# The Rules of Engagement **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [March 11, 1999, 6:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-rules-of-engagement/837 "1999-03-11T06:20:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 1999, 6:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-rules-of-engagement/837/1 "1999-03-11T06:20:00Z")
Remember all those times we said, “hey, why don’t you take that outside?” Well, here’s where you go. \ No, really. This is where you go for all those verbal fistfights. When a thread veers from debate and/or discussion into personal attack, sneering insults, and “Yo Mommas,” y’all should step outside to this thread. Remember, although AOL’s Terms of Service do not usually apply and we will give you SOME latitude, this is no back alley and you will be expected to be if not civil at least semi-reasonable. Pure evil and/or rants won’t fly – unless they’re really entertaining. Oh, and give me five minutes to sell some tickets, okay? your humble TubaDiva ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 1999, 6:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-rules-of-engagement/837/2 "1999-03-11T06:43:00Z")
It depends, TUBADIVA…on where those tickets wil lead me to! LOL ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 1999, 7:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-rules-of-engagement/837/3 "1999-03-11T07:09:00Z")
Got those asbestos lined metal undies all ready girl? ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 1999, 7:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-rules-of-engagement/837/4 "1999-03-11T07:12:00Z")
> [@](#): > > It depends, TUBADIVA…on where those tickets wil lead me to! > LOL This way to the egress. \ your humble TubaDiva Pay no attention to that Diva behind the curtain! ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 1999, 7:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-rules-of-engagement/837/5 "1999-03-11T07:15:00Z")
> [@](#): > > Got those asbestos lined metal undies all ready girl? Wanna see? your humble TubaDiva Hey, no crowding! ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 1999, 7:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-rules-of-engagement/837/6 "1999-03-11T07:27:00Z")
Can we use profanity here? ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 1999, 8:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-rules-of-engagement/837/7 "1999-03-11T08:26:00Z")
> [@](#): > > although AOL’s Terms of Service do not usually apply and we will give you SOME latitude, this is no back alley Ah, but what about those of us unhindered by AOL and its Terms Of Servitude? \ Far as I know, my provider doesn’t much care what I do as long as I don’t jam up a server. But, I’ll be good. Unless those in power would like me to be bad. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 1999, 8:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-rules-of-engagement/837/8 "1999-03-11T08:51:00Z")
Opal wondered: > [@](#): > > Can we use profanity here? Do you have to? * * * Ranger Jeff The Idol of American Youth ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 1999, 10:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-rules-of-engagement/837/9 "1999-03-11T10:20:00Z")
Well, I don’t HAVE TO but sometimes it makes sense to. When quoting a source that has profanity, or when discussing something which refers to profanity, or sometimes the situation just calls for it. * * * **\>^,^\<** “Cluemobile? You’ve got a pickup…” The Teeming Millions Homepage: [http://fathom.org/teemingmillions](http://fathom.org/teemingmillions) ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 1999, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-rules-of-engagement/837/10 "1999-03-11T17:47:00Z")
If anybody thinks it’s necessary to use any curse words or not doesn’t make a difference to me, but that doesn’t mean that EVERY post has to have cursing it in… it’s all a matter of context. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 1999, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-rules-of-engagement/837/11 "1999-03-11T22:50:00Z")
> [@](#): > > Can we use profanity here? What the hell do you mean by that? Okay, just being funny, really. (I originally wrote “what the fuck do you mean by that,” but that’s a bit much, don’t you think?) DISCLAIMER: NO FEELINGS WERE INJURED IN PRODUCTION OF THE LINES ABOVE. IT’S A JOKE GODDAMMIT. All things in moderation . . . all in perspective . . . what’s appropriate for the situation? We’re adults here (mostly), we have command of the English language, what’s suitable? your humble TubaDiva, dammit ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 1999, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-rules-of-engagement/837/12 "1999-03-12T14:40:00Z")
yay! I think I will spend most of my time here in the BBQ Pit, at least until George and Bob take over. In addition to the “Bodily Functions” folder, we need a “Teenage Heartbreak and Angst” folder, so I can avoid that, too. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 1999, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-rules-of-engagement/837/13 "1999-03-12T15:35:00Z")
A special thread just for me? Why, I’m happier than a pig in shit! * * * \*\* Phil D. \*\* “There isn’t time to tell you all that you need to know.” – Jon Auer ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 1999, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-rules-of-engagement/837/14 "1999-03-12T23:44:00Z")
> [@](#): > > yay! I think I will spend most of my time here in the BBQ Pit, at least until George and Bob take over. I’d spend time here, if #\*%#(!)^ shows up. . . Rich ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 1999, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-rules-of-engagement/837/15 "1999-03-12T23:46:00Z")
> [@](#): > > I’d spend time here, if #\*%#(!)^ shows up. . . Hey! There must by some sort of RoboCensor thing going on here. Up there where I typed #\*%#(!)^'s AOL screen name, it got all weird! Rich ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 1999, 12:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-rules-of-engagement/837/16 "1999-03-13T00:40:00Z")
[[Hey! There must by some sort of RoboCensor thing going on here. Up there where I typed #\*%#(!)^'s AOL screen name, it got all weird!]] Rich, you’re such a %&_#@$_. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 1999, 4:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-rules-of-engagement/837/17 "1999-03-14T04:57:00Z")
Oh got to %$#@!~ you guys. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 1999, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-rules-of-engagement/837/18 "1999-03-14T13:54:00Z")
::sighs:: I missed you guys. BTW, where ARE George and Bob? I keep expecting George to pop up, since that odd Welfy song. ~Kyla ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 1999, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-rules-of-engagement/837/19 "1999-03-14T16:52:00Z")
Kyla asked: > [@](#): > > BTW, where ARE George and Bob? I keep expecting George to pop up, since that odd Welfy song. I’m not sure why Bob hasn’t made it since he’s only fighting with George, daily, and Rhyannann about one post every two days. George on the other hand has six separate threads devoted to enlightening or overwhelming Bob and Jwb (along with anyone else who trips into the melee). He is also making guest appearnces in other threads. He’ll probably be over later–or when they pull the SDMB out from under him. * * * Tom~ ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 1999, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-rules-of-engagement/837/20 "1999-03-14T23:13:00Z")
Ptereydactylil thus spake: > [@](#): > > yay! I think I will spend most of my time here in the BBQ Pit, at least until George and Bob take over. > In addition to the “Bodily Functions” folder, we need a “Teenage Heartbreak and Angst” folder, so I can avoid that, too. Absolutely! No disrespect meant to our resident teens since they are collectively and singly amazingly wonderful as far as teens go, but really, I’ve been through high school already and I have no desire to repeat the experience. Especially all the who kissed whom and why they did so speculation. * * * **Pamela** [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-rules-of-engagement/837.md?page=2)