Why are insults, rants and the like, only allowed in the Pit on the SDMB? I am not complaining. It’s probably a good idea, in fact.
The reason why I ask, is because other message boards usually allow flaming all over their boards. I could be wrong. But judging by the other message boards I’ve seen, SD seems unique in this regard.
Is it a legal issue, perhaps, too?
The advantages of keeping the snark, flame, sharts, etc. in the pit is that the other forums are free from that.
The disadvantage of only allowing it in the pit? I fear the day I’m reviewing a thread in the pit, and that thread links to a thread in another forum, which I click. Thereafter I post pit appropriate material in the linked thread thinking I was still in the pit.
Then 6 minutes later I see what I posted wasn’t in the pit.
That’s the disadvantage to a pit.
I am on other message boards, and I wish they all used the Pit method. Basically, confine your jerkishness to one place, and we’ll try to keep the rest of the Board somewhat less jerky. It’s not perfect, but it’s miles better than some board.
Poster A starts a thread.
Posters A thru Q participate in the thread.
Poster F posts something that pisses of Poster M.
Thread rapidly devolves info a fight between F and M.
Or the argument goes to the Pit and all the posters can still enjoy the original discussion.
Even the Pit has its standards, though:
It’s a deliberate effort to make the boards an ‘adult’ - sort of - haven while still providing space for irritability and blowing off steam.
I may be wrong - others will know more than I - but we also have a solid, strong cadre of moderators with relatively straightforward rules that are enforced. We also provide a place - here, in ATMB - for complaints and suggestions about the rules. No one can get kicked out for complaining - or at least it’s very difficult.
I wonder what GD would be like sans this rule.
I can recall a couple of times debating minor issues with people in the Pit. We were both still clearly on the same side of the over all issue, but despite that, the minor debate resulted in the other poster telling me what a fucking moron I am.
I mean, I’m not complaining because it’s the Pit. It just makes me wonder how thin is the veil that’s keeping us all civilized?
That’s why TPTB set up the Pit originally.
I’m on a couple of single-subject boards that moderate personal comments so tightly that any comment from one poster to another runs a risk of getting locked. One of them has a section called “Off Topic” that works as a kind MPSIMS/Pit hybrid that works for them.
If I’m not mistaken, The Pit goes quite a ways back. Many of the forums here are relatively young, but The Pit appeared early on.
And lovely chairs; never forget the overstuffed slightly worn but attractive chairs. 
Where we all sit around drinking tea and exchanging recipes. 
Oh so very very thin. Gossamer thin.
Put her in the comfy chair!
REPORTED!
Bringing tea into the pit is not allowed. You’ve been here long enough to know that.
Coffee or beer only. Scotch on occasion.
Oddly, the other half dozen or so board I post in, and the two smaller ones I moderate dont allow flaming anywhere anytime. A couple do have a “off topic” area with somewhat looser limits, but no flaming and nothing like the PIT.
And keeping our backs well protected. Remember, its always the innocent bystander who hits the slab first.