# When moderators break the rules. **URL:** \ **Category:** About This Message Board\ **Created:** [July 13, 2016, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-moderators-break-the-rules/759805 "2016-07-13T13:13:38Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 19\ **Page:** 11
**Author:** ![Morgenstern](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Morgenstern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgenstern)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2016, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-moderators-break-the-rules/759805/201 "2016-07-21T03:33:26Z")
> [@Peter\_Morris](#): > > … > … but refuses to say whether the rest of us are allowed to say “pretending” or similar in GD. … You know, it’s sort of a line that we really don’t need to walk. It’s not the only line that’s really hard to see and avoid, so perhaps it’s best to just avoid going anywhere near it. I’d definitely avoid any word on this [list.](http://www.thesaurus.com/browse/liar?s=t) ---
**Author:** ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2016, 4:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-moderators-break-the-rules/759805/202 "2016-07-21T04:36:13Z")
> [@hajario](#): > > I assure you that people are keeping track. This won’t be a problem. Would that be you “top men” a la Raiders of the Lost Ark. ---
**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:** [July 21, 2016, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-moderators-break-the-rules/759805/203 "2016-07-21T14:35:20Z")
> [@Fenris](#): > > Those weasel-words are used constantly by everyone\*, not just Tomndebb. Sometime those weasel-worded calls of “liar” are modded and sometimes they’re not…but if a mod can use them, we should all be able to. Or if it’s not ok, all they need to do is start modding everyone _including Tomndebb_ under the new clarified rules. > > I have no idea why it’s taking so long for the mods to simply say “Hey, the stupid “No Liars” rule is A) stupid, B) unenforceable and C) stupid, so it’s gone now.” or (worse option) “Doods, the “No Liars” rule is holy writ and attempts to skirt, weasel-word or circumvent the rule will bring divine moderator wrath down upon thee going forward.” > > \*Hyperbole. Learn it, live it, love it. So, mods–can you let us know if this is being discussed in the mod loop? ---
**Author:** ![Drunky\_Smurf](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drunky_smurf/32/449_2.png) [@Drunky\_Smurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drunky_Smurf)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2016, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-moderators-break-the-rules/759805/204 "2016-07-21T16:38:15Z")
> [@hajario](#): > > I’m an Admin on the Giraffe Boards. I’ve never been on staff here. My comment was on the very long memory of many posters. If tom gets another note in ten years, people will remember this one. My bad. I just had this notion that you were a jackboot of some kind and for some reason I thought it was here in the past. ---
**Author:** ![Roland\_Orzabal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c2a13f/32.png) [@Roland\_Orzabal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roland_Orzabal)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2016, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-moderators-break-the-rules/759805/205 "2016-07-21T19:19:57Z")
> [@Fenris](#): > > So, mods–can you let us know if this is being discussed in the mod loop? Dude, stop. All you’re doing is causing a discussion on the mod loop about whether mods can publicly discuss the existence of discussions on the mod loop. The recursion is getting so resource-heavy that it’s slowing down the boards. ---
**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:** [July 24, 2016, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-moderators-break-the-rules/759805/206 "2016-07-24T22:10:41Z")
> [@Fenris](#): > > Those weasel-words are used constantly by everyone\*, not just Tomndebb. Sometime those weasel-worded calls of “liar” are modded and sometimes they’re not…but if a mod can use them, we should all be able to. Or if it’s not ok, all they need to do is start modding everyone _including Tomndebb_ under the new clarified rules. > > I have no idea why it’s taking so long for the mods to simply say “Hey, the stupid “No Liars” rule is A) stupid, B) unenforceable and C) stupid, so it’s gone now.” or (worse option) “Doods, the “No Liars” rule is holy writ and attempts to skirt, weasel-word or circumvent the rule will bring divine moderator wrath down upon thee going forward.” > > \*Hyperbole. Learn it, live it, love it. Just bumping this to see if we have any clarifications of the rules yet…or an ETA when we might have clarification. ---
**Author:** ![Peter\_Morris](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peter_morris/32/359_2.png) [@Peter\_Morris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_Morris)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2016, 4:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-moderators-break-the-rules/759805/207 "2016-07-25T04:18:14Z")
I think the silence is all the answer we’re going to get. I’ll take it as indicating that we are NOT allowed to accuse people of “pretending” in GD. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2016, 7:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-moderators-break-the-rules/759805/208 "2016-07-25T07:32:39Z")
> [@Peter\_Morris](#): > > I think the silence is all the answer we’re going to get. > > I’ll take it as indicating that we are NOT allowed to accuse people of “pretending” in GD. That’s probably a safe bet. /thread ---
**Author:** ![Shodan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2016, 12:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-moderators-break-the-rules/759805/209 "2016-07-25T12:43:05Z")
> [@Peter\_Morris](#): > > I think the silence is all the answer we’re going to get. Probably true. > [@](#): > > I’ll take it as indicating that we are NOT allowed to accuse people of “pretending” in GD. Are the mods allowed to do this? I don’t follow the logic. Someone reports a possible rule violation. Nothing happens. Therefore we can assume it was a rule violation. How does that follow? Regards, Shodan ---
**Author:** ![Peter\_Morris](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peter_morris/32/359_2.png) [@Peter\_Morris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_Morris)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2016, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-moderators-break-the-rules/759805/210 "2016-07-25T15:27:13Z")
> [@Shodan](#): > > How does that follow? Tom accuses someone of “pretending” in GD. Tom then declares that he did nothing wrong. I, and several others, ask if we are allowed to use the same term. Tom is silent. Conclusion: if Tom really thinks he did nothing wrong, all he has to do if reply “Yes.” One single, simple word, that’s all it will take. His failure to say that word indicates that that we are not permitted to say “pretending” in GD, and also that he was wrong to use it. Bur he doesn’t want to admit it. ---
**Author:** ![Shodan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2016, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-moderators-break-the-rules/759805/211 "2016-07-25T16:30:08Z")
Thanks, I understand what you are saying. And, unfortunately, you are probably correct. It _is_ against the rules. But they can’t admit it. Regards, Shodan ---
**Author:** ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2016, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-moderators-break-the-rules/759805/212 "2016-07-25T16:58:48Z")
So now anytime a poster uses weasel words to say “You’re lying” and get modded, can they point out that it is apparently OK for the mods to do it so why not them? ---
**Author:** ![Shodan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2016, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-moderators-break-the-rules/759805/213 "2016-07-25T17:42:44Z")
Yes, pretty much. I don’t expect it to do much good, because context. Regards, Shodan ---
**Author:** ![tomndebb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/b9e5f3/32.png) [@tomndebb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tomndebb)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2016, 10:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-moderators-break-the-rules/759805/214 "2016-07-25T22:40:35Z")
As Ed noted, Mods will abide by all SDMB rules. This includes a prohibition on characterizing another’s post in GD or Elections in a way that can be construed as an accusation that a poster is lying or bending the truth. ---
**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:** [July 25, 2016, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-moderators-break-the-rules/759805/215 "2016-07-25T23:43:23Z")
Ok–so the stupid rule against accusations of lying has not changed (dammit). That’s all I wanted to know. Thank you for the information Tom. I appreciate it. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2016, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-moderators-break-the-rules/759805/216 "2016-07-26T00:55:32Z")
> [@tomndebb](#): > > As Ed noted, Mods will abide by all SDMB rules. > This includes a prohibition on characterizing another’s post in GD or Elections in a way that can be construed as an accusation that a poster is lying or bending the truth. But the question was whether your post fell in that category or not. Did it? ---
**Author:** ![samclem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a9a28c/32.png) [@samclem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/samclem)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2016, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-moderators-break-the-rules/759805/217 "2016-07-26T01:00:55Z")
> [@John\_Mace](#): > > But the question was whether your post fell in that category or not. Did it? Ask Ed. ---
**Author:** ![Idle\_Thoughts](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/838e76/32.png) [@Idle\_Thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Idle_Thoughts)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2016, 5:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-moderators-break-the-rules/759805/218 "2016-07-26T05:29:56Z")
> [@John\_Mace](#): > > But the question was whether your post fell in that category or not. Did it? Since **Tom** , at the time, edited his post with an apology and took out the offending part, I think that should have been enough to confirm that it was out of place. Beyond that, the last few days of this thread have seemed to become less about genuine confusion about the rules and more about just wanting to see a mod admit they were in the wrong, which is one of the reasons I’m going to close this thread now. But just in case it’s still not clear, no rule has changed, they are the same as they have always been… … and as **Ed** says in [this topic,](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=798698) in the first point, “The mods are expected to abide by SDMB rules just like all other members.” Consequently, waiting on a mod to answer regarding **Tom** case, however, is counterintuitive, as point two of the same thread reads “It’s not the responsibility of one mod to chastise another.” and an answer from any other mod other than himself could potentially be taken as a violation of that. But **Tom** has posted a few posts ago and has confirmed the mods will comply with the rules, so that–along with remembering and following the three points in \*\*Ed’\*\*s thread–should be enough to answer anyone’s remaining concerns, hopefully. If anyone still has concerns regarding this situation, I strongly suggest you either PM or email a mod or \*\*Ed Zotti \*\* himself–who can be reached at the webmaster address at the bottom of every page–or bringing it up in **Ed’s** thread itself…which is the second reason I’m closing this (two threads in this forum about the same thing). ---
**Author:** ![tomndebb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/b9e5f3/32.png) [@tomndebb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tomndebb)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2016, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-moderators-break-the-rules/759805/219 "2016-08-01T18:55:14Z")
> [@John\_Mace](#): > > But the question was whether your post fell in that category or not. Did it? Yes. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-moderators-break-the-rules/759805.md?page=10)