# The New Announcement by Ed **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [May 23, 2002, 1:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-new-announcement-by-ed/110473 "2002-05-23T13:18:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![BF](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/b5ac83/32.png) [@BF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BF)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2002, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-new-announcement-by-ed/110473/61 "2002-05-23T18:11:58Z")
> [@](#): > > UNFAIR to ban one and not the other. I don’t think so. I read that thread and granted, Poster A’s manipulation of the quote to prove a point, IMHO, was a little over the top, but didn’t qualify for jerk status. Maybe a counterflame. Poster B’s response was ludicrous. ---
**Author:** ![London\_Calling](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/49beb7/32.png) [@London\_Calling](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/London_Calling)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2002, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-new-announcement-by-ed/110473/62 "2002-05-23T18:13:51Z")
Can we call them Mr Apple and and Mr Banana…Mr PInk and Mr Blue ? Damn, this place is one _hell_ of a soap opera…I bet the pyjama guy is seriously fed up with being shunted off the front page… Expecting this to not be at all serious for the board. ---
**Author:** ![zev\_steinhardt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/97f17d/32.png) [@zev\_steinhardt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zev_steinhardt)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2002, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-new-announcement-by-ed/110473/63 "2002-05-23T18:15:54Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by EchoKitty \* > \*\*UNFAIR to ban one and not the other. \*\* Why? What A did, from what was described, was wrong. Granted. But it wasn’t a “bannable” offense. B, however, did something that can bring the entire board down. Even the threat of a lawsuit can bring the entire board down for good. So, while what A did was bad, it doesn’t merit the “death penalty.” B, OTOH, threatened to shut down the entire community. If that doesn’t deserve the ultimate punishment here, I don’t know what does. Zev Steinhardt ---
**Author:** ![Jodi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7feea3/32.png) [@Jodi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jodi)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2002, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-new-announcement-by-ed/110473/64 "2002-05-23T18:22:27Z")
Thank you to those e-ing the info. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Francesca](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/9fc348/32.png) [@Francesca](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Francesca)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2002, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-new-announcement-by-ed/110473/65 "2002-05-23T18:31:15Z")
While it’s all a bit of a storm in a teacup, one thing does worry me. The Chicago Reader makes no profit from these boards (indeed, I believe they make a loss) and silly behaviour like this is hassle they can do without. Any more of this sort of thing and I wouldn’t be surprised if they said “fuck it” and pulled the boards. ---
**Author:** ![Big\_Kahuna\_Burger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e0b2c6/32.png) [@Big\_Kahuna\_Burger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Big_Kahuna_Burger)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2002, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-new-announcement-by-ed/110473/66 "2002-05-23T18:44:15Z")
I’d like to know the identities of A and B, too. I don’t want spam so I won’t put my e-mail address in this thread, but it’s in profile. Thanks to those who respond. ---
**Author:** ![Tranquilis](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tranquilis/32/3639_2.png) [@Tranquilis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tranquilis)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2002, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-new-announcement-by-ed/110473/67 "2002-05-23T18:57:31Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Tejota \* > **For that matter, it appears that the word ‘banned’ no longer appears under a user’s name, so if you didn’t happen to see the train wreck, (or in my case, didn’t pay enough attention to who was speaking), you have no idea which user is never coming back.** Actually, this appears to be a house-keeping issue. When **Sweet Willy** got the chop just a short bit ago, he showed “BANNED” almost immediately. ---
**Author:** ![MandaJo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ac91a4/32.png) [@MandaJo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MandaJo)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2002, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-new-announcement-by-ed/110473/68 "2002-05-23T19:05:28Z")
Ok, I happen to use the “switch the words” tactic quite a bit (it is vert handy in gender discussions to show for sexist a comment can sound when meen/women are inverted. Is that whole tactic now verboten, or is the sin in saying "Originally quoted by . . . "? For example, would something like this be a bannable offence: > [@](#): > > Ok, X, you say “All my best friends are men because women are silly, frivolous creatures”. How would you react if someone said “All my best friends are white, because blacks are silly, frivolous creatures”? (that was completly made upjust now). ---
**Author:** ![Cheesesteak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cheesesteak/32/3694_2.png) [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2002, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-new-announcement-by-ed/110473/69 "2002-05-23T19:14:44Z")
**Manda JO** there is a thread on that very subject in ATMB. ---
**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:** [May 23, 2002, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-new-announcement-by-ed/110473/70 "2002-05-23T19:22:27Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by EchoKitty \* > \*\*Well, it was public knowledge when it happened, and until the thread was pulled. I read the incident, but I can’t for the life of me remember who it was. UNFAIR to ban one and not the other. \*\* Why? Other than using the > [@](#): > > Quote tag which, (if you’ll look where I quoted you) _automatically_ puts the “Originally posted by EchoKitty” line in, I don’t see where Poster A broke any rules or really did anything wrong. When I do the SDMB One Trick Pony Chowder and Marching Society posts, or a song parody or even just an attempt at a funny post (like in the PyjamaGirl Pit Thread where have an imaginary dialogue between PyjamaGirl and Whatshisname), I often put fake words in people’s mouths. (I don’t use the Quote Tag though) It’s obviously for the purpose of parody/illustrating a point. Should I be banned too? Until now, no-one’s ever started mewling “But…but I dinnint saaaaay that! I’m gunna sue!” and no-one ever thought anyone was so thin-skinned as to do so. And…while I suspect that what I’m doing is still OK, typing this I’m starting to wonder if my posts are within limits. I’m _almost_ certain they are, but until I get an official response, I’m gonna be _real_ careful with that sort of post… (I’m sure it’s OK, but I wanna check just to be safe) On preview: **Manda** , my _guess_ is that the problem is the Quote Tag. But IANAM! (And thanks for showing how that technique has legit uses! I _couldn’t_ think of a good example!) Fenris, off to e-mail an Admin ---
**Author:** ![Why\_A\_Duck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/13edae/32.png) [@Why\_A\_Duck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Why_A_Duck)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2002, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-new-announcement-by-ed/110473/71 "2002-05-23T19:22:37Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Tranquilis \* > \*\*Actually, this appears to be a house-keeping issue. When **Sweet Willy** got the chop just a short bit ago, he showed “BANNED” almost immediately. \*\* Sometimes I think it’s intentional. The powers that be (PTB) sometimes either don’t want to call attention to a banning or don’t want to give a troll what they are looking for. ---
**Author:** ![EchoKitty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/f4b2a3/32.png) [@EchoKitty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EchoKitty)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2002, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-new-announcement-by-ed/110473/72 "2002-05-23T19:29:16Z")
I stand corrected. The banning was called for. ---
**Author:** ![alice\_in\_wonderland](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alice_in_wonderland/32/176_2.png) [@alice\_in\_wonderland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alice_in_wonderland)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2002, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-new-announcement-by-ed/110473/73 "2002-05-23T19:31:29Z")
I’m dying of curiosity - could someone e-mail me the identities of A and B? My address is in my profile. Thanks. Al. ---
**Author:** ![Tranquilis](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tranquilis/32/3639_2.png) [@Tranquilis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tranquilis)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2002, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-new-announcement-by-ed/110473/74 "2002-05-23T19:31:53Z")
Could be. ---
**Author:** ![alice\_in\_wonderland](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alice_in_wonderland/32/176_2.png) [@alice\_in\_wonderland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alice_in_wonderland)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2002, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-new-announcement-by-ed/110473/75 "2002-05-23T19:32:39Z")
Well, actually, it’s right down there where it says “e-mail”. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![Tranquilis](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tranquilis/32/3639_2.png) [@Tranquilis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tranquilis)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2002, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-new-announcement-by-ed/110473/76 "2002-05-23T19:33:32Z")
Damn. Hit ‘submit’ vice ‘Preview’. My above comment was directed to **Why A Duck**. ---
**Author:** ![BF](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/b5ac83/32.png) [@BF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BF)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2002, 7:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-new-announcement-by-ed/110473/77 "2002-05-23T19:47:56Z")
> [@](#): > > And…while I suspect that what I’m doing is still OK, typing this I’m starting to wonder if my posts are within limits. I’m almost certain they are, but until I get an official response, I’m gonna be real careful with that sort of post… (I’m sure it’s OK, but I wanna check just to be safe) I wouldn’t get paranoid about it **Fenris**. As I previously posted, it was blatantly obvious that Poster A was using Poster B’s post as an example with the substitution. Anyone reading that thread could not have been confused on what Poster A was trying to do. I took Poster B’s response as a joke. The fact that Poster B wasn’t joking and the matter escalated, well, … see ya, wouldn’t want to be ya… ---
**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:** [May 23, 2002, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-new-announcement-by-ed/110473/78 "2002-05-23T20:02:17Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Why A Duck \* > \*\* > > Sometimes I think it’s intentional. The powers that be (PTB) sometimes either don’t want to call attention to a banning or don’t want to give a troll what they are looking for. \*\* Or, maybe they’re worried that the “Banned” title under Poster B’s name will irrevocably damage and defame his reputation and cause him great emotional distress and make him cry which could be grounds for _another_ lawsuit threat. :rolleyes: 😉 😛 ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2002, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-new-announcement-by-ed/110473/79 "2002-05-23T20:06:48Z")
Okay, e-mailed two posters asking for identity. I think I remember the thread in question, but I do not remember who A&B were… BTW, **Sweet Willy** was banned? SAAAAWEEEETTT!!! ---
**Author:** ![Tuckerfan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/eada6e/32.png) [@Tuckerfan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tuckerfan)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2002, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-new-announcement-by-ed/110473/80 "2002-05-23T20:44:37Z")
Somebody shoot me the IDs of these two. I think I know the thread, but I’m not certain. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-new-announcement-by-ed/110473.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-new-announcement-by-ed/110473.md?page=5)