# Why is Lynn's ridiculously-outdated rules thread stickied? **URL:** \ **Category:** About This Message Board\ **Created:** [March 7, 2009, 1:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-lynns-ridiculously-outdated-rules-thread-stickied/488649 "2009-03-07T13:43:05Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Lynn\_Bodoni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e47c2d/32.png) [@Lynn\_Bodoni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lynn_Bodoni)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2009, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-lynns-ridiculously-outdated-rules-thread-stickied/488649/21 "2009-03-07T22:34:33Z")
I received a LOT of complaints about the lawnchair posts, usually by email. It really was getting out of hand, as **Una** said, there were more lawnchair posts than subject posts. They were, indeed, funny at first, but it got to the point where the posts were annoying quite a few people, and it was pretty much postpadding. I still stand by my “no joke threads in the Pit” rule. The Pit is not about posting obnoxious or tasteless jokes, and seeing who can gross out everyone else. I NEVER said that posts couldn’t be funny as well as pointed, though. I just said that the Pit wasn’t the place for joke threads. ---
**Author:** ![leander](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/bcef8e/32.png) [@leander](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/leander)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2009, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-lynns-ridiculously-outdated-rules-thread-stickied/488649/22 "2009-03-07T22:47:48Z")
> [@Oakminster](#): > > Aside from \*\*Lynn’\*\*s rules being outdated and sticking the thread being largely an exercise in public masturbation, the tone of the rules is a problem. It’s all “I don’t want this, I don’t want that. Me, me, me, me. Let’s talk some more about me. I am mod hear me roar.” This is correct. The way the rules are written is terribly unprofessional. It reflects poorly on the Dope, and poorly on Lynn. ---
**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**Post date:** [March 7, 2009, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-lynns-ridiculously-outdated-rules-thread-stickied/488649/23 "2009-03-07T22:51:57Z")
I appreciate the response **Lynn** –I really don’t remember the lawnchair thing being out of hand, but I’ll certainly take yours and **Una’s** word for it. However, the joke threads thing–if the rule is “no obnoxious or tasteless jokes” and “no gross-out threads”, then why was **Esprix** suspended? His thread was neither obnoxious or tasteless or gross. It was kinda funny and _at worst_ an MPSIMS-esque. Or [this one](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=226525)? Same deal–not “jokes” as in “a string of dead baby jokes”. Not “grossout” threads. At worst a lame attempt at a humorous pitting. And another suspension. ---
**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:** [March 7, 2009, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-lynns-ridiculously-outdated-rules-thread-stickied/488649/24 "2009-03-07T23:12:28Z")
> [@Fenris](#): > > I appreciate the response **Lynn** Nice though it is–and IS nice; I say that without snark–it fails to address my basic question, which is why two rules threads? ---
**Author:** ![Lynn\_Bodoni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e47c2d/32.png) [@Lynn\_Bodoni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lynn_Bodoni)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2009, 12:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-lynns-ridiculously-outdated-rules-thread-stickied/488649/25 "2009-03-08T00:40:57Z")
I had kept closing joke threads, and people kept making them. I believe at the time that we didn’t have suspension available as a tool. I did tell the posters involved to get back to me. I didn’t see any other way to get the message across. The Pit was becoming another joke forum. As for two rules threads, I didn’t want to jump into Ed’s thread with my rules. However, I did want to make the point that my rules still apply. ---
**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 8, 2009, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-lynns-ridiculously-outdated-rules-thread-stickied/488649/26 "2009-03-08T02:47:54Z")
But those two _weren’t_ “joke threads” by the rules you posted above. I’m not trying to play “gotcha” here—I’m saying that both **Esprix** and **Ilsa** ’s threads were at least attempts at funny rants. You may not think they were funny, but they weren’t “posting obnoxious or tasteless jokes, and seeing who can gross out everyone else”. I miss a Pit where funny (even if they’re failed attempts at funny) rants can be posted. Two posters that I could easily find were suspended, NOT for making lists of “obnoxious or tasteless jokes” and NOT for trying to “gross out everyone else”. They were ranting (appropriate to the Pit) and they were making the attempt to be funny. And they were suspended for it. Funny pit rants are what drew me to the SDMB in the first place. I have no substantial problem with no joke threads in the Pit and I have no problem at all with “no gross-out threads”. But the two I linked (and I suspect I can find a bunch more) were neither. For whatever reason, the rule of “No joke threads” in practice was “No funny threads” based on those two samples (and again, there are more if I can find 'em). ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2009, 12:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-lynns-ridiculously-outdated-rules-thread-stickied/488649/27 "2009-03-08T12:41:34Z")
Lynn, you should not be a moderator. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2009, 2:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-lynns-ridiculously-outdated-rules-thread-stickied/488649/28 "2009-03-08T14:06:14Z")
> [@Lynn\_Bodoni](#): > > I had kept closing joke threads, and people kept making them. I believe at the time that we didn’t have suspension available as a tool. I did tell the posters involved to get back to me. I didn’t see any other way to get the message across. The Pit was becoming another joke forum. > > As for two rules threads, I didn’t want to jump into Ed’s thread with my rules. However, I did want to make the point that my rules still apply. Could you just Email Ed and ask him to incorporate those of your rules that he wishes to retain then and ditch the second sticky? That would seem like a simple solution. ---
**Author:** ![Knorf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/58956e/32.png) [@Knorf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knorf)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2009, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-lynns-ridiculously-outdated-rules-thread-stickied/488649/29 "2009-03-08T17:39:04Z")
> [@Muffin](#): > > Lynn, you should not be a moderator. No kidding. “My rules.” Gah! “My rules still apply.” GAH! Why is it so hard for people to understand why so many of us are leaving or thinking about leaving? Lynn’s _horrible_, ego-centered moderating is one of the many reasons. Frankly, it’s almost enough for me, as long as she remains a moderator. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2009, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-lynns-ridiculously-outdated-rules-thread-stickied/488649/30 "2009-03-08T18:05:17Z")
> [@What\_Exit](#): > > Could you just Email Ed and ask him to incorporate those of your rules that he wishes to retain then and ditch the second sticky? That would seem like a simple solution. I thought of the same solution. It wasn’t that hard. It was probably a lot easier than thinking up an excuse for it. ---
**Author:** ![TVeblen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/4bbf92/32.png) [@TVeblen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TVeblen)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2009, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-lynns-ridiculously-outdated-rules-thread-stickied/488649/31 "2009-03-08T18:46:16Z")
[QUOTE=Lynn Bodoni] As for two rules threads, I didn’t want to jump into Ed’s thread with my rules. However, I did want to make the point that my rules still apply. [/QUOTE] So there are Ed’s rules and _your_ rules. Because god forbid _your_ rules be lost amidst the general chaos. Obviously The Pit is _your_ forum and no one else’s. Still. I wonder how long **Gfactor** –a lawyer by profession, I believe–will be able to take your longstanding practice of creating and imposing rules at will. No discussion, not even a heads-up _to other mods you just committed to enforcing ‘your’ rules_. This is wrong, **Lynn**. The autocratic mode stopped being amusing with pay-to-post. On second thought, do whatever the hell you want because you will anyway. It’s _your_ forum and _your_ rules and _your_ unnecessary, damaging clusterfuck. Yours is one of the loudest voices who counseled **Ed** right over the cliff. Congratulations on your fine achievement. ---
**Author:** ![furt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/439d5e/32.png) [@furt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/furt)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2009, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-lynns-ridiculously-outdated-rules-thread-stickied/488649/32 "2009-03-08T20:49:56Z")
> [@Muffin](#): > > Lynn, you should not be a moderator. In ten years, Lynn one of only two or three I’ve ever thought this about. The only one in several years. Some are better than others, and generally I prefer those who are a little more proactive or tougher than a lot of other posters care for. But Lynn has repeatedly demonstrated a knack for making things worse. When you describe _yourself_ as thin-skinned, you ought to have the self-awareness to know you’re not going to be an effective moderator, especially in the freaking pit. ---
**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:** [March 8, 2009, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-lynns-ridiculously-outdated-rules-thread-stickied/488649/33 "2009-03-08T21:43:18Z")
The odd thing is, I have nothing against **Lynn** , the poster. I’ve seen her post great stuff from good cat-raising advice to humorous anecdotes. Sure, she’s posted things that made me roll my eyes, but nearly _everyone_ here has done that. Heck, even _I_ sometimes post things that make me roll my eyes. But as a mod? She’s terrible. Worst. Mod. Ever. ---
**Author:** ![Koxinga](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/4af34b/32.png) [@Koxinga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Koxinga)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2009, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-lynns-ridiculously-outdated-rules-thread-stickied/488649/34 "2009-03-08T23:40:55Z")
> [@Q.E.D](#): > > Heck, even _I_ sometimes post things that make me roll my eyes. 😃 (Nothin’ more to say.) ---
**Author:** ![Zoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/a4c791/32.png) [@Zoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zoe)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2009, 10:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-lynns-ridiculously-outdated-rules-thread-stickied/488649/35 "2009-03-09T10:17:11Z")
> [@](#): > > As for two rules threads, I didn’t want to jump into Ed’s thread with my rules. However, I did want to make the point that my rules still apply. **Lynn** , newcomers especially will be confused by two different sets of rules by two different Administrators four years apart for one forum. It makes the SDMB look a little “thrown together.” It’s also a constant reminder – a pouring of salt into the wound – for those of us who are making an effort to find reasons to continue to check in here. Can’t you and Ed work together on this? Is there a reason not to combine the two sets? ---
**Author:** ![pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/a9a28c/32.png) [@pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pseudotriton_ruber_ruber)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2009, 11:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-lynns-ridiculously-outdated-rules-thread-stickied/488649/36 "2009-03-09T11:23:24Z")
> [@Zoe](#): > > Is there a reason not to combine the two sets? TOP TEN REASONS NOT TO COMBINE THE TWO SETS 1. Can’t be arsed. 2. Too busy–lots of stuff to do. Will be back soon to straighten this mess out. 3. There is no contradiction. Move along. 4. I deeply apologize for the confusion (not changing shit, mind you, just deeply sorry.) 5. Am discussing this in high-level staff meetings on a non-stop basis for months now. Will let know which way we’re leaning after we reach an unchangable decision. 6. You people really piss me off with all of your unreasonable demands. 7. Get a life. Stop wasting your time on the SD and watch TV or pleasure yourselves or something, wouldja? 8. You’re suspended for asking too many questions. 9. You’re just lucky we don’t post Skip Magic’s third set of rules–they’re a beaut. 10. Or Marley’s. ---
**Author:** ![C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b2d939/32.png) [@C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/C_K_Dexter_Haven)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2009, 11:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-lynns-ridiculously-outdated-rules-thread-stickied/488649/37 "2009-03-09T11:48:56Z")
> [@Q.E.D](#): > > Yes, we get it, **Lynn** thinks she runs the Pit. Ooooh, all hail the mighty **Lynn**. Raaaar, **Lynn** smash!! I’m sorry that I’m seeing this so late, but life’s been like that. Look, gang, the discussion about **Lynn** ’s post, rules, etc is fine. BUT you may NOT attack her personally. This is NOT about **Lynn** but about her post. Personal attacks like this (only worse) are what led to the Rules Changes in the Pit. The rest of your OP is fine, you’re asking questions and criticizing a moderator’s decision: that’s perfectly OK. But you need to separate that from personal insults, trying to read **Lynn** ’s mind, etc. Personal insults have NEVER been permitted in ATMB, that’s not new. However, this isn’t an Official Warning, but it is reminder: tone it down. (Which you’ve done in the rest of the thread.) ---
**Author:** ![leander](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/bcef8e/32.png) [@leander](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/leander)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2009, 12:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-lynns-ridiculously-outdated-rules-thread-stickied/488649/38 "2009-03-09T12:00:19Z")
> [@C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](#): > > I’m sorry that I’m seeing this so late, but life’s been like that. > > Look, gang, the discussion about **Lynn** ’s post, rules, etc is fine. BUT you may NOT attack her personally. This is NOT about **Lynn** but about her post. > Personal attacks like this (only worse) are what led to the Rules Changes in the Pit. The rest of your OP is fine, you’re asking questions and criticizing a moderator’s decision: that’s perfectly OK. But you need to separate that from personal insults, trying to read **Lynn** ’s mind, etc. > > Personal insults have NEVER been permitted in ATMB, that’s not new. However, this isn’t an Official Warning, but it is reminder: tone it down. (Which you’ve done in the rest of the thread.) Wow. You seriously consider that a “personal insult” that deserves an informal warning? Have we gotten to the point where anything negative said about Lynn and her moderating is going to be considered “insulting”? ---
**Author:** ![DudleyGarrett](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d9b06d/32.png) [@DudleyGarrett](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DudleyGarrett)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2009, 1:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-lynns-ridiculously-outdated-rules-thread-stickied/488649/39 "2009-03-09T13:03:50Z")
> [@leander](#): > > Wow. You seriously consider that a “personal insult” that deserves an informal warning? > > Have we gotten to the point where anything negative said about Lynn and her moderating is going to be considered “insulting”? Yes. Be thankful; SkipMagic would have given a formal warning AND closed the thread. Dex is using kid gloves. ---
**Author:** ![eleanorigby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ee7513/32.png) [@eleanorigby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eleanorigby)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2009, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-lynns-ridiculously-outdated-rules-thread-stickied/488649/40 "2009-03-09T14:20:46Z")
I didn’t read any of this as an attack on **Lynn** , personally, but criticism on her ability to moderate. Those skills are somewhat lacking, so much so, that I noticed. I almost never notice mods–I’m too nice to get warned or banned and too boring to be any kind of a lightning rod. I am left wondering how thin skinned is **Ms Bodoni**? The complaints here are legitimate ones and reasons for concern. As an aside, I find her tutorial on what makes a good flame condescending as hell. And given the reaction to this thread, I have no doubt that if the focus of [Tao’s Revenge](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=509628) flame was **Lynn** , he would be warned, if not banned outright. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-lynns-ridiculously-outdated-rules-thread-stickied/488649.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-lynns-ridiculously-outdated-rules-thread-stickied/488649.md?page=3)