# Posters complaining about thread Topic **URL:** \ **Category:** About This Message Board\ **Created:** [December 31, 2013, 8:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/posters-complaining-about-thread-topic/677550 "2013-12-31T08:42:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Spaghettifrier](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e99b99/32.png) [@Spaghettifrier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spaghettifrier)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2013, 8:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/posters-complaining-about-thread-topic/677550/1 "2013-12-31T08:42:04Z")
It is my understanding that in MPSIMS, subject matters can be pretty versatile. So why is it when I post something I’m interested in, I get several responses right away from posters complaining about the topic itself? As if to say I shouldn’t have posted it in the first place. Why even reply, then? Is there a link I am missing about posting etiquette? I do not want to sink to insulting anyone, but it is quite frustrating to deal with some of these negative posters. Best to just ignore, I suppose. ---
**Author:** ![PlainJain](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/5daacb/32.png) [@PlainJain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PlainJain)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2013, 12:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/posters-complaining-about-thread-topic/677550/2 "2013-12-31T12:04:50Z")
Can you post a link to a couple of examples? ---
**Author:** ![Grrr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grrr/32/146_2.png) [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2013, 12:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/posters-complaining-about-thread-topic/677550/3 "2013-12-31T12:19:09Z")
He’s only started three threads in MPSIMS. None of which I can see people complaining about the thread topic. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2013, 12:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/posters-complaining-about-thread-topic/677550/4 "2013-12-31T12:34:45Z")
Reported. ---
**Author:** ![Spaghettifrier](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e99b99/32.png) [@Spaghettifrier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spaghettifrier)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2013, 12:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/posters-complaining-about-thread-topic/677550/5 "2013-12-31T12:57:34Z")
> [@Shakes](#): > > He’s only started three threads in MPSIMS. None of which I can see people complaining about the thread topic. _ahem_ I am not a “he” Also, that is a matter of interpretation. I could have been wrong in my interpretation, but does that make this not still a valid question about the etiquette of the board? ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2013, 1:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/posters-complaining-about-thread-topic/677550/6 "2013-12-31T13:14:36Z")
> [@Spaghettifrier](#): > > _ahem_ I am not a “he” > > Also, that is a matter of interpretation. I could have been wrong in my interpretation, but does that make this not still a valid question about the etiquette of the board? You said it happens to you, so could you give us a cite, please? ---
**Author:** ![saje](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saje/32/3631_2.png) [@saje](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/saje)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2013, 1:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/posters-complaining-about-thread-topic/677550/7 "2013-12-31T13:25:33Z")
The only “complaint” I see is in this, and not until post #13: > **[Sleep Paralysis-ever experienced it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=711752)** > > Ever had an experience where you were awake in bed and could look around your room but could not move or speak? This is called Sleep Paralysis and is often accompanied by vivid and usually terrifying hallucinations. I’m interested in collecting... But it’s not much of a complaint, really. ---
**Author:** ![Peter\_Morris](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peter_morris/32/359_2.png) [@Peter\_Morris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_Morris)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2013, 1:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/posters-complaining-about-thread-topic/677550/8 "2013-12-31T13:36:11Z")
Is this what you mean? [http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?p=16971855#post16971855](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?p=16971855#post16971855) SB’s tone was a little harsh there. ---
**Author:** ![Digital\_is\_the\_new\_Analog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a88e4f/32.png) [@Digital\_is\_the\_new\_Analog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Digital_is_the_new_Analog)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2013, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/posters-complaining-about-thread-topic/677550/9 "2013-12-31T13:49:19Z")
> [@Peter\_Morris](#): > > Is this what you mean? > [http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?p=16971855#post16971855](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?p=16971855#post16971855) > > SB’s tone was a little harsh there. I don’t think that’s what she’s talking about - it isn’t a thread she started. \*\*Spaghettifrier \*\*- yes, there is a culture and an etiquette for posting. But other than the notes in the various stickies, it’s somewhat unwritten. People figure it out. For what it’s worth, I don’t recall seeing anything from you that I thought was out of line here. > [@Spaghettifrier](#): > > _ahem_ I am not a “he” Except, oddly, this. I don’t think you meant it that way, but this comes across slightly confrontational the way it is written. The “_ahem_” part makes it sound, to me, like you’re saying “how could you not know this?” It’s painful to write with gender neutral language, so unless a poster’s sex is known, some people will assume male. It happens a lot, and people correct them - it a joking manner. If you had said “FYI, I’m not a he…”, or if you put a smiley at the end to show that you weren’t criticizing the mistake, then it would come across friendlier. ---
**Author:** ![Peter\_Morris](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peter_morris/32/359_2.png) [@Peter\_Morris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_Morris)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2013, 1:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/posters-complaining-about-thread-topic/677550/10 "2013-12-31T13:56:56Z")
> [@Digital\_is\_the\_new\_Analog](#): > > I don’t think that’s what she’s talking about - it isn’t a thread she started. The OP’s words were “when I post something I’m interested in.” She did not say “a thread I started.” ---
**Author:** ![twickster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ec9cab/32.png) [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2013, 2:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/posters-complaining-about-thread-topic/677550/11 "2013-12-31T14:25:51Z")
We have a rule against telling people they’re idiots for even discussing a question – that response is known as “threadshitting” and we will instruct people who have done that to stop. If there is an incidence of someone doing that, flag the post (click on the ! in the triangle at the upper right hand corner of that post) to let the mods know what’s happening. We’ll take a look and write a mod note or issue a warning, as we judge appropriate. Note, however, that “this is a stupid topic and you guys are morons for discussing it,” which we don’t allow, is _ **not** _ the same thing as “[subject of discussion] is a stupid person,” if that person is a public figure or otherwise not a member of this board – you’re not allowed to insult another poster – or “I disagree with your opinion” or “I disagree with your premise,” or any of a huge number of other variations in which people indicate anything other than warm support and full agreement with you. Yes, that can be a fine line, and even people who have been here for a while may sometimes perceive dissenting opinions as threadshitting. If you’re not sure – feel free to report the post, that’s what the mods are here for. All of that said, if you can provide a specific example of what you’re asking about in your OP, we’ll be in a better position to discuss whether it is or isn’t against the rules. **twickster** , MPSIMS and Cafe Society moderator ---
**Author:** ![C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b2d939/32.png) [@C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/C_K_Dexter_Haven)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2013, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/posters-complaining-about-thread-topic/677550/12 "2013-12-31T14:33:44Z")
First, a specific link would be helpful. Now, speaking as moderator, the general rule is: well, there’s no general rule on this. People can say what they want, pretty much. That includes telling someone about a prior thread, or saying that they don’t understand your point (the two specific examples that others mentioned here.) You are similarly free to respond or not, as you choose. IF you feel that a response was insulting, you should REPORT the offensive post by clicking on the little red triangle with the exclamation point, in the upper right corner of the post. Please be specific in why you’re reporting it, but that will bring the attention of a moderator. If the moderator feels the post was indeed insulting, then there are recourses (all depending on the specific situation, of course.) Please see [FAQ: Are there any rules on insulting other posters?](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?p=7697044#post7697044) Otherwise, we pretty much allow anyone to say almost anything. Some comments you might agree with, some not. Criticizing a thread topic seems somewhat strange, but not against the rules. [EDIT: Sorry, simulpost with **twickster**] ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2013, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/posters-complaining-about-thread-topic/677550/13 "2013-12-31T15:22:12Z")
> [@C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](#): > > First, a specific link would be helpful. One way to do this, in two steps (there might be a better way): 1. Click on the # sign link for the post you want to link to, then when that loads, 2. Click on the thread topic link in the upper right When that page loads, copy that URL. It takes you directly to that specific post within the thread, and not to the entire thread. I’m not sure, but this might already be explained somewhere in the FAQ…? For example, [here is **CKDH** ’s post #12, directly above](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?p=16972598#post16972598) my #13. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2013, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/posters-complaining-about-thread-topic/677550/14 "2013-12-31T17:40:37Z")
> [@Spaghettifrier](#): > > Is there a link I am missing… Yes-- to an example of what you’re talking about. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Spaghettifrier](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e99b99/32.png) [@Spaghettifrier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spaghettifrier)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2013, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/posters-complaining-about-thread-topic/677550/15 "2013-12-31T19:27:33Z")
Alright, thanks for all your answers. I was more curious about etiquette regarding myself…I can be a bit, er, sassy some times. Now perhaps I was being overzealous with negativity, and need to let things “roll off my shoulders”, especially on the internet, for chrissakes. I also think that if a comment could be interpreted multiple ways, it says something about the mood/state of mind of the reader how they choose to interpret it… to be fair, last night I was feeling negative, depressed : ( Boo Hoo Hoo. ---
**Author:** ![Digital\_is\_the\_new\_Analog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a88e4f/32.png) [@Digital\_is\_the\_new\_Analog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Digital_is_the_new_Analog)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2013, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/posters-complaining-about-thread-topic/677550/16 "2013-12-31T19:32:32Z")
> [@Peter\_Morris](#): > > The OP’s words were “when I post something I’m interested in.” She did not say “a thread I started.” True…but the subject of this thread is _Posters complaining about thread Topic_. I guess it could go either way…no biggie. > [@Spaghettifrier](#): > > Alright, thanks for all your answers. I was more curious about etiquette regarding myself…I can be a bit, er, sassy some times. > > Now perhaps I was being overzealous with negativity, and need to let things “roll off my shoulders”, especially on the internet, for chrissakes. > > I also think that if a comment could be interpreted multiple ways, it says something about the mood/state of mind of the reader how they choose to interpret it… to be fair, last night I was feeling negative, depressed : ( Boo Hoo Hoo. No biggie there, either, **Spaghettifrier**. You post in complete sentences, present a decent perspective, and follow the rules. It’ll all work out. ---
**Author:** ![Frazzled](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/frazzled/32/3368_2.png) [@Frazzled](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frazzled)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2013, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/posters-complaining-about-thread-topic/677550/17 "2013-12-31T19:51:40Z")
Don’t take it personally, some people on this board have a more acerbic way of posting. The posts of yours that I’ve seen are interesting and I personally think you’ll make a good addition to the board. I admit your post in the Holmes thread threw me off until it was revealed that you were talking about HH Holmes - then it made perfect sense. We all misread things and when you realized your error that was that - I don’t think anybody made an issue after that - and keep in mind it was other posters that realized who you were talking about and went to bat for you. ---
**Author:** ![Leo\_Bloom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leo_bloom/32/10377_2.png) [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2013, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/posters-complaining-about-thread-topic/677550/18 "2013-12-31T21:16:51Z")
It’s good you asked. You’re already ahead of the game. Soon enough you’ll be slinging the inside joke-otherwise meaningless posts with the best of them. In my capacity as absolutely no-one, welcome to SD. ---
**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:** [December 31, 2013, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/posters-complaining-about-thread-topic/677550/19 "2013-12-31T21:45:57Z")
> [@Spaghettifrier](#): > > Alright, thanks for all your answers. I was more curious about etiquette regarding myself…I can be a bit, er, sassy some times. > > Now perhaps I was being overzealous with negativity, and need to let things “roll off my shoulders”, especially on the internet, for chrissakes. > > I also think that if a comment could be interpreted multiple ways, it says something about the mood/state of mind of the reader how they choose to interpret it… to be fair, last night I was feeling negative, depressed : ( Boo Hoo Hoo. Just from the couple of cites provided especially the sleep one, you seem to get a little snippy when you don’t get the exact answer you want and if the thread isn’t going exactly the way you want. As the OP you can help steer the thread but remember you don’t own it. Sometimes people give answers you don’t like or are not what you are looking for. Sometimes tangents happen. It’s ok. It’s supposed to be that way. As long as it doesn’t cross over to threadshitting there is nothing wrong with it. You are not the moderator even in your own thread. If you try it just gets annoying for everyone. If that’s not what you are trying to put across maybe its helpful to know that’s how it reads to at least one person. ---
**Author:** ![Bill\_Door](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/50afbb/32.png) [@Bill\_Door](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bill_Door)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2013, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/posters-complaining-about-thread-topic/677550/20 "2013-12-31T22:11:00Z")
> [@Digital\_is\_the\_new\_Analog](#): > > (snip)It’s painful to write with gender neutral language, so unless a poster’s sex is known, some people will assume male. It happens a lot, and people correct them - it a joking manner. If you had said “FYI, I’m not a he…”, or if you put a smiley at the end to show that you weren’t criticizing the mistake, then it would come across friendlier. Like here, if I say, we know the poster’s sex is frequent, imaginative, and satisfying, as is the sex of all dopers, their gender is what is not known, but follow it up with a ;), I’m OK?