# Open letter to Moderators and Administrators **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [November 13, 2001, 8:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-letter-to-moderators-and-administrators/93091 "2001-11-13T08:20:23Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![celestina](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/258eb7/32.png) [@celestina](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/celestina)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2001, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-letter-to-moderators-and-administrators/93091/21 "2001-11-13T16:42:25Z")
warmgun, thanks for starting this thread. I totally agree. FWIW, I’m paying and staying. I’m too hopelessly addicted to go anywhere else. All this information and all these intelligent folks to talk to. This is some of the best “beer” I’ve ever had, and to think up till now I’ve been getting it for free. It makes my head hurt to do the math, but I figure if y’all charge in the $20-50 range, I’m still coming out ahead because I have all this information at my fingertips. You can’t put a price on what the SDMB has to offer in past threads, which I’d like to read, in what it’s got going on right now, and in future threads to come. I’ll miss those who won’t be along for the ride and I wish them well in finding other places to play, but the world’s a big place full of SDMB addicts to be. [giggle] {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Mods & Admins}}}}}}}}}}}}}}} Thank you for doing such a great job and helping to make this the message board that’s going to put me in the poorhouse because I’m so addicted to it that I don’t get my work done. 😃 Dopers, have you hugged a Mod or Admin today? ---
**Author:** ![Arnold\_Winkelried](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Arnold\_Winkelried](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arnold_Winkelried)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2001, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-letter-to-moderators-and-administrators/93091/22 "2001-11-13T17:09:53Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Ukulele Ike \* > …I’m supposed to have gotten a MUG? Mr. Ike, what they mean by MUG is that they send over Alphagene to “rearrange” your face. Trust me, you’re better off without it. ---
**Author:** ![Ferrous](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Ferrous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferrous)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2001, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-letter-to-moderators-and-administrators/93091/23 "2001-11-13T17:10:15Z")
Oh, goody. _Another_ thread on this topic… FWIW, I will probably pay, and hope for the best. Hope that this fantastic board does not wither away for lack of new blood. Some seem sure it won’t. I hope they’re right. And yeah, I won’t miss a lot of the whiners… > [@](#): > > Have you, in the time spent since you registered, not received at least $50 in value from being here? Absolutely. As has been said, the fear is that maybe it won’t be so fun if people had to pay. > [@](#): > > Give them a chance. One year at least. Even if I never post or read again after the paid period starts, I still will fund them that first year. Out of thanks. 'Kay. Oh, and by the way, I don’t know if the possibility of donations has been completely ruled out, but if not, I would be willing to donate $20-$50 to keep this place free. ---
**Author:** ![ShibbOleth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/848f3c/32.png) [@ShibbOleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShibbOleth)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2001, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-letter-to-moderators-and-administrators/93091/24 "2001-11-13T17:30:57Z")
Just wanted to chime in to say that, given the nature of this place, I would have been _shocked_ if there hadn’t been some form of hue and cry. I mean, c’mon, there’s somebody here to get emotional and charged up over just about anything. I concur with [sub]the ever lovely[/sub] **TubaDiva** that since most people have an emotional investment here, there is certain to be an emotional response. That said, I haven’t been spending much time looking into threads over our brave new world. I already sent in my “yes, I’ll do it”, made a couple of comments, and figure it’s now more or less out of my hands. I hope that there has not been any mod or admin bashing over this issue, but am not naive enough to believe that there will be none. At the risk of being labelled a sycophant I will echo the sentiment of what a fantastic job the administration does here, with wit, humor, evenhandedness and, where necessary, a good dash of vitriol. The patience which you display with the ugliest of trolls is admirable. Thank you for all of your hard work. Very nice OP, **warmgun**! ---
**Author:** ![wring](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/838e76/32.png) [@wring](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wring)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2001, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-letter-to-moderators-and-administrators/93091/25 "2001-11-13T18:17:30Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Syzygy \* > How dare you imply that the CR and its staff are lying to you, trying to **wring** dollars out of you for no good reason. If they say they’ve tried everything, and still can’t make ends meet, then dammit, that’s good enough for me. :eek: I had nuttin to do wif it. Honest. **warmgun** : Salute! **Mods/Adminst** you know how I feel (well, except for \*\*Uncle Beer \*\* who’s still in the dog house). I may not expound on it much outloud, but I do my best to show my appreciation. ---
**Author:** ![robby](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robby/32/11048_2.png) [@robby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robby)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2001, 1:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-letter-to-moderators-and-administrators/93091/26 "2001-11-14T01:12:42Z")
This is one of the most positive and hopeful threads I’ve read on this topic so far. I too want to sincerely thank the mods, administration, and support staff who have made the SDMB what it is today. I’d also like to thank the _Chicago Reader_ for footing the bill for as long as they have, and for not booting the whole whining bunch of us out of here posthaste. **TubaDiva** , I’m glad to hear that you realize that much of the sound and fury of late is due to the emotional involvement people have with the community that is the SDMB. Please try to remain upbeat. Not everyone here agrees with all of the admin bashing. So… **hell yes!** Sign me up! I’ll buy war bonds!! (And I’ll subscribe to the SDMB as well. :D) ---
**Author:** ![Hombre](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ecb155/32.png) [@Hombre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hombre)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2001, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-letter-to-moderators-and-administrators/93091/27 "2001-11-14T03:16:45Z")
Thanks **warmgun**. I posted a link to this thread in [this](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=98195) cluster-fuck this morning (the pay-per-post thread) hoping to bring in a new side there. Now I come back and this thread is about the same. Dejected, I went back to ‘cluster-fuck’ thread to see how _that_ one was progressing. Mine’s still the last post! I take that as a good sign… Anyway, I am all-the-fuck over this idea. Great OP. I hope more Dopers climb aboard. Thank you mods. Really, thanks. I’m with **Anthracite**. I’m giving them the first year even if she and I are the only ones here. ---
**Author:** ![Ukulele\_Ike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/df788c/32.png) [@Ukulele\_Ike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ukulele_Ike)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2001, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-letter-to-moderators-and-administrators/93091/28 "2001-11-14T03:52:32Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Arnold Winkelried \* > \*\*what they mean by MUG is that they send over Alphagene to “rearrange” your face. Trust me, you’re better off without it. \*\* Ah, I’ve tangled with that **Alphagene** character before. Those big muscular guys, they’re all clumsy. Whatcha do is, you weave in an out like an eel. It makes 'em dizzy. Then you have the pleasure of knowing that they have an upset stomach while they’re pounding on your face. ---
**Author:** ![warmgun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/ecccb3/32.png) [@warmgun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/warmgun)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2001, 4:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-letter-to-moderators-and-administrators/93091/29 "2001-11-14T04:05:17Z")
Wow, **Ukulele Ike** , remind me never to tangle with a savy street brawler like yourself! 'Course I guess it wouldn’t do any good to remind me, me being dizzy an all… 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Stoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stoid/32/272_2.png) [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2001, 4:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-letter-to-moderators-and-administrators/93091/30 "2001-11-14T04:52:40Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by warmgun \* > \*\* Because as much as I love this place, even I’m not going to be here if it’s just me and **Stoid**. \*\* I’m not quite sure how to take that. 😕 But I agree with you in any case. Stoid ---
**Author:** ![warmgun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/ecccb3/32.png) [@warmgun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/warmgun)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2001, 5:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-letter-to-moderators-and-administrators/93091/31 "2001-11-14T05:03:22Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Stoid \* > \*\*I’m not quite sure how to take that. Stoid \*\* **Stoid** , If I had to be stuck here with only one other poster, you’d be on the short list. I only meant it wouldn’t be much fun with just 2 posters and your posts seem to stick out as a voice of reason. I had you pegged for a ‘stayer’. Sorry if I offended you. Not my intent. Steven ---
**Author:** ![Stoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stoid/32/272_2.png) [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2001, 5:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-letter-to-moderators-and-administrators/93091/32 "2001-11-14T05:07:02Z")
Oh Lordy! I get a little defensive sometimes. Can’t imagine why. Please forgive ME. And thanks for saying that. That was exceptionally nice. May I use it as my sig? 😃 stoid ---
**Author:** ![Freedom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/bc8723/32.png) [@Freedom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freedom)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2001, 5:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-letter-to-moderators-and-administrators/93091/33 "2001-11-14T05:08:29Z")
\*\*Hell yes, I’ll pay! ---
**Author:** ![warmgun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/ecccb3/32.png) [@warmgun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/warmgun)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2001, 5:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-letter-to-moderators-and-administrators/93091/34 "2001-11-14T05:27:51Z")
**Stoid** , No worries. Be my guest. **Freedom** , welcome aboard, thanks. ---
**Author:** ![Oblong](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/c0e974/32.png) [@Oblong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oblong)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2001, 5:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-letter-to-moderators-and-administrators/93091/35 "2001-11-14T05:31:05Z")
I feel like I missed out on something. I didn’t even notice the fighting and arguing over the possibility of paying. I read the announcement and filled out the form without thinking twice about it. It’s all very simple. There’s no such thing as a free lunch. This stuff costs money. I get value out of it and I’m sure I don’t contribute in quality what I get out. I have no problem paying a fee. I buy magazines and newspapers. Another message board I frequent that is narrower in scope is going through the same crisis (in fact, the temporary shutdown of that one is what brought me back here and I noticed it was much faster now so I stayed, lucky you). Theres nothing that says the Net or the Web is supposed to be free. I suppose I should read what others have said, I even skimmed through this thread but these are my gut feelings and I’m sticking to them. If you feel different, then I’m sorry. I really feel like I’m at a giant 24 hour party here and I can venture off into one forum and stay there for hours and be entertained. I don’t really know anyone here but it sure is a lot of fun. Count me in! ---
**Author:** ![Derleth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b9e5f3/32.png) [@Derleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Derleth)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2001, 5:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-letter-to-moderators-and-administrators/93091/36 "2001-11-14T05:48:24Z")
I’ve got no problem with paying a fee. I’m just not sure how I’d manage it. But I’ll make an effort to. This place is too good for me to be locked out of. ---
**Author:** ![Algernon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a183cd/32.png) [@Algernon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Algernon)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2001, 1:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-letter-to-moderators-and-administrators/93091/37 "2001-11-14T13:25:06Z")
I regret having missed this thread until now… I’ve read most of the other doomsday threads on this topic… it’s nice to see a positive perspective for a change. I know there is sometimes a hint of derision towards “me too” posters, but I have nothing to add to what **warmgun** and many others have said here other than… … … … me too!! ---
**Author:** ![Tranquilis](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tranquilis/32/3639_2.png) [@Tranquilis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tranquilis)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2001, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-letter-to-moderators-and-administrators/93091/38 "2001-11-14T14:54:36Z")
Regardless of whether or not I stay (likely not), I’d like to pile-on here and state that the Mods and Admins have done yeoman duty, and I fully appreciate that. They have a task I’d not wish one someone I _loathe_, and they’ve taken it up willingly and with good heart, sans compensation. It isn’t their fault the SDMB is in such dire straights, nor are they to blame for the CR’s proposed solution. They’ve been put in a no-win situation, and must preside over the most risky transit the SDMB will ever face. They’re at the helm when all the choices look bad, and the shoals are all around us. I’m not going to try and take the wheel, nor correct their course, because they know the waters far better than I. I _will_ offer suggestions, and I will decide whether or not to go down with the ship. If I guess wrong, well, that’s _my_ decision, and reflects nothing on the conduct or skill of the Admins & Mods. Simply put, without the tireless, selfless labor of the Admins and Mods, the SDMB would’ve foundered long ago. ---
**Author:** ![darkcool](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/5f8ce5/32.png) [@darkcool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/darkcool)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2001, 1:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-letter-to-moderators-and-administrators/93091/39 "2001-11-15T01:12:12Z")
How the hell did I miss this thread? Late as usual… Anywho, Count me in for the first year regardless. No way I could follow **Traquilis’** eloquent mod comments except to say: Goes double for me. Great OP, **WG** , kudos! And, **Traquilis** , I hope you reconsider, I’d hate to see you go. ---
**Author:** ![Tranquilis](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tranquilis/32/3639_2.png) [@Tranquilis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tranquilis)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2001, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-letter-to-moderators-and-administrators/93091/40 "2001-11-15T03:10:07Z")
Thank you, **darkcool** , it’s nice to hear that, but it’s an issue that’s been discussed already. It has nothing to do with the boards, nor the Administration and Moderation thereof, but to do with personal standards & choices. Everyone draws a line, I drew mine some time ago. That said, there are some very good ideas being floated in [this thread](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=98825), most of which would allow me the decision to stay. Not my call any more, I’ve had my say, and we’ll see how it goes. JFTR, I hope I can stay, too. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-letter-to-moderators-and-administrators/93091.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-letter-to-moderators-and-administrators/93091.md?page=3)