# Pit rules have been revised **URL:** \ **Category:** About This Message Board\ **Created:** [February 24, 2009, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-rules-have-been-revised/487256 "2009-02-24T19:34:16Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 19
**Author:** ![Green\_Bean](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/green_bean/32/1760_2.png) [@Green\_Bean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Green_Bean)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2009, 4:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-rules-have-been-revised/487256/361 "2009-02-25T04:54:57Z")
Count me as another long-term poster who hasn’t complained about the administration. Until now. Frankly, I’d probably just cheerfully accept most any rule change that came down the pike. I don’t care too much what the rules are. Just tell me what they are, and I’ll follow them. But you’re not even telling me what the rules are. So how can I follow them? This is a massive clusterfuck in the making. > [@Ed\_Zotti](#): > > …That’s the problem with discussions of this sort, when we’re dealing with abstractions - you get little sense of what the rule means in practice. Sweetheart, we know _exactly_ what this “rule” means in practice. That’s what we’re trying to tell you. ---
**Author:** ![raindog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/2bfe46/32.png) [@raindog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/raindog)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2009, 4:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-rules-have-been-revised/487256/362 "2009-02-25T04:57:00Z")
> [@woodstockbirdybird](#): > > Hey, Jiminey Cricket, are you this much of a moralistic schoolmarm in your interactions with your friends? You must be the last person anybody wants to play _Grand Theft Auto_ with. Christ. > > How’s that for a non-vulgar way of calling you an asshole? Make you feel like the level of discourse has been raised? > > Also, as has already been pointed out (but which you obviously didn’t catch), typing c\*unt kind of defeats the purpose of using the asterisk. Then again, the asterisk is worthless when used properly anyway since everybody knows what word you’re saying, and only makes you seem like a prudish Mormon child. > > Hey, maybe these Pit rules _will_ work! Well, it’s a bit sophomoric, but it is your first attempt. Kudos for getting outside your comfort zone. I’m glad I could facilitate your transformation. I’m surprised that it took so long for the “prudish Mormon child” theme post to emerge. If you wish to offer up the notion that refraining from using juvenile, witless profanity is tantamount to having a delicate constitution, have at it. Color me uninspired. ---
**Author:** ![That\_Guy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/13edae/32.png) [@That\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/That_Guy)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2009, 5:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-rules-have-been-revised/487256/363 "2009-02-25T05:00:35Z")
This reminds me a lot of college parties. Everything is going swimmingly, all us underage underclassmen are getting drunk, having fun, hooking up with hot slutty coeds, etc. It’s getting late and who happens to be walking home from studying at the library because he couldn’t get a date on a Friday night? The ugly, pimple-faced nerd with no social skills that no one invited to the party. After seeing the party and all the fun people are having, and getting mad because no one invited him, what does he do? He calls the cops and reports the party, because if he can’t have any fun, no one can, and that will show all those popular kids who’s boss. Who’s the kids at party? All of the posters, posting in the Pit until now, doing just fine, having fun and letting lose, but still keeping it in the basement so it doesn’t get too loud to disturb the neighbors, until Ed Zotti, the dateless wonder, appears in the Pit a few months ago, coming from the library on a Friday night, and decides he’s going to call the cops and ruin it for everyone. ---
**Author:** ![Sleeps\_With\_Butterflies](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bb73d2/32.png) [@Sleeps\_With\_Butterflies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sleeps_With_Butterflies)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2009, 5:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-rules-have-been-revised/487256/364 "2009-02-25T05:00:46Z")
> [@fisha](#): > > Fuck that, **Miller.** > > How much to buy the entire dog and pony show? > > Seriously. Any way to find out that info? No disrespect intended, but when these types of changes have come up before I’ve seen other people ask about buying the board. Why? Start your own board with similar software (but find someone who actually knows how to update it) and then come here and let everyone know they can sign up with their straight dope names. Why purchase this limping, dying board? ---
**Author:** ![Clark\_K](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c77e96/32.png) [@Clark\_K](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clark_K)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2009, 5:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-rules-have-been-revised/487256/365 "2009-02-25T05:02:08Z")
> [@chacoguy420](#): > > EXACTLY, We’re supposed to not be upset, relax and see how it goes and post away freely like we always have until, _Whoops!_ we cross an ill defined invisible line and get banned. Why don’t you believe Ed when he says no one will be banned for inadvertantly crossing an invisible line? He says people will see what he’s trying to accomplish in time and that they’ll get warnings and clear directives from the mods before a banning. Stupid rule or not, I see no reason to think he’s lying. > [@chacoguy420](#): > > In real life, if someone says " Mormons are all child molesters"; I would respond with “Fuck you, you ignorant douche” and I’m not even Mormon. Now, I must act as if they are a respected member of society and attempt to reason them away from their ignorance. Ignorance at the level of racism and bigotry does not deserve a civil response. Why is it that willfully uncivil posters must receive a civil response? I see nothing in the rules that requires you to be civil. The “fuck you” would be out, but I take it that you could call this bigot an ignorant douche. You could say you haven’t heard such an ignorant, stupid statement since Michael Vick spoke at the PETA convention. You could say that only a moron would make that kind of offensive generalization and if this person has an ounce of self-respect, or even two working brain cells, he would apologize. The line between insulting and abusive is incredibly fuzzy. I think Ed has opened quite the can of worms for the moderators. But I don’t think it hampers members as much as people think it does. ---
**Author:** ![raindog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/2bfe46/32.png) [@raindog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/raindog)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2009, 5:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-rules-have-been-revised/487256/366 "2009-02-25T05:04:23Z")
> [@levdrakon](#): > > You can ignore them if you think they’re trolling, or fight their ignorance. Why would you pit someone for asking a question? > > “Was the Moon landing faked?” > “Goddamn you stupid mother fucking ignorant cocksucker!” > > Uh, that’s not cool. Apparently, not only is it cool, but it’s evidence just how urbane, creative and intelligent we are. Don’t you get it? ---
**Author:** ![Giraffe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/giraffe/32/129_2.png) [@Giraffe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Giraffe)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2009, 5:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-rules-have-been-revised/487256/367 "2009-02-25T05:06:08Z")
> [@raindog](#): > > Apparently, not only is it cool, but it’s evidence just how urbane, creative and intelligent we are. When did this thread become “Q&A with **raindog** ”? ---
**Author:** ![woodstockbirdybird](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/woodstockbirdybird/32/7905_2.png) [@woodstockbirdybird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/woodstockbirdybird)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2009, 5:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-rules-have-been-revised/487256/368 "2009-02-25T05:07:04Z")
> [@raindog](#): > > Well, it’s a bit sophomoric, but it is your first attempt. Kudos for getting outside your comfort zone. I’m glad I could facilitate your transformation. > > I’m surprised that it took so long for the “prudish Mormon child” theme post to emerge. If you wish to offer up the notion that refraining from using juvenile, witless profanity is tantamount to having a delicate constitution, have at it. > > Color me uninspired. Nah, I’m offering up the notion that refraining from using “juvenile, witless profanity” makes you a huge fucking bore and a supercilious jackass. But maybe if I’d ever seen an example of your alleged Wildean wit I’d change my mind. ---
**Author:** ![woodstockbirdybird](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/woodstockbirdybird/32/7905_2.png) [@woodstockbirdybird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/woodstockbirdybird)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2009, 5:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-rules-have-been-revised/487256/369 "2009-02-25T05:08:08Z")
> [@Giraffe](#): > > When did this thread become “Q&A with **raindog** ”? Ssshhh! We children aren’t supposed to speak up while daddy’s lecturing us. ---
**Author:** ![raindog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/2bfe46/32.png) [@raindog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/raindog)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2009, 5:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-rules-have-been-revised/487256/370 "2009-02-25T05:10:51Z")
> [@Ro0sh](#): > > So **raindog** , what’s your take on the phrase “_butthurt much?_” as a comment to another poster? > > As it’s not a profane obscene curse at all, but it’s an interesting phrase when tossed around the Pit, and I’m curious to your opinion (as you said you like to avoid the Pit, so I’d like your take on it). > Because right now, I’m lost on where it falls in the new rules. I vaguely remember that thread and controversy. I may not be remembering it correctly, but I think the Mod overreacted. (iirc…) ---
**Author:** ![Risha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/5fc32e/32.png) [@Risha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Risha)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2009, 5:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-rules-have-been-revised/487256/371 "2009-02-25T05:15:01Z")
> [@raindog](#): > > I think **Risha** was making the point (it appears) that I was overstating my case. She/he may actually be right, and maybe I was wrong. > > OTOH, she may have cherry picked threads. (although I suspect she/he may be right; and I have no time to look right now.) It’s she, by the way. And yes, I was trying to say that you were vastly overstating the case. For the record, the only cherry picking I did was by default - those were all of the threads I read past the first post this week. I do, however, believe that there are absolutely good reasons to call someone a cunt. (Or now, I guess, give them any sort of direct criticism at all. :dubious: ) Frankly, I was thinking earlier today that [**Rick** ’s thread](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=507771) was a near-perfect example of a pitting of someone who really didn’t require or deserve inventive invective. He explains his case fully, and calls **Bijou** a series of perfectly well deserved names. Some people agree with him, some offer some alternative explanations for **Bijou** ’s previous statements. Then **Bijou** himself shows up to make an ass of himself, gets dogpiled, and then we all go out for drinks and compliment **Rick** for all the great things he does for people on these boards. That’s what the Pit is for. What would be the new way this is supposed to go? Would he have had to title his thread “People who insult people who are trying to help them are not bright”? That’s just ridiculous, and **Bijou** doesn’t actually learn that he’s not allowed to be a jerk around here. ---
**Author:** ![Nzinga\_Seated](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/b5ac83/32.png) [@Nzinga\_Seated](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nzinga_Seated)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2009, 5:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-rules-have-been-revised/487256/372 "2009-02-25T05:15:56Z")
> [@Cervaise](#): > > 😕 God help me, that confused smiley is the only one I can tolerate, and when used perfectly, like just then, it leaves me in tears of laughter. ETA: That confused smiley was in response to d\*ouchbag. I didn’t know how to quote it properly and was terrified to misuse the quote tags. ---
**Author:** ![chacoguy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/50afbb/32.png) [@chacoguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chacoguy)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2009, 5:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-rules-have-been-revised/487256/373 "2009-02-25T05:17:48Z")
> [@Risha](#): > > It’s she, by the way. > > And yes, I was trying to say that you were vastly overstating the case. For the record, the only cherry picking I did was by default - those were all of the threads I read past the first post this week. > > I do, however, believe that there are absolutely good reasons to call someone a cunt. (Or now, I guess, give them any sort of direct criticism at all. :dubious: ) > > Frankly, I was thinking earlier today that [**Rick** ’s thread](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=507771) was a near-perfect example of a pitting of someone who really didn’t require or deserve inventive invective. He explains his case fully, and calls **Bijou** a series of perfectly well deserved names. Some people agree with him, some offer some alternative explanations for **Bijou** ’s previous statements. Then **Bijou** himself shows up to make an ass of himself, gets dogpiled, and then we all go out for drinks and compliment **Rick** for all the great things he does for people on these boards. > > That’s what the Pit is for. What would be the new way this is supposed to go? Would he have had to title his thread “People who insult people who are trying to help them are not bright”? That’s just ridiculous, and **Bijou** doesn’t actually learn that he’s not allowed to be a jerk around here. Well put. ---
**Author:** ![Indistinguishable](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/90ced4/32.png) [@Indistinguishable](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Indistinguishable)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2009, 5:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-rules-have-been-revised/487256/374 "2009-02-25T05:30:56Z")
> [@liberty3701](#): > > Jeesum Crow, **Indistinguishable** , I posted that link in a Pit thread this morning! Alas, it’s not that much of a coincidence. I was exposed to it from the same source as you. But it filled me with such giddy glee that I had to share it as soon as opportunities arose… ---
**Author:** ![SkipMagic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skipmagic/32/20706_2.png) [@SkipMagic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SkipMagic)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2009, 5:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-rules-have-been-revised/487256/375 "2009-02-25T05:31:09Z")
> [@woodstockbirdybird](#): > > Nah, I’m offering up the notion that refraining from using “juvenile, witless profanity” makes you a huge fucking bore and a supercilious jackass. But maybe if I’d ever seen an example of your alleged Wildean wit I’d change my mind. Regardless of how you feel about the rule changes, this is still ATMB. No insults allowed. ---
**Author:** ![raindog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/2bfe46/32.png) [@raindog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/raindog)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2009, 5:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-rules-have-been-revised/487256/376 "2009-02-25T05:35:57Z")
> [@Giraffe](#): > > When did this thread become “Q&A with **raindog** ”? The diversity team had the night off. ---
**Author:** ![Hunter\_Hawk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/50afbb/32.png) [@Hunter\_Hawk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hunter_Hawk)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2009, 5:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-rules-have-been-revised/487256/377 "2009-02-25T05:36:49Z")
I suppose the fact that I saw fit to start the “Let’s play nice in the Pit” thread a few days ago should give an indication of my general attitude toward this change (with the exception of putting comments about administration in the ATMB forum; I think that’s a fine decision). In terms of operational cost, I wonder how much additional investment in moderation these new rules will result in. (And that’s completely aside from the more general issue of customer goodwill.) I’d be curious about whether it would be worthwhile to have the Pit actually go in the other direction–reduce the moderation and let it be more of a free-for-all. This might require there to be an end-user agreement in order to access the Pit–kind of like those “Yes, I’m over 18” agreements you find at porn sites, only this would be along the lines of “Yes, I am aware that my panties may be aggressively bunched.” ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2009, 5:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-rules-have-been-revised/487256/378 "2009-02-25T05:41:33Z")
> [@Giraffe](#): > > When did this thread become “Q&A with **raindog** ”? When he turned out to be the only person on the entire board who thought this was a good idea, apparently. ---
**Author:** ![Risha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/5fc32e/32.png) [@Risha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Risha)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2009, 5:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-rules-have-been-revised/487256/379 "2009-02-25T05:41:57Z")
> [@Hunter\_Hawk](#): > > In terms of operational cost, I wonder how much additional investment in moderation these new rules will result in. (And that’s completely aside from the more general issue of customer goodwill.) The mods are unpaid, by the way. Aside from a free coffee mug and a discount on jackboots. ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2009, 5:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-rules-have-been-revised/487256/380 "2009-02-25T05:42:41Z")
> [@Hunter\_Hawk](#): > > I’d be curious about whether it would be worthwhile to have the Pit actually go in the other direction–reduce the moderation and let it be more of a free-for-all. This might require there to be an end-user agreement in order to access the Pit–kind of like those “Yes, I’m over 18” agreements you find at porn sites, only this would be along the lines of “Yes, I am aware that my panties may be aggressively bunched.” I made an earlier comment about this in jest, but how about we have a less-moderated forum, that’s only accessible as a membership perk? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-rules-have-been-revised/487256.md?page=18) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-rules-have-been-revised/487256.md?page=20)