# Shall we now see warnings for punishments for comments predating the new Pit rules? **URL:** \ **Category:** About This Message Board\ **Created:** [February 26, 2009, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shall-we-now-see-warnings-for-punishments-for-comments-predating-the-new-pit-rules/487457 "2009-02-26T01:40:24Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2009, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shall-we-now-see-warnings-for-punishments-for-comments-predating-the-new-pit-rules/487457/1 "2009-02-26T01:40:24Z")
Ed Zotti: In [this post](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=10875992&postcount=92)you admonish Lizard for an offensive remark made on 21 February 2009. The new Pit rules were posted 24 February 2009. Lizard is not, to my knowledge, a mutant possessing the ability to peer through the veil of time., though, if he is, I would like him to PM me tonight’s Powerball numbers. This warning seems unfair. ---
**Author:** ![Oakminster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/77aa72/32.png) [@Oakminster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oakminster)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2009, 1:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shall-we-now-see-warnings-for-punishments-for-comments-predating-the-new-pit-rules/487457/2 "2009-02-26T01:44:28Z")
Welcome to West World, where nothing can go wrong…can go wrong…can go wrong. ---
**Author:** ![Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2009, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shall-we-now-see-warnings-for-punishments-for-comments-predating-the-new-pit-rules/487457/3 "2009-02-26T01:46:21Z")
> [@Oakminster](#): > > Welcome to West World, where nothing can go wrong…can go wrong…can go wrong. I do the jokes, **Oakminster**. It’s in the double-secret rulebook we keep from the moderators. I do the jokes and the very stupidest threads. You’re in charge of logic and Monica-Bellucci-clone quality inspection. ---
**Author:** ![Q.E.D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/51bf81/32.png) [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2009, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shall-we-now-see-warnings-for-punishments-for-comments-predating-the-new-pit-rules/487457/4 "2009-02-26T01:47:49Z")
Welp, I’m boned. ---
**Author:** ![HongKongFooey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/c4cdca/32.png) [@HongKongFooey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HongKongFooey)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2009, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shall-we-now-see-warnings-for-punishments-for-comments-predating-the-new-pit-rules/487457/5 "2009-02-26T01:48:16Z")
> [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](#): > > This warning seems unfair. You can’t expect them not to practice a bit, it’s like spring training don’t ya see? ---
**Author:** ![yojimbo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yojimbo/32/232_2.png) [@yojimbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yojimbo)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2009, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shall-we-now-see-warnings-for-punishments-for-comments-predating-the-new-pit-rules/487457/6 "2009-02-26T01:57:40Z")
It could be argued that that wasn’t a warning as no actual use of the word warn was used. The thing is though if **Lizard** now actually breaks the rule he will be told he was told already about this and he’ll for all intents and purposes be on his 2nd warning. Even though he actually didn’t break any rule in the first place. ---
**Author:** ![Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2009, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shall-we-now-see-warnings-for-punishments-for-comments-predating-the-new-pit-rules/487457/7 "2009-02-26T01:59:48Z")
> [@yojimbo](#): > > It could be argued that that wasn’t a warning as no actual use of the word warn was used. > > The thing is though if **Lizard** now actually breaks the rule he will be told he was told already about this and he’ll for all intents and purposes be on his 2nd warning. Even though he actually didn’t break any rule in the first place. Dude, I was saving that retort for a justification from a moderator, administrator, or something else rhyming with “ator.” ---
**Author:** ![Heffalump\_and\_Roo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/heffalump_and_roo/32/7691_2.png) [@Heffalump\_and\_Roo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Heffalump_and_Roo)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2009, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shall-we-now-see-warnings-for-punishments-for-comments-predating-the-new-pit-rules/487457/8 "2009-02-26T02:09:31Z")
> [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](#): > > Dude, I was saving that retort for a justification from a moderator, administrator, or something else rhyming with “ator.” You mean like dict? ---
**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 26, 2009, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shall-we-now-see-warnings-for-punishments-for-comments-predating-the-new-pit-rules/487457/9 "2009-02-26T02:09:34Z")
I might as well turn myself in to the police. Maybe the judge will go easier on me. Here’s my confession: On May 12, 2003, I called **Crafter Man** an “utter and complete asshole.” ---
**Author:** ![Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2009, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shall-we-now-see-warnings-for-punishments-for-comments-predating-the-new-pit-rules/487457/10 "2009-02-26T02:12:19Z")
> [@Heffalump\_and\_Roo](#): > > You mean like dict? Nope. I was making up words that ended with ator, then got bored with it. I’m not vexed enough with **Ed Zotti** to start hurling insults. ---
**Author:** ![Gfactor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/9de053/32.png) [@Gfactor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gfactor)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2009, 2:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shall-we-now-see-warnings-for-punishments-for-comments-predating-the-new-pit-rules/487457/11 "2009-02-26T02:13:34Z")
I posted a clarification in the other thread. ---
**Author:** ![Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2009, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shall-we-now-see-warnings-for-punishments-for-comments-predating-the-new-pit-rules/487457/12 "2009-02-26T02:17:45Z")
> [@Gfactor](#): > > I posted a clarification in the other thread. With all due respect, **Gfactor** , I would hope that the Pit moderator **Ed Zotti** can carry his own water. ---
**Author:** ![Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2009, 2:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shall-we-now-see-warnings-for-punishments-for-comments-predating-the-new-pit-rules/487457/13 "2009-02-26T02:19:34Z")
> [@Gfactor](#): > > I posted a clarification in the other thread. **Gfactor** , I saw that and appreciate it. But mayhap you can see why some of us look askance upon Ed’s action, given the inherent foofiness\* of the no-abusive-comments rule. _Foofiness: noun. Having the quality of a foof_\* \*\*Foof: noun. Something that is ill-defined, nebulous, and by its very nature open to abuse and/or misinterpretation. From the Etruscan fuf. ---
**Author:** ![Gfactor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/9de053/32.png) [@Gfactor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gfactor)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2009, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shall-we-now-see-warnings-for-punishments-for-comments-predating-the-new-pit-rules/487457/14 "2009-02-26T02:22:14Z")
> [@Frank](#): > > With all due respect, **Gfactor** , I would hope that the Pit moderator **Ed Zotti** can carry his own water. With all due respect back, he’s not online right now, and I spotted a problem that I was able to fix. So I fixed it. ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2009, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shall-we-now-see-warnings-for-punishments-for-comments-predating-the-new-pit-rules/487457/15 "2009-02-26T02:22:27Z")
> [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](#): > > \*\*Foof: noun. Something that is ill-defined, nebulous, and by its very nature open to abuse and/or misinterpretation. From the Etruscan fuf. I don’t know what dictionary you use. From American Heritage: Foof (fuf): n. Y’know, _foofy_. ---
**Author:** ![Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2009, 2:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shall-we-now-see-warnings-for-punishments-for-comments-predating-the-new-pit-rules/487457/16 "2009-02-26T02:25:18Z")
> [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](#): > > I don’t know what dictionary you use. From American Heritage: > > Foof (fuf): n. Y’know, _foofy_. You forget I have access to the Oxford Ultra-Advanced-You’d-Never-Believe-How-Thorough-Unabridged-Etymological-Dictionary-&-Grimoire. ---
**Author:** ![Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2009, 2:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shall-we-now-see-warnings-for-punishments-for-comments-predating-the-new-pit-rules/487457/17 "2009-02-26T02:31:10Z")
> [@Gfactor](#): > > With all due respect back, he’s not online right now, and I spotted a problem that I was able to fix. So I fixed it. _shrug_ He was online when I posted my response four minutes later. Your reponse was a half hour after mine. Whatever. It would still not hurt **Ed** to come back to that thread himself and make whatever post he feels is appropriate to the situation. ---
**Author:** ![Heffalump\_and\_Roo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/heffalump_and_roo/32/7691_2.png) [@Heffalump\_and\_Roo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Heffalump_and_Roo)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2009, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shall-we-now-see-warnings-for-punishments-for-comments-predating-the-new-pit-rules/487457/18 "2009-02-26T02:45:19Z")
> [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](#): > > Nope. I was making up words that ended with ator, then got bored with it. I’m not vexed enough with **Ed Zotti** to start hurling insults. Wow, that was insulting? I’d better be more careful with my jokes in the future. Was it abusive too? :dubious: Oh wait, we’re in ATMB. Insulting is sufficient to get the stick. Really? Insulting? ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2009, 3:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shall-we-now-see-warnings-for-punishments-for-comments-predating-the-new-pit-rules/487457/19 "2009-02-26T03:56:43Z")
We are through the looking glass now. ---
**Author:** ![Mister\_Armageddon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/858c86/32.png) [@Mister\_Armageddon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mister_Armageddon)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2009, 4:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shall-we-now-see-warnings-for-punishments-for-comments-predating-the-new-pit-rules/487457/20 "2009-02-26T04:24:52Z")
I remember one day over a year ago on the Something Awful boards when the owner decided he was sick of the word “lulz”, so he decided to ban anyone who used it. Including people who had used it before he made that proclamation. I never thought this place would sink to that level, but then the last couple of days have been full of surprises. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shall-we-now-see-warnings-for-punishments-for-comments-predating-the-new-pit-rules/487457.md?page=2)