# Why close the arrested threads? **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [July 28, 2005, 3:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-close-the-arrested-threads/314519 "2005-07-28T03:26:54Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Silentgoldfish](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e36b37/32.png) [@Silentgoldfish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silentgoldfish)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2005, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-close-the-arrested-threads/314519/41 "2005-07-28T15:42:32Z")
> [@5que](#): > > So it’s not just giving the lawyer the thread in question. It’s going through everything you have to see if anything deals with _X_. It’s a lot of work. That does sound like a lot of work! I guess they’d better close the boards then, just to be sure. ---
**Author:** ![TubaDiva](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tubadiva/32/507_2.png) [@TubaDiva](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TubaDiva)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2005, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-close-the-arrested-threads/314519/42 "2005-07-28T16:11:55Z")
Actually, we’ve reconsided and the threads in question are being reopened. A reminder, though: If there’s repercussions for what you say here, it’s really too bad; we won’t edit or delete your true confessions. your humble TubaDiva ---
**Author:** ![Metacom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ecae2f/32.png) [@Metacom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Metacom)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2005, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-close-the-arrested-threads/314519/43 "2005-07-28T16:19:10Z")
Thanks for clearing things up **TubaDiva** , et. al. ---
**Author:** ![Casey1505](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/dc4da7/32.png) [@Casey1505](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Casey1505)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2005, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-close-the-arrested-threads/314519/44 "2005-07-28T16:36:18Z")
> [@TubaDiva](#): > > Actually, we’ve reconsided and the threads in question are being reopened. Thank you. ---
**Author:** ![EddyTeddyFreddy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eddyteddyfreddy/32/18796_2.png) [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2005, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-close-the-arrested-threads/314519/45 "2005-07-28T16:53:08Z")
> [@TubaDiva](#): > > Actually, we’ve reconsided and the threads in question are being reopened. You know, if you guys keep being all reasonable and stuff, you might have to turn in your jackboots and start wearing fluffy slippers. ---
**Author:** ![dropzone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dropzone/32/7515_2.png) [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2005, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-close-the-arrested-threads/314519/46 "2005-07-28T16:57:45Z")
> [@Qadgop the Mercotan](#): > > So, is it best to remove all personal context from one’s postings? That is the prudent course. Do people always follow the prudent course? Your job makes you keenly aware of that answer. ---
**Author:** ![Rufus\_Xavier](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/eada6e/32.png) [@Rufus\_Xavier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rufus_Xavier)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2005, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-close-the-arrested-threads/314519/47 "2005-07-28T17:04:37Z")
Whew! Now that that’s been cleared up, I can start the IMHO threads I really wanted to start: **What’s your Social Security Number?** and **What’s your Credit Card Number?** and **What’s your Home Address?** ---
**Author:** ![Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2005, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-close-the-arrested-threads/314519/48 "2005-07-28T17:16:56Z")
> [@Rufus Xavier](#): > > **What’s your Home Address?** Followed shortly by: **What valuable possesions do you own?** ---
**Author:** ![Caricci](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/85f322/32.png) [@Caricci](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Caricci)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2005, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-close-the-arrested-threads/314519/49 "2005-07-28T17:42:46Z")
> [@Silentgoldfish](#): > > Protecting themselves from what, exactly? Didn’t I _say_ liability? I mean, obviously they’ve reconsidered, but I would guess that the original reason for closing those threads wasn’t completely selfless and they checked with someone and now realize it’s okay. But, whatever it is, I _said_ liability so I don’t really know why you’re asking. ---
**Author:** ![tomndebb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/b9e5f3/32.png) [@tomndebb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tomndebb)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2005, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-close-the-arrested-threads/314519/50 "2005-07-28T19:18:29Z")
> [@](#): > > If the SDMB is being used as an extensive source of evidence in trials, maybe we should just ban all discussions of reality? We considered banning discussions of reality, but in a search of 6+ years of posts, we found none, so decided to not bother. > [@](#): > > but I would guess that the original reason for closing those threads wasn’t completely selfless and they checked with someone and now realize it’s okay. You would, in this case, be mistaken. The original decision was made, based on a few bad incidents with panic-stricker posters asking for retroactive self-censorship, to avoid such problems. After discussion and consideration, the further decision was made to allow you folks to shoot yourselves in however many feet you can spare. In particular, we considered the portion near the end of the [Registraion Agreement](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=309541) that notes > [@](#): > > Please remember that postings on this board are visible to anyone with access to the Internet, and are retained in a database indefinitely. Please do not post personal revelations or other information that may come back to haunt you. and decided that you have been sufficiently warned, even if we don’t think that threads such as those that were temporarily closed are the best possible use of anyone’s private time and electrons. ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2005, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-close-the-arrested-threads/314519/51 "2005-07-28T20:13:54Z")
So, **Tom** – ever been arrested? Daniel ---
**Author:** ![tomndebb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/b9e5f3/32.png) [@tomndebb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tomndebb)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2005, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-close-the-arrested-threads/314519/52 "2005-07-28T20:29:36Z")
I’ve always found Deb’s presence and beauty arresting. I’ve been accused of having had my development arrested a _very_ long time ago. ---
**Author:** ![Hallowmass](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e0b2c6/32.png) [@Hallowmass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hallowmass)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2005, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-close-the-arrested-threads/314519/53 "2005-07-28T20:33:06Z")
> [@Sam Clem](#): > > Our board, our rules, our call. People are actually willing to pay you money for the privilege of putting up with that sort of attitude? ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2005, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-close-the-arrested-threads/314519/54 "2005-07-28T20:36:25Z")
> [@Hallowmass](#): > > People are actually willing to pay you money for the privilege of putting up with that sort of attitude? It surprises me too. I mean, I refuse to spend money at any nightclub, restaurant, or movie theater where they expect me to obey their rules. I AM A FREE SPIRIT! **Tom** , I keep trying to respond to your devotion to your wife with something about a Miranda Warning, but it just ain’t happening. Daniel ---
**Author:** ![Domokun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/c77e96/32.png) [@Domokun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Domokun)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2005, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-close-the-arrested-threads/314519/55 "2005-07-28T20:41:06Z")
> [@Hallowmass](#): > > People are actually willing to pay you money for the privilege of putting up with that sort of attitude? For $29.95 you get a safeword. ---
**Author:** ![Hallowmass](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e0b2c6/32.png) [@Hallowmass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hallowmass)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2005, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-close-the-arrested-threads/314519/56 "2005-07-28T20:43:01Z")
> [@](#): > > It surprises me too. I mean, I refuse to spend money at any nightclub, restaurant, or movie theater where they expect me to obey their rules. Oh? And the restaurant where the steaks are all served burnt to a crisp because it’s easier for the chef to cook them that way? ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2005, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-close-the-arrested-threads/314519/57 "2005-07-28T20:48:57Z")
Exactly, **Hallowmass** –you’re catching on! I see that you like to hang out in the restaurant whose food you hate; you just don’t like to pay for the privilege of whining in the lobby. Cuz you’re cool. Daniel ---
**Author:** ![Hallowmass](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e0b2c6/32.png) [@Hallowmass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hallowmass)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2005, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-close-the-arrested-threads/314519/58 "2005-07-28T20:50:42Z")
Nah, I don’t hate the food. Just snooty waitstaff. ---
**Author:** ![tomndebb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/b9e5f3/32.png) [@tomndebb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tomndebb)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2005, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-close-the-arrested-threads/314519/59 "2005-07-28T20:52:14Z")
> [@Left Hand of Dorkness](#): > > **Tom** , I keep trying to respond to your devotion to your wife with something about a Miranda Warning, but it just ain’t happening. Well, if I’m getting irritating with it, you could remind me of my right to remain silent. _Donkey! You **have** the right to remain silent. What you lack is the **capacity**._ > [@](#): > > People are actually willing to pay you money for the privilege of putting up with that sort of attitude? Well, no one pays **Sam** anything at all. On the other hand, since this is your very first post ever to the SDMB, (meaning you have paid no one), you certainly seem to be suffering a great angst over not much. I note that your terrible affront is voiced _after_ those same jackbooted thugs had actually undertaken to consider the opinions of the membership and reversed their initial ruling. That would seem to me to indicate that those paying money do seem to be getting _something_ for their contributions. ---
**Author:** ![Hallowmass](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e0b2c6/32.png) [@Hallowmass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hallowmass)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2005, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-close-the-arrested-threads/314519/60 "2005-07-28T21:00:12Z")
Well, you have a point Mr. Ndebb. My angst, however, is not great. I have been considering joining after many months of lurking. This seems like a pretty cool board, and the price isn’t that much, so my only concern is the oft-stated opinion of the Staff here that this is _their_ board and that the Management/Owners don’t much care what the paying Members think. Yes, the practice is the important thing, and it has often been the case that Member feedback has caused decisions to be reversed. Still though, I’m not quite comfortable that this board is governed by those who have seriously stated that I will not be treated as a customer. Anyway, that’s my concern. Make of it what you will. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-close-the-arrested-threads/314519.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-close-the-arrested-threads/314519.md?page=4)