Restricted Language in the Pit

What is the point of having the rule, if it is openly not being enforced by the Pit Moderators?

Just one example, of many:

http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=11050944&postcount=196

The rule was enforced. I don’t see anything wrong with giving a gentle reminder the first time, keeping the warnings, etc in reserve for repeat offenses.

When the rules change about use of personal insults came into play, we (the mods) agreed that we would enforce for the first several months, at least, with some compassion and leniency. We would call people on it, as a reminder but not issue Official Warnings for the occasional flare-up, or for a new poster who isn’t aware of the rules, etc. Obviously, if we see deliberate abuse of this leniency, we’ll take a different approach.

So, in the meantime, we’re reminding but not Warning.

What about the third offense in the same thread? Different posters, yes, but after the first Mod Reminder, shouldn’t the second and third offenders have gotten a clue? Both participated throughout the thread, so they are aware of the previous reminder(s). Both are long-term members, and know the rules change.

So yes, your leniency is being abused.

I’m willing to give each poster the benefit of the doubt, whether they *should *have gotten a clue or not.

I explained my philosophy about this here: http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?p=10872571#post10872571

My approach in every forum has been to mod note first and warn later, except in rare cases. I see no reason to deviate from that approach here.

Fair enough, thanks for the reply.

Doesn’t seem like a very effective approach to me, as long-term members continue to abuse the rules, because they know they can get away with it. But your board, your rules, your moderation. So be it.

Thanks for your comments. I’m sorry I didn’t respond sooner, but I’ve been away from the computer for a while.

I thought it was chained to your ankle? :eek:

The manacle kept slipping off the jackboot.