# Proposal - Member Status For Deceased Members **URL:** \ **Category:** About This Message Board\ **Created:** [April 21, 2008, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposal-member-status-for-deceased-members/446290 "2008-04-21T19:52:24Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Duckster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duckster/32/1244_2.png) [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2008, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposal-member-status-for-deceased-members/446290/1 "2008-04-21T19:52:24Z")
With the passing of [David Simmons](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=464664) a thought occurs to me that the SDMB recognize the permanent departure of Dopers with a different member status. It would assist new Dopers that some folks will never again post, while reminding the rest of us of a friend who has taken the last journey. A simple one might be “Deceased Member,” or just “Deceased.” But the SDMB conveys something special in the minds of many. Perhaps we could share some ideas and convince TPTB this is a member status worthy of consideration. My suggestion is “SDMB Emeritus.” ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2008, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposal-member-status-for-deceased-members/446290/2 "2008-04-21T23:33:34Z")
This seems like a good idea to me, but I can think of no great title that is respectful and meaningful. I don’t think “SDMB Emeritus” quite conveys the right message and might generate much confusion. I think of Emeritus more as retired. My only idea of “Dearly Departed” does not feel right. My wife suggested “**[In Memoriam](http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&oi=dict&ei=fCMNSIG4AofieprbiNQN&sig2=Cmde1nI1etxw104GgMmI-w&q=http://www.answers.com/in%2Bmemoriam%26r%3D67&usg=AFQjCNHWk1bnfd6mbxN4ggqXe7IZIdNAhg)**”. Jim ---
**Author:** ![Cluricaun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/bb73d2/32.png) [@Cluricaun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cluricaun)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2008, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposal-member-status-for-deceased-members/446290/3 "2008-04-21T23:36:56Z")
[QUOTE=What Exit?] This seems like a good idea to me, but I can think of no great title that is respectful and meaningful. I don’t think “SDMB Emeritus” quite conveys the right message and might generate much confusion. I think of Emeritus more as retired. My only idea of “Dearly Departed” does not feel right. My wife suggested “**[In Memoriam](http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&oi=dict&ei=fCMNSIG4AofieprbiNQN&sig2=Cmde1nI1etxw104GgMmI-w&q=http://www.answers.com/in%2Bmemoriam%26r%3D67&usg=AFQjCNHWk1bnfd6mbxN4ggqXe7IZIdNAhg)**”. Jim [/QUOTE] Your wife is a smart cookie Jim. That’s perfect. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2008, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposal-member-status-for-deceased-members/446290/4 "2008-04-22T01:10:38Z")
I like it. I’ll bring it up at the next council meeting, so you’ll have an answer just after the next full moon. ---
**Author:** ![Duckster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duckster/32/1244_2.png) [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2008, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposal-member-status-for-deceased-members/446290/5 "2008-04-22T02:11:54Z")
[QUOTE=What Exit?] My wife suggested “**[In Memoriam](http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&oi=dict&ei=fCMNSIG4AofieprbiNQN&sig2=Cmde1nI1etxw104GgMmI-w&q=http://www.answers.com/in%2Bmemoriam%26r%3D67&usg=AFQjCNHWk1bnfd6mbxN4ggqXe7IZIdNAhg)**”. Jim [/QUOTE] I support this one. [QUOTE=Marley23] I like it. I’ll bring it up at the next council meeting, so you’ll have an answer just after the next full moon. [/QUOTE] Damn. The last full moon was April 20. The next one isn’t until [May 20](http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/MoonPhase.php). ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2008, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposal-member-status-for-deceased-members/446290/6 "2008-04-22T02:17:13Z")
Oooh, on the 20th I’ll still be hung over from my birthday. Well, I promise we’ll discuss it by the next Feast of Shub-Niggurath. ---
**Author:** ![aldiboronti](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9fc348/32.png) [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2008, 4:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposal-member-status-for-deceased-members/446290/7 "2008-04-22T04:37:30Z")
How will the mods verify reported deaths? Could be embarrassing if an **In Memoriam** suddenly pops up and starts posting again. ---
**Author:** ![Scarlett67](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scarlett67/32/7387_2.png) [@Scarlett67](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scarlett67)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2008, 4:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposal-member-status-for-deceased-members/446290/8 "2008-04-22T04:41:30Z")
**In Memoriam** is very nice. I’d also like to suggest _ **Requiescat in Pace.** _ Side note: I’d always thought it was _Requiescat in Pacem._ Ignorance fought! ---
**Author:** ![Ponderoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ponderoid/32/19221_2.png) [@Ponderoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ponderoid)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2008, 5:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposal-member-status-for-deceased-members/446290/9 "2008-04-22T05:11:11Z")
[QUOTE=aldiboronti] How will the mods verify reported deaths? Could be embarrassing if an **In Memoriam** suddenly pops up and starts posting again. [/QUOTE] They could give the status the same privileges as “BANNED”. Lock that crypt, consecrate that ground, make sure that corpse doesn’t rise again. 🙂 \*\*\* Ponder ---
**Author:** ![Sage\_Rat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sage_rat/32/399_2.png) [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2008, 5:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposal-member-status-for-deceased-members/446290/10 "2008-04-22T05:14:06Z")
[QUOTE=aldiboronti] How will the mods verify reported deaths? [/QUOTE] Well we could always use “Gone Wally” rather than “In Memorium” but I’m not sure that’d be very polite to the multitude who are honest. _if you don’t know, don’t ask…_ ---
**Author:** ![TubaDiva](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tubadiva/32/507_2.png) [@TubaDiva](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TubaDiva)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2008, 5:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposal-member-status-for-deceased-members/446290/11 "2008-04-22T05:20:07Z")
No disrespect but I’ve come to the conclusion that any user title besides “member” only confuses people and brings endless questioning postings and emails. I am beyond tired of the plethora of “Why is Poster X titled \_\_\_\_\_\_\_” Even putting information in the FAQ brings no relief. A moment’s bit of serendipity on my part has been mostly a thankless annoyance and frankly I don’t think I’ll be so inclined again, even under the most deserving circumstances. It’s just not worth it. Sorry. More sorry than you can imagine. ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2008, 8:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposal-member-status-for-deceased-members/446290/12 "2008-04-22T08:47:35Z")
I’m not planning to die any time soon, but if things don’t go to plan, I think I would like my member status changed to _Pinin’ for the fjords_. ---
**Author:** ![Scissorjack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c67d28/32.png) [@Scissorjack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scissorjack)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2008, 9:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposal-member-status-for-deceased-members/446290/13 "2008-04-22T09:42:29Z")
When I bite the big one I’d like my title to show “Posthumous”. ---
**Author:** ![Liberal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/848f3c/32.png) [@Liberal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Liberal)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2008, 10:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposal-member-status-for-deceased-members/446290/14 "2008-04-22T10:26:45Z")
[QUOTE=TubaDiva] No disrespect but I’ve come to the conclusion that any user title besides “member” only confuses people and brings endless questioning postings and emails. [/QUOTE] The fact that that is true on _this_ board, of all places, is truly disheartening. ---
**Author:** ![don\_t\_ask](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@don\_t\_ask](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/don_t_ask)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2008, 10:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposal-member-status-for-deceased-members/446290/15 "2008-04-22T10:31:31Z")
Undead? ---
**Author:** ![don\_t\_ask](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@don\_t\_ask](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/don_t_ask)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2008, 10:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposal-member-status-for-deceased-members/446290/16 "2008-04-22T10:32:34Z")
Well, we’ll only see them in zombie threads. ---
**Author:** ![Tuckerfan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/eada6e/32.png) [@Tuckerfan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tuckerfan)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2008, 10:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposal-member-status-for-deceased-members/446290/17 "2008-04-22T10:49:39Z")
I would really like to see the SDMB do something permanent (as permanent as anything on the net can be) for **David**. He was, after all, pretty much the ideal Doper: intelligent, sharp witted, and never, ever cruel or disrespectful to other posters. I know it’s probably _not_ something **David** would have asked for (him being so modest and all), but I think for him, and the handful of other posters this board who _are_ model Dopers and will some day pass from this world, we should have _something_ in place to remember them by. Certainly it would serve as a reminder for those of us who occassionally go off half-cocked to maybe stop and think “What Would **David** Post?” ---
**Author:** ![MsWhatsit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/eb8c5e/32.png) [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2008, 12:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposal-member-status-for-deceased-members/446290/18 "2008-04-22T12:07:48Z")
[QUOTE=TubaDiva] A moment’s bit of serendipity on my part has been mostly a thankless annoyance and frankly I don’t think I’ll be so inclined again, even under the most deserving circumstances. [/QUOTE] Thankless? I think a whole bunch of people thought **Boyo Jim** ’s title was pretty cool and said as much. You sound pretty burned out, if you don’t mind my saying so. Look, just make a little macro that says “Please refer to FAQ” and then respond to all questioners with your little macro. No need for being more sorry than we can possibly imagine, or whatever. As for the OP, I think it’s a nice idea, and since these people presumably won’t be posting in active threads anyway, I’m guessing you’ll get far, far fewer questions about the title. ---
**Author:** ![TubaDiva](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tubadiva/32/507_2.png) [@TubaDiva](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TubaDiva)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2008, 12:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposal-member-status-for-deceased-members/446290/19 "2008-04-22T12:57:01Z")
[QUOTE=Scissorjack] When I bite the big one I’d like my title to show “Posthumous”. [/QUOTE] Now that’s cute! Wait, that’s how we got into trouble the last time. 🙂 Seriously, I think the most appropriate title we could bestow on someone who has left us like this is that they should be a Member in perpetuity. In this current situation I would personally prefer to think of David Simmons as a true Member of the community who is with us always. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2008, 2:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposal-member-status-for-deceased-members/446290/20 "2008-04-22T14:12:29Z")
[QUOTE=TubaDiva] No disrespect but I’ve come to the conclusion that any user title besides “member” only confuses people and brings endless questioning postings and emails. I am beyond tired of the plethora of “Why is Poster X titled \_\_\_\_\_\_\_” Even putting information in the FAQ brings no relief. A moment’s bit of serendipity on my part has been mostly a thankless annoyance and frankly I don’t think I’ll be so inclined again, even under the most deserving circumstances. It’s just not worth it. Sorry. More sorry than you can imagine. [/QUOTE] I read this before and I just came back to it. I cannot buy this post without challenging it. The confusion over titles has more to do with our lack of titles on this board and thus posters being surprised by an unexpected different one. I have a hard time believing that the Best of the Worst title really caused much heartache. Every time the question was asked, and it was probably a dozen times in the last year, no shortage of regular posters were able to answer it and no pittings or board rancor resulted from it that I could see. You were thanked for it by posters, maybe not enough, but you were thanked. On that note. **Thank you** for making the one year title change, it was a great idea and built a stronger sense of community for the SDMB. I feel if anything the questions did the same. So why do you feel it was not worth it? Where was the actual bother? You did something nice, please don’t regret it. This idea of **Duckster** ’s is another simple to implement change. It should cause little work and should help in a small way to build a sense of community. Look at the four threads tied to this passing. Mr. Simmons was respected by a large portion of the SDMB membership. I hope you reconsider or at least take it up with the rest of the staff. Jim [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposal-member-status-for-deceased-members/446290.md?page=2)