to link to the obscure reference that produced the joke or otherwise explain it. That’s how ignorance is fought, after all: by spreading knowledge. ---
**Author:** ![Otara](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/a88e4f/32.png) [@Otara](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Otara)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2012, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mods-cant-you-tell-snowboarder-bo-to-shut-up/609483/182 "2012-01-16T00:25:48Z")
In itself a large number of people being annoyed at something on the internet isnt enough, as there is a large number of people on the internet who try way too hard to get the world to fit their preferences rather than adapting to it, and theres a much larger group who is willing to live and let live who dont get counted in the vote with that metric. Adapting to them simply means you let them get more and more restrictive as time goes on, which in my view has been happening with this forum over the years, and unfortunately becomes self reinforcing as time goes on. So something does get ‘lost’ when you bow to these kinds of demands too often in my view. The problem is its not something that shows up on a daily or weekly basis, but only over time. Otara ---
**Author:** ![bldysabba](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ecccb3/32.png) [@bldysabba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bldysabba)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2012, 12:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mods-cant-you-tell-snowboarder-bo-to-shut-up/609483/183 "2012-01-16T00:38:02Z")
I’m joining **Bo** at the quarry. A pitting is one thing. This thread on the other hand, is ridiculous and has already made me adopt the quarry theme to express amusement. ---
**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:** [January 16, 2012, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mods-cant-you-tell-snowboarder-bo-to-shut-up/609483/184 "2012-01-16T01:02:08Z")
> [@Snowboarder\_Bo](#): > > Before you counter that the majority understands those in-jokes, let me point out that at one time, the majority did not. They had to be created at some time, and people got to know them by seeing them and asking “what the hell are those words doing there?” The difference is that most of those occurred organically, as a bunch of people picked up on something they found funny or interesting. I don’t remember a single case where one person spent dozens of posts inserting a catchphrase that almost no-one else knew about. Anyway, the argument that _your_ stupid catchphrase is no worse than those other stupid catchphrases is not one i find especially compelling, because i think that most of the catchphrases in the list you linked to are pretty dumb. But, as i said earlier, you do what you want. I’m not arguing, and have never argued, that anyone should stop you. ---
**Author:** ![Ambivalid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a5b964/32.png) [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2012, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mods-cant-you-tell-snowboarder-bo-to-shut-up/609483/185 "2012-01-16T01:05:19Z")
I’m starting to think **SnowboarderBo** is a bit of a genius. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Lord\_Ashtar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ea924/32.png) [@Lord\_Ashtar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Ashtar)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2012, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mods-cant-you-tell-snowboarder-bo-to-shut-up/609483/186 "2012-01-16T01:51:33Z")
> [@Snowboarder\_Bo](#): > > This is a ridiculous argument. If it were true, then there really wouldn’t be a need for that guide I linked to in my last post, would there? The best jokes are the ones that require an explanation. ---
**Author:** ![Ostrya](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/35a633/32.png) [@Ostrya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ostrya)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2012, 1:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mods-cant-you-tell-snowboarder-bo-to-shut-up/609483/187 "2012-01-16T01:53:15Z")
> [@Otara](#): > > In itself a large number of people being annoyed at something on the internet isnt enough, as there is a large number of people on the internet who try way too hard to get the world to fit their preferences rather than adapting to it, and theres a much larger group who is willing to live and let live who dont get counted in the vote with that metric. > > Adapting to them simply means you let them get more and more restrictive as time goes on, which in my view has been happening with this forum over the years, and unfortunately becomes self reinforcing as time goes on. > > So something does get ‘lost’ when you bow to these kinds of demands too often in my view. The problem is its not something that shows up on a daily or weekly basis, but only over time. > > Otara I think this a particularly insightful post. ---
**Author:** ![Red\_Barchetta](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/da6949/32.png) [@Red\_Barchetta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Red_Barchetta)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2012, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mods-cant-you-tell-snowboarder-bo-to-shut-up/609483/188 "2012-01-16T02:18:10Z")
[quote=“Gary “Wombat” Robson, post:175, topic:609483”] No, they’re not. In fact, the rules specifically address this: That is addressed in the rules as well. [/QUOTE] Then you guys aren’t doing a very good job of enforcing it. Cite from today: > **[An open letter to Der Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=638580)** > > I was a very religious Christian. My earliest memory of you is of you calling Jesus a cunt. I messaged the mods to get some discipline handed out, but no luck. Over the years I have watched you virulently and unapologetically defend reason and... A quick search reveals that every post of his/hers I could find had such a sign-off. Not to pick on Shodan specifically; it was just the first that came to mind. ---
**Author:** ![Scissorjack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c67d28/32.png) [@Scissorjack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scissorjack)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2012, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mods-cant-you-tell-snowboarder-bo-to-shut-up/609483/189 "2012-01-16T02:22:26Z")
Don’t forget the diver! ---
**Author:** ![brittekland](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/aeb1de/32.png) [@brittekland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brittekland)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2012, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mods-cant-you-tell-snowboarder-bo-to-shut-up/609483/190 "2012-01-16T02:22:43Z")
> [@Otara](#): > > In itself a large number of people being annoyed at something on the internet isnt enough, as there is a large number of people on the internet who try way too hard to get the world to fit their preferences rather than adapting to it, and theres a much larger group who is willing to live and let live who dont get counted in the vote with that metric. > > Adapting to them simply means you let them get more and more restrictive as time goes on, which in my view has been happening with this forum over the years, and unfortunately becomes self reinforcing as time goes on. > > So something does get ‘lost’ when you bow to these kinds of demands too often in my view. The problem is its not something that shows up on a daily or weekly basis, but only over time. > > Otara I think there usually is a fine line between two extremes whatever they may be; self-restraint & abuse, moderation & over-the-top, and ‘something getting lost’ & something becoming rampant. ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2012, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mods-cant-you-tell-snowboarder-bo-to-shut-up/609483/191 "2012-01-16T02:23:28Z")
> [@mhendo](#): > > The difference is that most of those occurred organically, as a bunch of people picked up on something they found funny or interesting. I don’t remember a single case where one person spent dozens of posts inserting a catchphrase that almost no-one else knew about. I already mentioned this in the Pit thread ([post #204](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=14669813&postcount=204)), but the exact way you describe it is what happened. After the story was told in the Autocorrect thread, several people found it funny and re-used the phrase in that thread. I read that thread, and carried it over to other threads. I can’t see where it makes a difference that I did most of the initial posting of it in other threads vs. several people posting it in other threads; everything starts somewhere. And then, with the Pitting and this thread, even more people posted it or a variation of some kind, just like people do with “burning your dog” or “1920s-style death ray” or “penis ensues”, etc. ---
**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2012, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mods-cant-you-tell-snowboarder-bo-to-shut-up/609483/192 "2012-01-16T02:39:07Z")
> [@Red\_Barchetta](#): > > Then you guys aren’t doing a very good job of enforcing it. > > Cite from today: > [An open letter to Der Trihs - Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share - Straight Dope Message Board](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=638580) > > A quick search reveals that every post of his/hers I could find had such a sign-off. Not to pick on Shodan specifically; it was just the first that came to mind. **Shodan** isn’t breaking the rules. They specifically say a simple signoff in the format such as “Regards, Shodan” is permitted in every post. The rules do make a distinction between a simple signoff and a signature. > [@](#): > > Originally Posted by FAQ - Rules for Posting at the Straight Dope Message Boards View Post > I like to sign my name at the end of each of my posts. Is that OK? > \*\*You can do a simple signoff of the form: > > [complimentary close - optional] > [your name] > > … at the end of each post.\*\* By “complimentary close” we mean some brief valedictory such as “regards,” “peace,” etc. Please don’t push the envelope. (Bolding mine) Peace, cochrane ---
**Author:** ![Red\_Barchetta](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/da6949/32.png) [@Red\_Barchetta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Red_Barchetta)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2012, 2:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mods-cant-you-tell-snowboarder-bo-to-shut-up/609483/193 "2012-01-16T02:50:14Z")
> [@cochrane](#): > > **Shodan** isn’t breaking the rules. They specifically say a simple signoff in the format such as “Regards, Shodan” is permitted in every post. The rules do make a distinction between a simple signoff and a signature. Hmm is there checkbox or something for those who have a signature to include it in the post? Is it something only Charter members see? I had no idea that was even an option, since I’m not provided with that choice (could also be due to me not having a sig and/or having disabled others). Anyway, I was mistaken as I thought Wombat’s two questions were referring to the same issue, not realizing signatures can (presumably) be selectively included. ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2012, 3:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mods-cant-you-tell-snowboarder-bo-to-shut-up/609483/194 "2012-01-16T03:03:22Z")
> [@Red\_Barchetta](#): > > Hmm is there checkbox or something for those who have a signature to include it in the post? Is it something only Charter members see? I had no idea that was even an option, since I’m not provided with that choice (could also be due to me not having a sig and/or having disabled others). > > Anyway, I was mistaken as I thought Wombat’s two questions were referring to the same issue, not realizing signatures can (presumably) be selectively included. When you are posting, below the box you type in is a blue bar that says “Additional Options”. Under that is a box marked “Miscellaneous Options” with 3 check boxes. The first one is “Show your signature”, and by default it is unchecked. Anyone can have a signature; it’s not limited to members or charter members. Mine is below, for instance. ---
**Author:** ![Darth\_Panda](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ee7513/32.png) [@Darth\_Panda](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darth_Panda)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2012, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mods-cant-you-tell-snowboarder-bo-to-shut-up/609483/195 "2012-01-16T03:08:02Z")
Let’s go down to the quarry and murder a welder. ---
**Author:** ![Red\_Barchetta](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/da6949/32.png) [@Red\_Barchetta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Red_Barchetta)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2012, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mods-cant-you-tell-snowboarder-bo-to-shut-up/609483/196 "2012-01-16T03:11:13Z")
> [@Snowboarder\_Bo](#): > > The first one is “Show your signature”, and by default it is unchecked. > > Anyone can have a signature; it’s not limited to members or charter members. > > Mine is below, for instance. I don’t have that option and I don’t see your signature (since I have them hidden). As for the former, I’m guessing it’s either because I have sigs hidden, or because I don’t have a sig myself. Had no idea they could be selectively posted. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2012, 3:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mods-cant-you-tell-snowboarder-bo-to-shut-up/609483/197 "2012-01-16T03:23:55Z")
I started off not caring much either way. But after reading what Bo has to say I realize it’s either a really stupid affectation or he is purposely doing it to piss people off. Since I hate affected people and those that purposely piss people off for their amusement, I now hate Bo. ---
**Author:** ![VinylTurnip](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b2d939/32.png) [@VinylTurnip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VinylTurnip)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2012, 3:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mods-cant-you-tell-snowboarder-bo-to-shut-up/609483/198 "2012-01-16T03:54:31Z")
Aaaaannnnd… _BOOM goes the dynamite!_ ---
**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:** [January 16, 2012, 4:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mods-cant-you-tell-snowboarder-bo-to-shut-up/609483/199 "2012-01-16T04:03:42Z")
> [@Snowboarder\_Bo](#): > > I already mentioned this in the Pit thread ([post #204](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=14669813&postcount=204)), but the exact way you describe it is what happened. You tell yourself whatever you need to. As i said, i don’t really care one way or the other whether you use it or not. ---
**Author:** ![Knorf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/58956e/32.png) [@Knorf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knorf)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2012, 6:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mods-cant-you-tell-snowboarder-bo-to-shut-up/609483/200 "2012-01-16T06:35:55Z")
> [@cochrane](#): > > **Shodan** isn’t breaking the rules. And neither is **Snowboarder Bo**. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mods-cant-you-tell-snowboarder-bo-to-shut-up/609483.md?page=9) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mods-cant-you-tell-snowboarder-bo-to-shut-up/609483.md?page=11)