# Why does the SDMB condone cyber bullying? **URL:** \ **Category:** About This Message Board\ **Created:** [March 21, 2015, 7:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-sdmb-condone-cyber-bullying/715576 "2015-03-21T07:28:32Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 7
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2015, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-sdmb-condone-cyber-bullying/715576/121 "2015-03-23T17:24:35Z")
> [@engineer\_comp\_geek](#): > > There was an issue of cyber-bullying that was going on. There was a group of people that kept posting in Broomstick’s threads, which is basically cyber-stalking. This was discussed in the mod loop, at least one warning was issued that I know of, and as far as I am aware, that problem has been dealt with. As I said earlier, we don’t tolerate cyber-bullying. > > I can’t go into any more detail than that since I wasn’t one of the mods involved in that action, but as far as I am aware, it has been handled. In case it isn’t perfectly clear to everyone by this point, any discussion of Broomstick and the truthfulness of her posts (or any other user and the truthfulness of their posts) belongs in the Pit and nowhere else. > > You are allowed to insult posters here, and question the accuracy and honesty of their posts, as long as you do so in the Pit. That is not cyber-bullying. > > Anything that happens on other boards is beyond our control. Thank you. So, you agree there was cyber-bullying or stalking, but you think that as long as it is restricted to the PIT, it’s OK? \* I see your point\*, but I think it’s part of a larger pattern of behavior. I think the PIT thread should be closed. Yes, that’s true, \*but when they bring their shit over here- it then becomes your shit to deal with. \* ---
**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:** [March 23, 2015, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-sdmb-condone-cyber-bullying/715576/122 "2015-03-23T17:34:05Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > Thank you. So, you agree there was cyber-bullying or stalking, but you think that as long as it is restricted to the PIT, it’s OK? That is not what he posted. Stalking means going around and harassing an individual in multiple threads for no purpose other than to, well, harass them. I suppose if someone opened a Pit thread every 2 weeks about a poster, that might be harassment in the Pit, but that isn’t what was going on there. ---
**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:** [March 23, 2015, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-sdmb-condone-cyber-bullying/715576/123 "2015-03-23T17:36:22Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > Thank you. So, you agree there was cyber-bullying or stalking, but you think that as long as it is restricted to the PIT, it’s OK? \* I see your point\*, but I think it’s part of a larger pattern of behavior. I think the PIT thread should be closed. > > Yes, that’s true, \*but when they bring their shit over here- it then becomes your shit to deal with. \* What about when you do? If a mod ok’s it\* I’d be happy to link to your crossposts on here and the Giraffeboard. So far, you’re the only person who’s brought specific shit back and forth. \*I suspect this requires mod-dispensation, so…sorry, no links until a mod sez it’s ok. ---
**Author:** ![engineer\_comp\_geek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/engineer_comp_geek/32/504_2.png) [@engineer\_comp\_geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/engineer_comp_geek)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2015, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-sdmb-condone-cyber-bullying/715576/124 "2015-03-23T17:39:39Z")
> [@AncientHumanoid](#): > > That could open up (again) a discussion of Pitting Mod actions, tho. Might want to think about what precedents you set… or change. Thread topics often drift, which often results in the thread being moved to another forum. I am not changing anything or setting any sort of precedent. Many of the posts in this thread are discussing Broomstick and the content of her posts. Since they are not being discussed in the context of ATMB (how they relate to the board, its rules, and the enforcement thereof) those discussions belong in the Pit thread. But instead they are being made here. That is dragging this thread off topic. If it continues to veer off topic, then I have to either close it or move it. If it moves to the Pit, you won’t be able to discuss moderator actions further in this thread (sorry, I don’t make the rules). That’s why I’m hoping to steer this thread back on topic enough that I don’t have to take any action on it. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2015, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-sdmb-condone-cyber-bullying/715576/125 "2015-03-23T17:40:21Z")
> [@Fenris](#): > > What about when you do? If a mod ok’s it\* I’d be happy to link to your crossposts on here and the Giraffeboard. So far, you’re the only person who’s brought specific shit back and forth. True dat. ---
**Author:** ![AncientHumanoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ancienthumanoid/32/278_2.png) [@AncientHumanoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AncientHumanoid)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2015, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-sdmb-condone-cyber-bullying/715576/126 "2015-03-23T17:40:44Z")
Howard Johnson’s right! ---
**Author:** ![AncientHumanoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ancienthumanoid/32/278_2.png) [@AncientHumanoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AncientHumanoid)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2015, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-sdmb-condone-cyber-bullying/715576/127 "2015-03-23T17:44:58Z")
> [@engineer\_comp\_geek](#): > > Thread topics often drift, which often results in the thread being moved to another forum. I am not changing anything or setting any sort of precedent. > > Many of the posts in this thread are discussing Broomstick and the content of her posts. Since they are not being discussed in the context of ATMB (how they relate to the board, its rules, and the enforcement thereof) those discussions belong in the Pit thread. But instead they are being made here. That is dragging this thread off topic. If it continues to veer off topic, then I have to either close it or move it. > > If it moves to the Pit, you won’t be able to discuss moderator actions further in this thread (sorry, I don’t make the rules). That’s why I’m hoping to steer this thread back on topic enough that I don’t have to take any action on it. Moving THIS THREAD to the Pit, tho is moving a thread opened to discuss mod actions to the Pit. So, whether you INSTRUCT posters one way or the other won’t change that this thread was opened with the specific goal of talking about mod action or inaction. That’s what I’m sayin, ya digs? I don’t really care too much, but I’ve seen similar things happen here and it just mucks up the waters. ymmv ETA: So… with this last exchange, it looks like we’re discussing mod actions again, tho. So maybe we’re all ok. 😉 . ---
**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:** [March 23, 2015, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-sdmb-condone-cyber-bullying/715576/128 "2015-03-23T17:53:28Z")
> [@AncientHumanoid](#): > > Howard Johnson’s right! Olsen Johnson is _right_ about Howard Johnson being right! Gabby Johnson: R’vrnd!! ---
**Author:** ![engineer\_comp\_geek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/engineer_comp_geek/32/504_2.png) [@engineer\_comp\_geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/engineer_comp_geek)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2015, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-sdmb-condone-cyber-bullying/715576/129 "2015-03-23T18:01:21Z")
> [@AncientHumanoid](#): > > Moving THIS THREAD to the Pit, tho is moving a thread opened to discuss mod actions to the Pit. So, whether you INSTRUCT posters one way or the other won’t change that this thread was opened with the specific goal of talking about mod action or inaction. That’s what I’m sayin, ya digs? I get what you’re saying, but if the discussion devolves into just a discussion about Broomstick and her posts then it’s no longer appropriate for ATMB. Might be best just to shut the thread down at that point. Hopefully we won’t get there. ---
**Author:** ![bucketybuck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/898d66/32.png) [@bucketybuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bucketybuck)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2015, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-sdmb-condone-cyber-bullying/715576/130 "2015-03-23T18:01:29Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > Thank you for bring that up, and yes, that’s what makes it cyber-bullying. It’s not just a PIT thread. First we have the harassment in the original tattoo thread, where Broomstick posted her original little anecdote. Then Fenris and Greenbean and > Guinastasia and others started a harassment thread on Fenris’s board- which of course led Greenbean to\* bring that shit over here \*. - This\* is the evidence of cyber-bullying? Thats some weak sauce mate. ---
**Author:** ![Morgenstern](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Morgenstern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgenstern)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2015, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-sdmb-condone-cyber-bullying/715576/131 "2015-03-23T18:01:54Z")
> [@AncientHumanoid](#): > > That could open up (again) a discussion of Pitting Mod actions, tho. Might want to think about what precedents you set… or change. Which makes it a no win situation for a mod. They will get an ATMB thread complaining about either option, move it or lock it. Moving it is probably the preferred option, IMHO. ---
**Author:** ![engineer\_comp\_geek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/engineer_comp_geek/32/504_2.png) [@engineer\_comp\_geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/engineer_comp_geek)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2015, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-sdmb-condone-cyber-bullying/715576/132 "2015-03-23T18:04:13Z")
> [@Fenris](#): > > What about when you do? If a mod ok’s it\* I’d be happy to link to your crossposts on here and the Giraffeboard. So far, you’re the only person who’s brought specific shit back and forth. > > \*I suspect this requires mod-dispensation, so…sorry, no links until a mod sez it’s ok. Yeah, let’s not go there. If someone wants to find the thread on Giraffe, I’m sure they’ll be able to find it on their own. ---
**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:** [March 23, 2015, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-sdmb-condone-cyber-bullying/715576/133 "2015-03-23T18:11:28Z")
> [@engineer\_comp\_geek](#): > > Yeah, let’s not go there. If someone wants to find the thread on Giraffe, I’m sure they’ll be able to find it on their own. Not a prob–I didn’t think it would be ok. But I do want to say that the only person who’s actually running back and forth between boards and crossposting identical comments on both sites is DrDeth. So, if there’s stalking going on, there’s only one person doing it. ---
**Author:** ![Green\_Bean](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/green_bean/32/1760_2.png) [@Green\_Bean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Green_Bean)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2015, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-sdmb-condone-cyber-bullying/715576/134 "2015-03-23T18:11:44Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > Then Fenris and Greenbean and Guinastasia and others started a harassment thread on Fenris’s board You are lying. I did NOT start that thread. Neither did Guinastasia. This is easily demonstrated by looking at the thread. Please retract your statement and apologize. ---
**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:** [March 23, 2015, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-sdmb-condone-cyber-bullying/715576/135 "2015-03-23T18:27:32Z")
Uh-oh. No good is going to come of that… ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2015, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-sdmb-condone-cyber-bullying/715576/136 "2015-03-23T18:36:11Z")
Wait. Fenris has a board? ---
**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:** [March 23, 2015, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-sdmb-condone-cyber-bullying/715576/137 "2015-03-23T18:41:26Z")
Yes. Fenristopia. But it’s soopersekrit and only ultra-cool people can get in. So I got locked out. ☹ ---
**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:** [March 23, 2015, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-sdmb-condone-cyber-bullying/715576/138 "2015-03-23T18:56:46Z")
> [@Green\_Bean](#): > > You are lying. > > I did NOT start that thread. Neither did Guinastasia. This is easily demonstrated by looking at the thread. > > Please retract your statement and apologize. The OP is now cyber-bullying people in his thread about cyber-bullying people. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2015, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-sdmb-condone-cyber-bullying/715576/139 "2015-03-23T19:20:07Z")
A SubForum of the Pit could be called “The Playground” and could be made up exclusively of bullying threads. ## Just a thought. Creative Commons Licensed. ---
**Author:** ![Morgenstern](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Morgenstern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgenstern)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2015, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-sdmb-condone-cyber-bullying/715576/140 "2015-03-23T19:22:09Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > A SubForum of the Pit could be called “The Playground” and could be made up exclusively of bullying threads. > > ## Just a thought. > > Creative Commons Licensed. Could we have a “pulled their undies over their head and locked them in their locker” smiley? I’d be all for that. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-sdmb-condone-cyber-bullying/715576.md?page=6) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-sdmb-condone-cyber-bullying/715576.md?page=8)