# Wait... what happened to Lexicon? **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [August 31, 2001, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wait-what-happened-to-lexicon/79122 "2001-08-31T15:17:03Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2001, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wait-what-happened-to-lexicon/79122/61 "2001-08-31T21:57:28Z")
Hee hee hee - I misread **Magdalene’s** post as “pry his novelty **penis** from his cold dead hands”. And that, my friends, is how rumours get started… ---
**Author:** ![Diane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/2acd7d/32.png) [@Diane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diane)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2001, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wait-what-happened-to-lexicon/79122/62 "2001-08-31T21:58:58Z")
Oh give me a fucking break, Izzy. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see the differences between Lex’s words and Jodi’s (Hi Jodi). Sheesh. ---
**Author:** ![IzzyR](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/2acd7d/32.png) [@IzzyR](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IzzyR)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2001, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wait-what-happened-to-lexicon/79122/63 "2001-08-31T22:02:23Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Diane \* > It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see the differences between Lex’s words and Jodi’s Of course. I can’t imagine what makes you think I’ve said otherwise. ---
**Author:** ![Jodi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7feea3/32.png) [@Jodi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jodi)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2001, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wait-what-happened-to-lexicon/79122/64 "2001-08-31T22:07:21Z")
JADIS, you jerk! Look what you did! 🙂 My own for the record post: I did tell LEXICON I thought his post reflected a “cranio-rectal inversion,” but that was after he suggested the way to handle to problem of men looking at women’s breasts in the workplace was for women to cut their breasts off – a comment that seemed to me to indicate – well, a cranio-rectal inversion. Frankly, I could see it if that pissed him off, and if he’d started a Pit thread about it I’d have met the challenge in this forum. But it was totally inappropriate there, and I said so – and civilly, I might add. (Pats self on back.) Then the top of his head popped off. Truly, I have no idea what that was about. I’ve never had a cross word with the man (man?) before, at least not to my knowledge. It was not my intention to see him banned, but I certainly respect VEB’s decision to ban him – I would have done the same. I think he just lost his temper. If he finds it again, I wouldn’t care if he came back (obviously up to the admins); as I have said, he didn’t even succeed in offending me – the comment was so junior high (as someone else has noted) that I was more amused than offended. The idea that the banning might be personally motivated, either from dislike of him or from like of me, is ridiculous. I don’t personally know ANY of the moderators. (Though of course I think they are all _extremly_ intelligent, magnanimous, thrifty, clear, reverent, etc. And good looking. Think Rudy Valentino. Not you, VEB; you’re more Clark Gable.) Truly, I think the guy’s meltdown speaks for itself. Maybe when he gets over it, he can come back? ---
**Author:** ![Alphagene](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Alphagene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alphagene)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2001, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wait-what-happened-to-lexicon/79122/65 "2001-08-31T22:11:13Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by IzzyR \* > **Further, by ignoring one insult and coming down heavy on the other, you were provoking the type of response that you got.** Not IMO. It comes down to “If a moderator tells you to stop, stop. If you think you are being untreated faily, complain in a proper matter.” That’s pretty much standard. Other than that, there is just no way we can make any of this a black and white issue. It always comes down to the moderator’s judgement. But I happen to agree with Veb’s judgement that Lex took the boobie argument down a level by resorting to a generic “suck my dick” retort. One that he has used before, by the way. And AFAIC there was nothing clear about what “Cheers, bitch” meant. We can only make judgements. And if anyone becomes “provoked” by Veb’s comments then they probably have some breast-related rage they need to address before posting further. ---
**Author:** ![Jodi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7feea3/32.png) [@Jodi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jodi)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2001, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wait-what-happened-to-lexicon/79122/66 "2001-08-31T22:12:55Z")
Coupla things, IZZY: Point the First: As I just said, my initial comment was in response to his suggestion that us gals just cut our tits off. Or did you miss that? Point the Second: I specifically tailored my response to the forum, which is why I referred to it as a cranial-rectal inversion, and didn’t simply tell him he had his head up his ass. Point the Third: If I succeeded in offending him anyway, he could have and should have taken it to the Pit. He did not. Point the Fourth: _That_ is not the conduct that got him banned. What got him banned was his subsequent totally disproportionate meltdown. Or did you miss that as well? Nevertheless, if the mods feel I was out of line in my initial comments, I am willing to take my punishment. Chastise me. Whip me, beat me, make me write bad checks. I will take the admonishment as an adult and not throw a subsequent hissy fit that will serve to get me banned. Why? Because I’m a grown-up. Immature on occasion, yes, but a grown-up just the same. And as a grown-up, I know the wise response to “Hey, don’t do that” is “Whoops, sorry!” not “Fuck you, bitch!” ---
**Author:** ![IzzyR](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/2acd7d/32.png) [@IzzyR](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IzzyR)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2001, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wait-what-happened-to-lexicon/79122/67 "2001-08-31T22:27:40Z")
**Alphagene** I agree that Lexicon’s response (and indeed his initial words to Jodi) were totally inapropriate. I was responding to the words of Tveblen that I quoted, in which I believe she missed the boat. I have commented before in a general sense about how the ambiguity of the “don’t be a jerk” rule is not helpful. (Not that there was any question in the case of Lexicon - it’s Jodi’s words that are in question). This is another example of this problem. Also, I think the first thing about being a moderator banning someone is to at least understand what they are saying. This is the second time I’ve seen Tveblen recommend banning, and the second time she misunderstood the subject. I think the cheers thing is very obvious. Maybe its some sort of moderator thing. **Jodi** 1. He was being sarcastic. Or did you miss that? 2. I don’t see that elegent phrasing makes a difference when insulting people. Perhaps a moderator should enlight us about this as well. 3. & 4. See my comments to Alphagene above. Final paragraph: I am not attempting to have you admonished. Only to point out ambiguities and inconsistencies in standards which have the effect of causing some people to be unsure of what the borders are. And when in the same altercation, of needlessly provoking one side. ---
**Author:** ![Jodi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7feea3/32.png) [@Jodi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jodi)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2001, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wait-what-happened-to-lexicon/79122/68 "2001-08-31T22:42:02Z")
> [@](#): > > He was being sarcastic. Or did you miss that? Yep, totally missed it. Just went back and re-read it again and _still_ didn’t see it. Which is totally irrelevant – if he was offended, he could have taken it to the Pit. If a mod felt it was inappropriate, they could have said so. What are you looking for here? A list? Some guidelines to cover every eventuality? Some Moderator Situational Flip-Chart? “Your point is flawed.” – Okay. “Your point is dumb.” – Okay, but Moderator start paying attention. “You are dumb.” – Not okay. Moderator issue warning. “You are a goat-felcher.” REALLY not okay. Moderator issue STERN warning. The rule is simple. Don’t be a jerk. If a moderator perceives me to have been a jerk, I’ll expect to be admonished (as has happened in the past). If I then throw an obscenity-laden hissy fit, I’ll expect to be banned. I think you’re looking for a bright-line test where none exists – where none CAN exist. ---
**Author:** ![Alphagene](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Alphagene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alphagene)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2001, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wait-what-happened-to-lexicon/79122/69 "2001-08-31T22:48:24Z")
I can understand your concerns, Izz, but in general I think we mods do give people a tremendous amount of leeway. Lex himself came on the scene (under his orginal name SmickD), with a somewhat abrasive personality, IMO. In fact he and I got into a bit of a rumpus way back when. But we both cooled off and we’ve gotten along fine since then. Now this was back before I was a mod, so its not like I had any say on Lex’s posting status, but speaking personally, I am always willing to keep an open mind about how people act. And speaking as a mod we really do give people a break a hell of a lot. Lex had an opportunity to cool off and he blew it. Many (shit, AFAIK _all_) banned posters have been given the same opportunity, both before and after they were banned. We’re all adults here, and we are all capable of stating our opinions clearly. And the mods do give people the benefit of the doubt. Knowing all that, I tend to be very comfortable with the decisions we make. ---
**Author:** ![John487](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/cab0a1/32.png) [@John487](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John487)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2001, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wait-what-happened-to-lexicon/79122/70 "2001-08-31T22:58:06Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Slip Mahoney \* > Mods, stop this aura of slap-handed authority at once! John doesn’t like it. i don’t expect anything to be changed, i am making a comment is all. > [@](#): > > Listen up, candy ass, because this will be on the test: you know what you can do with that test? your proctologist does. > [@](#): > > Nobody here has given the slightest indication that they give a fuck what you think. do i care? no. am i in the minority opinion? probably. are others too shy to respond “me too” to my post or do they just go with the “flow” ? fuck if i know, or care. > [@](#): > > Further, the board is not too big for its britches. You’re too small for this board. if you replace “board” with pussy, and “its britches” with you. i think that accurately summes up _your_ situation. > [@](#): > > Now fuck off. You’re starting to get on my nerves. _shiver_ ever thought of a job in government? ---
**Author:** ![IzzyR](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/2acd7d/32.png) [@IzzyR](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IzzyR)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2001, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wait-what-happened-to-lexicon/79122/71 "2001-08-31T22:58:07Z")
On second thought, maybe “rhetorical” is more accurate, rather than “sarcastic”. Either way. **Alphagene** , don’t sweat it - this is not an all-purpose anti-mod rant. Just a couple of issues. Take it or leave it, as you wish. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Cynical](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ee59a6/32.png) [@Mr.Cynical](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Cynical)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2001, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wait-what-happened-to-lexicon/79122/72 "2001-08-31T23:04:32Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Jodi \* > **Point the Second: I specifically tailored my response to the forum, which is why I referred to it as a cranial-rectal inversion, and didn’t simply tell him he had his head up his ass.** So, if Lex had asked you to, _“Partake of my genitals, in an oral fashion requiring suction versus mastication,”_ that would have been okay? Differentiate, please, for those of us who don’t mince words. ---
**Author:** ![Jack\_Batty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jack_batty/32/3201_2.png) [@Jack\_Batty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jack_Batty)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2001, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wait-what-happened-to-lexicon/79122/73 "2001-08-31T23:06:36Z")
While you’re at it, though, can you ban **John487**? He gets on my nerves. Thanks. ---
**Author:** ![Jodi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7feea3/32.png) [@Jodi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jodi)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2001, 11:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wait-what-happened-to-lexicon/79122/74 "2001-08-31T23:10:53Z")
Yeah, it would have, because it would not have been so blunt or so obviously calculated to offend, and because it would have made me laugh. ---
**Author:** ![wring](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/838e76/32.png) [@wring](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wring)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2001, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wait-what-happened-to-lexicon/79122/75 "2001-08-31T23:13:03Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by John487 \* > \*\*are others too shy to respond “me too” to my post or do they just go with the “flow” ? fuck if i know, or care. > \*\* **That’s it!** oh, thank the sponsors for your arrival here, without you all those teeming millions who agree with you and are too shy to respond, would be silent! yeppers, the one thing you can count on at the SDMB is that most posters are too shy to say what’s on their minds. Shrinking violets, one and all, that’s us. you betcha. Or It could just be you’re sitting alone on this one 'cause no one agrees with you. ---
**Author:** ![Francesca](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/9fc348/32.png) [@Francesca](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Francesca)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2001, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wait-what-happened-to-lexicon/79122/76 "2001-08-31T23:13:15Z")
So he got banned because he wasn’t funny enough? ---
**Author:** ![Coldfire](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a587f6/32.png) [@Coldfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Coldfire)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2001, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wait-what-happened-to-lexicon/79122/77 "2001-08-31T23:14:31Z")
Zette, it has to be said: those boobies deserve a better bike. 😉 And c’mon, **Manservant**. It’s a complete no-brainer. He crossed the line, got told sternly where the line was, and crossed it again. What the hell do you expect us to do? ---
**Author:** ![Jack\_Batty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jack_batty/32/3201_2.png) [@Jack\_Batty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jack_Batty)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2001, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wait-what-happened-to-lexicon/79122/78 "2001-08-31T23:19:32Z")
Oh ferchrissakes. The way I read it (directly form the linked thread) is that he was banned because he was a jerk of the first order - for my money his “suck my cock” comment, in that context and in that forum is one of the most offensive outbursts I’ve come across on this board. And when warned he responded with – “go ahead, ban me, I don’t care” [paraphrase]. What the hell would you expect? ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Cynical](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ee59a6/32.png) [@Mr.Cynical](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Cynical)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2001, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wait-what-happened-to-lexicon/79122/79 "2001-08-31T23:19:42Z")
I’m not referring to his banning, because that was obviously warranted. I’m referring to the fact that at first glance, this means that you can sling insults as much as you like, as long as they’re veiled. And at second glance…well, it still pretty much looks that way. I just don’t understand. ---
**Author:** ![Slip\_Mahoney](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e47774/32.png) [@Slip\_Mahoney](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slip_Mahoney)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2001, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wait-what-happened-to-lexicon/79122/80 "2001-08-31T23:24:29Z")
Well, John487, I’ve read most of your posts, and you don’t appear too happy to be here. You’re just one more in the long line of malcontents that finds some sort of perversive joy in criticizing your hosts. So, allow me to repeat myself: Fuck off, you’re bothering me. By the way, I do work for the government. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wait-what-happened-to-lexicon/79122.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wait-what-happened-to-lexicon/79122.md?page=5)