# Silenus has a custom title, which although I can live with, isn't right **URL:** \ **Category:** About This Message Board\ **Created:** [June 21, 2018, 5:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silenus-has-a-custom-title-which-although-i-can-live-with-isnt-right/816495 "2018-06-21T05:32:14Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**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:** [June 21, 2018, 5:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silenus-has-a-custom-title-which-although-i-can-live-with-isnt-right/816495/1 "2018-06-21T05:32:14Z")
Sorry to go public with this, but a query to the mods went unanswered. **Silenus** , this is not about you and me… Unless he changes it immediately (in which case all evidence is gone forever :)) for I don’t know how long this has been the custom title chosen by **Silenus** : Isaiah 1:15 Screw the NRA. Charter Member It’s annoying to me, for any number of reasons. At the very least the first part reminds me of the nimrod at every baseball game behind the batter’s box. And don’t get me (or a zillion other Dopers) started on the next part. And see: From **[Custom titles now available!](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=552461)** **Can I use my title to make political statements, change it every five minutes, engage in “title wars” with other members, or otherwise go nuts?** Please use reasonable restraint. We’d like to keep this simple and enjoyable for all, and hope everyone will approach it in that spirit. ---
**Author:** ![snfaulkner](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snfaulkner/32/433_2.png) [@snfaulkner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snfaulkner)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2018, 5:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silenus-has-a-custom-title-which-although-i-can-live-with-isnt-right/816495/2 "2018-06-21T05:43:29Z")
Why “isn’t” it “right”? ---
**Author:** ![kambuckta](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/53a042/32.png) [@kambuckta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kambuckta)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2018, 5:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silenus-has-a-custom-title-which-although-i-can-live-with-isnt-right/816495/3 "2018-06-21T05:45:41Z")
What? ---
**Author:** ![Mr\_Shine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mr_shine/32/464_2.png) [@Mr\_Shine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr_Shine)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2018, 6:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silenus-has-a-custom-title-which-although-i-can-live-with-isnt-right/816495/4 "2018-06-21T06:17:33Z")
I looked it up, and it’s about not listening to someone’s prayers because they have blood on their hands. This would be an accurate summary of how many feel about the NRA. Political messages have never been banned from custom titles, as long as it’s something that would be appropriate to say in plaintext in the body of a post. ---
**Author:** ![engineer\_comp\_geek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/engineer_comp_geek/32/504_2.png) [@engineer\_comp\_geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/engineer_comp_geek)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2018, 6:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silenus-has-a-custom-title-which-although-i-can-live-with-isnt-right/816495/5 "2018-06-21T06:54:27Z")
> [@Leo\_Bloom](#): > > And see: > From **[Custom titles now available!](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=552461)** > **Can I use my title to make political statements, change it every five minutes, engage in “title wars” with other members, or otherwise go nuts?** > > Please use reasonable restraint. We’d like to keep this simple and enjoyable for all, and hope everyone will approach it in that spirit. The custom title announcement also has these guidelines, a bit further down from the part you quoted: > [@](#): > > **Guidelines:** > > As with everything at the SDMB, the starting place is “don’t be a jerk.” What this means in custom titles: > > - No profanity or other offensive language. Generally speaking, if it wouldn’t be permitted in a screen name or signature, it won’t be permitted in a title. > > - Titles may be self-deprecating (e.g., “Old Fat Guy”), but may not insult other posters (e.g., “PosterName Is a Twit”) or cast aspersions on the staff or the SDMB. > > - If there is a standard title already in use at the SDMB and you don’t qualify for that title, you may not give it to yourself for a custom title. Specifically: > > [ul] > [li]“Charter member” refers to a person who bought a subscription at the time the SDMB originally went pay-to-post and who has not let that subscription lapse at any time since. You may not call yourself “charter member” if you are not such a person, no matter how brief the lapse might have been.[/li] > [li]“Moderator” (or “mod”) and “administrator” (or “admin”) are official staff positions here; you may not state or imply that you are a member of the staff if you are not.[/li] > [li]“Straight Dope Science Advisory Board” (or “SDSAB”) is also limited to its members. [/li] > [li]There is only one “Perfect Master” at the SDMB - you are not He.[/li][/ul] > We may add other guidelines as time goes on. It seems to me that silenus’s title conforms to the guidelines given. While it is political, it is not profane or jerkish, and is not inflammatory to the point where I think it could be considered beyond “reasonable restraint”. I don’t see a problem with it. ---
**Author:** ![snfaulkner](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snfaulkner/32/433_2.png) [@snfaulkner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snfaulkner)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2018, 6:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silenus-has-a-custom-title-which-although-i-can-live-with-isnt-right/816495/6 "2018-06-21T06:57:17Z")
Slight hijack question after reading the guidelines. Could one claim to be a gormless weeny? Or is there only one of those too? ---
**Author:** ![engineer\_comp\_geek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/engineer_comp_geek/32/504_2.png) [@engineer\_comp\_geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/engineer_comp_geek)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2018, 7:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silenus-has-a-custom-title-which-although-i-can-live-with-isnt-right/816495/7 "2018-06-21T07:10:17Z")
Sorry, there’s only one Gormless Wienie. ---
**Author:** ![snfaulkner](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snfaulkner/32/433_2.png) [@snfaulkner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snfaulkner)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2018, 7:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silenus-has-a-custom-title-which-although-i-can-live-with-isnt-right/816495/8 "2018-06-21T07:17:37Z")
But could one spell it wrong in order to circumvent The One Wienie To Rule Them All rule? ---
**Author:** ![engineer\_comp\_geek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/engineer_comp_geek/32/504_2.png) [@engineer\_comp\_geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/engineer_comp_geek)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2018, 7:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silenus-has-a-custom-title-which-although-i-can-live-with-isnt-right/816495/9 "2018-06-21T07:42:09Z")
Nope. Nothing too close to any restricted titles. I don’t think anyone is using One Wienie To Rule Them All as a title though if you want that one. ---
**Author:** ![Shodan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2018, 12:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silenus-has-a-custom-title-which-although-i-can-live-with-isnt-right/816495/10 "2018-06-21T12:27:03Z")
“Screw the NRA” certainly sounds like a political statement. So this > [@](#): > > Can I use my title to make political statements, change it every five minutes, engage in “title wars” with other members, or otherwise go nuts? > > Please use reasonable restraint. We’d like to keep this simple and enjoyable for all, and hope everyone will approach it in that spirit. seems unclear. It seems to equate making a political statement with “going nuts”. It also implies that one can engage in “title wars” as long as you do so with reasonable restraint. I would recommend updating the guideline rather than sanctioning anyone, and remove the reference to political statements altogether. Regards, Shodan ---
**Author:** ![Superdude](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/superdude/32/13450_2.png) [@Superdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superdude)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2018, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silenus-has-a-custom-title-which-although-i-can-live-with-isnt-right/816495/11 "2018-06-21T21:12:23Z")
The NRA isn’t formally a political entity. The engage in political activity, yes. But they themselves weren’t founded to be a governmental advocacy organization. If his custom title said something along the lines of “Screw the GOP,” then I would think it’d be closer to a political statement. As it stands now, it’s akin to saying, “screw the PTA.” ---
**Author:** ![Fenris](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fenris/32/498_2.png) [@Fenris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fenris)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2018, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silenus-has-a-custom-title-which-although-i-can-live-with-isnt-right/816495/12 "2018-06-21T23:08:34Z")
> [@Superdude](#): > > The NRA isn’t formally a political entity. The engage in political activity, yes. But they themselves weren’t founded to be a governmental advocacy organization. > > If his custom title said something along the lines of “Screw the GOP,” then I would think it’d be closer to a political statement. As it stands now, it’s akin to saying, “screw the PTA.” So, just to be clear, here, would you be ok with custom title that said something like “Planned Parenthood Murders Babies”?\* Frankly, I think custom titles shouldn’t have stupid, obviously political messages. \*Note, this is not my opinion/belief. Just a “Fer Instance” ---
**Author:** ![Measure\_for\_Measure](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/measure_for_measure/32/557_2.png) [@Measure\_for\_Measure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Measure_for_Measure)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2018, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silenus-has-a-custom-title-which-although-i-can-live-with-isnt-right/816495/13 "2018-06-21T23:34:18Z")
In terms of best practice, “Planned Parenthood Murders Babies” seems ok to me as a 1 week thing. OTOH “Planned Parenthood Murders Babies. IHMO of course.” should be good for a full month since I am easily amused. Beyond that, such titles grow stale. As for the OP, I support Leo’s outrage and recommend that he buy a within-rules 1 week custom title of his own to vent. ---
**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:** [June 22, 2018, 11:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silenus-has-a-custom-title-which-although-i-can-live-with-isnt-right/816495/14 "2018-06-22T11:06:26Z")
> [@Superdude](#): > > As it stands now, it’s akin to saying, “screw the PTA.” What’s the deal with the damn bake sales?:mad: ---
**Author:** ![Superdude](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/superdude/32/13450_2.png) [@Superdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superdude)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2018, 11:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silenus-has-a-custom-title-which-although-i-can-live-with-isnt-right/816495/15 "2018-06-22T11:22:20Z")
> [@Fenris](#): > > So, just to be clear, here, would you be ok with custom title that said something like “Planned Parenthood Murders Babies”?\* > > Frankly, I think custom titles shouldn’t have stupid, obviously political messages. > > \*Note, this is not my opinion/belief. Just a “Fer Instance” I disagree, but I’d be okay with someone expressing that opinion. ---
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2018, 12:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silenus-has-a-custom-title-which-although-i-can-live-with-isnt-right/816495/16 "2018-06-22T12:00:21Z")
The overarching guideline of the Dope is, “Don’t be a jerk.” I think that Silenus’s title doesn’t pass that test. Firstly, it’s rude. Secondly it’s incorrect. Isaiah 1:15 actually says: > [@](#): > > When you spread out your hands in prayer, I hide my eyes from you; even when you offer many prayers, I am not listening. Your hands are full of blood! This means the title is contrary to the purpose of the Dope which is fighting ignorance. ---
**Author:** ![andros](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e480ec/32.png) [@andros](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/andros)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2018, 1:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silenus-has-a-custom-title-which-although-i-can-live-with-isnt-right/816495/17 "2018-06-22T13:01:47Z")
Seriously, _that’s_ your objection? It seems patently, painfully obvious that **Silenus** is not intending to _quote_ Isaiah. I’m all for pedantry, but sheesh. . ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2018, 1:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silenus-has-a-custom-title-which-although-i-can-live-with-isnt-right/816495/18 "2018-06-22T13:25:48Z")
I’m pretty sure he’s not suggesting that Isaiah 1:15 is “Screw the NRA” (it’d be a very odd version of the Bible if it were) but rather that they are two separate but related statements. That said, it seems to me like the sort of thing you’d put in a signature rather than as a title but whatever makes you happy. ---
**Author:** ![Superdude](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/superdude/32/13450_2.png) [@Superdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superdude)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2018, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silenus-has-a-custom-title-which-although-i-can-live-with-isnt-right/816495/19 "2018-06-22T13:53:10Z")
My take on it was that was a play on something that WWF legend Stone Cold Steve Austin used to have on some of his merchandise, “Austin 3:16 says I just whipped your ass!” ---
**Author:** ![ThisSpaceForRent](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thisspaceforrent/32/345_2.png) [@ThisSpaceForRent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThisSpaceForRent)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2018, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silenus-has-a-custom-title-which-although-i-can-live-with-isnt-right/816495/20 "2018-06-22T19:12:20Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > What’s the deal with the damn bake sales?:mad: Lots of Moms like to Wake and Bake… [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silenus-has-a-custom-title-which-although-i-can-live-with-isnt-right/816495.md?page=2)