# Three people using "CalMeacham" is the same as one person having multiple socks. **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [February 25, 2008, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-people-using-calmeacham-is-the-same-as-one-person-having-multiple-socks/439134 "2008-02-25T23:55:23Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**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, 2008, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-people-using-calmeacham-is-the-same-as-one-person-having-multiple-socks/439134/41 "2008-02-26T01:39:42Z")
[QUOTE=TLDRIDKJKLOLFTW] I don’t want anyone to think I’m being a jerk… [/QUOTE] Dude, that ship has sailed, sunk, rusted and is now a thriving coral reef. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2008, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-people-using-calmeacham-is-the-same-as-one-person-having-multiple-socks/439134/42 "2008-02-26T01:42:11Z")
This is, truly, the Sixth Sign of the Aporkcalypse. Hug what you hold dear, for the End Times are upon us. Alas, Babylon! ---
**Author:** ![samclem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a9a28c/32.png) [@samclem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/samclem)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2008, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-people-using-calmeacham-is-the-same-as-one-person-having-multiple-socks/439134/43 "2008-02-26T01:47:28Z")
[QUOTE=TLDRIDKJKLOLFTW] I don’t want anyone to think I’m being a jerk - I’m just concerned for the integrity of the board, and for the safety of minors that might be tempted to post here. There was a big fracas a while back with a child molester that was using the board to groom younger posters, and if “MilliCal” is too young to even post on the board (under 13), that would probably be like catnip to other molester-posters lurking out there. What happens, legally, if someone young posts here and then gets into an incident with a molester - who’s in trouble? That’s why there’s the no-under-13 rule, among other reasons. I just want to keep this place fair and safe for everyone. [/QUOTE] Another non-starter. Not even in the same universe. ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2008, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-people-using-calmeacham-is-the-same-as-one-person-having-multiple-socks/439134/44 "2008-02-26T01:49:26Z")
[QUOTE=TLDRIDKJKLOLFTW] 2), It robs this board of revenue. What’s to keep **Miller** from sharing the “Miller” name with me, Helen’s Eidolon, Badbadrubberpiggy, Aesiron, Anastaseon, and Indygirl? That way, we all just use the name and save $15 a year, or we split the $15 seven ways. [/QUOTE] No worries about that. I’d never be able to figure out the math. ---
**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, 2008, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-people-using-calmeacham-is-the-same-as-one-person-having-multiple-socks/439134/45 "2008-02-26T01:52:05Z")
[QUOTE=silenus] …the Aporkcalypse… [/QUOTE] Is that when pigs fly? 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Helen\_s\_Eidolon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/8edcca/32.png) [@Helen\_s\_Eidolon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Helen_s_Eidolon)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2008, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-people-using-calmeacham-is-the-same-as-one-person-having-multiple-socks/439134/46 "2008-02-26T01:57:30Z")
Yes. I asked you why you started the thread. You replied that you had decided moderating decisions needed to be made by you, not by the moderators. ---
**Author:** ![Zabali\_Clawbane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/ecd19e/32.png) [@Zabali\_Clawbane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zabali_Clawbane)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2008, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-people-using-calmeacham-is-the-same-as-one-person-having-multiple-socks/439134/47 "2008-02-26T01:57:38Z")
[QUOTE=TLDRIDKJKLOLFTW] Because a longtime member, **Jarbabyj** / **TinyHam** / **Fatgirl** was just banned from the boards for less. I think it’s interesting - but mostly unfair and ridiculous - that there’s such a double standard around here for posters that are clearly in the “in crowd.” CalMeacham has something like 18-trillion posts, so it’s clear that he’s and old-timer (and seems to be an all-around good guy) and that it’s been long established that his entire family is allowed to use one screen name. I see it as being no different than one person having socks; if you respond to CalMeacham, how do you know you’re not responding to “Millical?” Or “Pepper Mill?” Or “Cheeselog?” etc. Why does another poster get banned for a lesser offense (starting a new screen name here for a clean start)? [/QUOTE] God forbid I should speak of my husband around here in a “ **Mr. Clawbane** says \ but I think \.” manner! :rolleyes: :dubious: There have been plenty of “Ask my cat” type threads around too. One even had their baby sibling giving their wisdom in a “Ask my baby sibling” thread as I recall. As others have said, it is the intent that matters. **Millical** had an idea she wanted to pose to “The Dopers” that her Dad hangs out with, and he agreed to post the idea on her behalf. He was honorable and labled it. I don’t know if **Pepper Mill** is paid up or not I didn’t look up her profile, maybe she is but just hasn’t felt like posting. Plenty of times the children of SDMB members grow up and become members themselves. **QtM** ’s daughter did, and I think that before she did he posed a question or two on her behalf. I cannot remember who **Mama Tiger** is Mom to, (brainfarting, not that I don’t pay attention to both their posts) but I know there are other parent/child relationships here as well. And what about the “settle a debate” topics? They are sort of posing a question on behalf of a family member or friend, but also on the poster’s own behalf as well. I think you’re just looking to find infractions, and not able to see that the law (rules here) aren’t rigid in the ways you think they is. ---
**Author:** ![Terrifel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c68b51/32.png) [@Terrifel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terrifel)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2008, 2:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-people-using-calmeacham-is-the-same-as-one-person-having-multiple-socks/439134/48 "2008-02-26T02:10:58Z")
Well! That settles that. Never again will I allow my ferret to post directly to the SDMB, lest the practice attract unsavory attention! Potential ferret molesters, take note! Your freaked-out ferret fondling fantasies have been foiled! Dingus is less than pleased by the restriction (I can only paraphrase the response here, of course, but in essence: “errrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr4aqrggggeaee9999999”). However, safety first. **kaylasdad99** , your earlier response was suspiciously avuncular. I’m watching you. ---
**Author:** ![Jodi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7feea3/32.png) [@Jodi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jodi)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2008, 2:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-people-using-calmeacham-is-the-same-as-one-person-having-multiple-socks/439134/49 "2008-02-26T02:13:25Z")
[QUOTE=TLDRIDKJKLOLFTW] I don’t want anyone to think I’m being a jerk . . . [/QUOTE] Then it’s too bad you’re coming across as such a big honkin’ jerk. ---
**Author:** ![Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2008, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-people-using-calmeacham-is-the-same-as-one-person-having-multiple-socks/439134/50 "2008-02-26T02:20:39Z")
In fairness to **TLDR** , he is, in this case, exactly half right. We do discourage others (family, friends, ferrets) posting under a member’s account. The half wrong part is that the usual response, as noted above, is a mild reminder of policy, not the guillotine. ---
**Author:** ![Revenant\_Threshold](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f1d935/32.png) [@Revenant\_Threshold](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revenant_Threshold)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2008, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-people-using-calmeacham-is-the-same-as-one-person-having-multiple-socks/439134/51 "2008-02-26T02:22:02Z")
[QUOTE=TLDRIDKJKLOLFTW] An extra, and possibly illegal anecdote is that one of these users, “MilliCal,” is too young to be a member of this board but is circumventing the rule by sharing this screen name. [/QUOTE] I demand _more illegal anecdotes_. This one time, I was walking along the road, and who should stop me but Britney Spears! I made a greeting, and she turned back and said - Well, hello, Officer. No, I’m not doing anythingheywhereareyoutakingaakemremrmaewrthj3.63 k ---
**Author:** ![Meyer6](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/cc9497/32.png) [@Meyer6](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meyer6)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2008, 2:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-people-using-calmeacham-is-the-same-as-one-person-having-multiple-socks/439134/52 "2008-02-26T02:27:20Z")
[QUOTE=TLDRIDKJKLOLFTW] I don’t want anyone to think I’m being a jerk - I’m just concerned for the integrity of the board, and for the safety of minors that might be tempted to post here. There was a big fracas a while back with a child molester that was using the board to groom younger posters, and if “MilliCal” is too young to even post on the board (under 13), that would probably be like catnip to other molester-posters lurking out there. What happens, legally, if someone young posts here and then gets into an incident with a molester - who’s in trouble? That’s why there’s the no-under-13 rule, among other reasons. I just want to keep this place fair and safe for everyone. [/QUOTE] I gotta say dude, I love how quickly you trotted out this brand new argument. “Hey, something here isn’t fair” _sounds of crickets chirping_ “Well, won’t somebody think of the children!!!” Seriously, it’s cracking me up, what else can you come up with? ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2008, 2:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-people-using-calmeacham-is-the-same-as-one-person-having-multiple-socks/439134/53 "2008-02-26T02:31:51Z")
I blame Bush. ---
**Author:** ![Zabali\_Clawbane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/ecd19e/32.png) [@Zabali\_Clawbane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zabali_Clawbane)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2008, 2:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-people-using-calmeacham-is-the-same-as-one-person-having-multiple-socks/439134/54 "2008-02-26T02:41:26Z")
[QUOTE=Frank] In fairness to **TLDR** , he is, in this case, exactly half right. We do discourage others (family, friends, ferrets) posting under a member’s account. The half wrong part is that the usual response, as noted above, is a mild reminder of policy, not the guillotine. [/QUOTE] Well, but it has been allowed before that a person can pose a question on behalf of a friend or family member, usually phrased in a “settle an argument” way. I believe I have seen both that they have checked with the moderators before, and sometimes the person hasn’t. If I am not mistaken, the person who had their young sibling doing a “Dear Abby” type question and answer exchange was okayed by the moderators, and we all got a look at how a young child sees the world. Certainly speaking about a spouse, family member or friend while relating an anecdote is allowed, correct? ---
**Author:** ![Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2008, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-people-using-calmeacham-is-the-same-as-one-person-having-multiple-socks/439134/55 "2008-02-26T02:44:40Z")
[QUOTE=Zabali\_Clawbane] Certainly speaking about a spouse, family member or friend while relating an anecdote is allowed, correct? [/QUOTE] Well, yeah. And I can’t remember anyone ever worrying about “My wife says you’re all nuts,” type posts. This was a case of the family member using the account to type out their own post. ---
**Author:** ![MsRobyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/90ced4/32.png) [@MsRobyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsRobyn)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2008, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-people-using-calmeacham-is-the-same-as-one-person-having-multiple-socks/439134/56 "2008-02-26T02:59:23Z")
[QUOTE=ivylass] So what happens when **Airman** or **MsRobyn** accidentally post under each other’s user name because one or the other forgot to log out? Is that sock puppetry too? It’s the intent that we have to look at here. There is no attempt to deceive. Again, IANAM, so not my call. [/QUOTE] Oh, yeah. **Airman Doors** is a figment of everyone’s imagination. See, I wanted to have some fun with y’all, so I invented a whole new persona who is male, conservative and in the military. Really, I invented the whole Doors family. Trust me. 😃 (Note: This is sarcasm. The sad, boring truth is that one or the other of us is in a hurry to respond to a post, so we don’t bother to check to see who’s logged in. It’s more noodle-brainedness than malice. But you already knew that, right? In other words, TLDR can eat a bowl of shit.) Robin ---
**Author:** ![as\_u\_wish](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/6f9a4e/32.png) [@as\_u\_wish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/as_u_wish)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2008, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-people-using-calmeacham-is-the-same-as-one-person-having-multiple-socks/439134/57 "2008-02-26T03:01:50Z")
as\_u\_wish (not a family member) gets very small and sneeks into the pit. A hush falls over the usual crowd. The confession begins. Several times in the decade I’ve been a posting, I’ve let my son, daughter or husband type a post under my name. These were usually cases where they had special knowledge (music, hockey, computers) and were able to provide an answer to a question asked in the OP. Usually the post began something like “as\_u\_wish’s daughter here…” I could, I suppose, have had them dictate the response to me and just let people think I knew stuff about music or hockey. But it seemed, somehow, simpler and more reasonable to have them do the typing. Have I sinned? Is there something I should do to expunge my guilt and be readmitted to the good graces of the SDMB? Oh og oh og, have mercy upon my possibly theoretical soul. Without waiting for a verdict, as\_u\_wish scuttles back to the gentler fora. (fori? forums? whatever, I’ll be over in the Game Room checking for a new Family Feud.) ---
**Author:** ![Morbo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/morbo/32/389_2.png) [@Morbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morbo)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2008, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-people-using-calmeacham-is-the-same-as-one-person-having-multiple-socks/439134/58 "2008-02-26T03:05:39Z")
A day in the life of TLDR: \<1\> Think of a couple of legitimate OPs and post them to prevent the grand troll experiment from being as obvious - file away in case he is accused of such. \<2\> Desperately try and find a new and interesting way (to him) of stirring up trouble. Extra points if he has some slim point to add to his faux legitimacy. \<3\> Attempt in follow-up posts in item \<2\> to make it seem like he’s not really trolling, but with juuust enough horseshit to see how much he can get away with. “I’m just concerned for the integrity of the board, and for the safety of minors that might be tempted to post here…I just want to keep this place fair and safe for everyone.” \<4\> Dance with glee at the trouble caused by his fresh experiment. \<5\> Repeat. Nice work. It’s all falling into place for you again. ---
**Author:** ![samclem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a9a28c/32.png) [@samclem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/samclem)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2008, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-people-using-calmeacham-is-the-same-as-one-person-having-multiple-socks/439134/59 "2008-02-26T03:07:30Z")
[QUOTE=as\_u\_wish] as\_u\_wish (not a family member) gets very small and sneeks into the pit. A hush falls over the usual crowd. The confession begins. Several times in the decade I’ve been a posting, I’ve let my son, daughter or husband type a post under my name. These were usually cases where they had special knowledge (music, hockey, computers) and were able to provide an answer to a question asked in the OP. Usually the post began something like “as\_u\_wish’s daughter here…” I could, I suppose, have had them dictate the response to me and just let people think I knew stuff about music or hockey. But it seemed, somehow, simpler and more reasonable to have them do the typing. Have I sinned? Is there something I should do to expunge my guilt and be readmitted to the good graces of the SDMB? Oh og oh og, have mercy upon my possibly theoretical soul. Without waiting for a verdict, as\_u\_wish scuttles back to the gentler fora. (fori? forums? whatever, I’ll be over in the Game Room checking for a new Family Feud.) [/QUOTE] I’d be frightened, Missy. You post less than 80 times/year. Therefore, you ain’t one of the cool kids. And we don’t like people who aren’t cool. You’re on double-secret probation. ---
**Author:** ![as\_u\_wish](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/6f9a4e/32.png) [@as\_u\_wish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/as_u_wish)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2008, 3:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-people-using-calmeacham-is-the-same-as-one-person-having-multiple-socks/439134/60 "2008-02-26T03:22:38Z")
Ahem. My cool credentials are completely in order. \. I’d post more, but we only have four computers and the kids monopolize them. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-people-using-calmeacham-is-the-same-as-one-person-having-multiple-socks/439134.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-people-using-calmeacham-is-the-same-as-one-person-having-multiple-socks/439134.md?page=4)