# newbie with a question **URL:** \ **Category:** About This Message Board\ **Created:** [September 21, 2001, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/newbie-with-a-question/83059 "2001-09-21T18:31:24Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![atypicalcarl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/73ab20/32.png) [@atypicalcarl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/atypicalcarl)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2001, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/newbie-with-a-question/83059/1 "2001-09-21T18:31:24Z")
I understand that questioning the mods belongs in the pit, but what is proper form when a moderator posts an opinion in a thread? Is it supposed to be ignored by all? I haven’t seen anything that I would criticize - I was just wondering. Thanks for your patience. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Ethilrist](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ethilrist/32/4604_2.png) [@Ethilrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ethilrist)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2001, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/newbie-with-a-question/83059/2 "2001-09-21T18:34:26Z")
Depends on the opinion. If they seem just to be tossing in their .02 on the OP, then they’re posting as members. On the other hand, if they say something like moderator hat ON KNOCK IT OFF moderator hat OFF I just quietly tiptoe away and hope they don’t notice me. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Corrado](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/a88e4f/32.png) [@John\_Corrado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Corrado)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2001, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/newbie-with-a-question/83059/3 "2001-09-21T18:53:15Z")
Well, generally we mods do attempt to specifically note when we’re acting as Moderators and invoking our Powers of Destruction; unless otherwise noted, we’re just generally Regular Posters Who Simply Happen To Have Been Noticed By Cecil For Our Outstanding Wit and Intelligence. (10:1 Cecil shows up in this thread and wonders why he’s never heard of me.) Anyhoo. If a Moderator is merely posting opinion or engaging in debate or rant, feel free to join in, or join in opposition. Nobody gets banned because they debate creationism vs. evolution with DavidB, or fight with me over liberalism vs. conservatism, or fight with UncleBeer over the exact meaning of the Second Amendment, or call Coldfire “Clog Boy”. If a Moderator or Administrator acts in their official capacity, they tend to announce such by stating: [Moderator Hat: ON] or “Speaking as a Moderator of this board…” or “Sincerely, John Corrado Moderator”. (Though I must admit I doubt anyone but me would _specifically_ call themselves “John Corrado, Moderator”.) In that case, you _are_ still free to question their actions and statements; however, rather than doing so in the same thread, you should go down to the Pit and start a new thread to talk about the specific action. It’s also suggested that, should you do such, you should include a link to the specific thread giving you grievance. Sincerely, John Corrado Moderator. ---
**Author:** ![atypicalcarl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/73ab20/32.png) [@atypicalcarl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/atypicalcarl)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2001, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/newbie-with-a-question/83059/4 "2001-09-21T19:44:50Z")
That pretty much clears it up for me. ‘Thanks’ to both of you. ---
**Author:** ![erislover](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/71e660/32.png) [@erislover](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/erislover)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2001, 6:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/newbie-with-a-question/83059/5 "2001-09-22T06:19:41Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by John Corrado \* > (Though I must admit I doubt anyone but me would _specifically_ call themselves “John Corrado, Moderator”.) Hmmmmm… ---
**Author:** ![Pucette](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/278dde/32.png) [@Pucette](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pucette)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2001, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/newbie-with-a-question/83059/6 "2001-09-27T15:53:47Z")
\ atypicalcarl: Are you a typical Carl? or an atypical Carl? Help! -Confused in NY \ ---
**Author:** ![atypicalcarl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/73ab20/32.png) [@atypicalcarl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/atypicalcarl)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2001, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/newbie-with-a-question/83059/7 "2001-09-27T22:10:32Z")
Hello, **Pucette** I answered that [here.](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?postid=1631410#post1631410) Oh boy - I have a good excuse to try linking to a post:) ---
**Author:** ![Pucette](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/278dde/32.png) [@Pucette](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pucette)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2001, 12:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/newbie-with-a-question/83059/8 "2001-09-28T12:55:40Z")
'Twas my intention, dontcha know… 🙂 Well that cleared it up. You are both typical and atypical. Perfect!