# Why is Miller allowed to be a moderator? **URL:** \ **Category:** About This Message Board\ **Created:** [February 1, 2012, 10:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-miller-allowed-to-be-a-moderator/611409 "2012-02-01T10:40:15Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2012, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-miller-allowed-to-be-a-moderator/611409/21 "2012-02-01T16:20:33Z")
> [@Revenant\_Threshold](#): > > Yeah, but you shouldn’t be saying that as a moderator note. I know I’m in the minority, but I wish such notes were MORE common. I want to see a return to the days of Coldfire and “I \*am \*the fucking hall monitor”. If someone gets offended by an insult in the Pit, I honestly think they need to find a new message board. ---
**Author:** ![Giraffe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/giraffe/32/129_2.png) [@Giraffe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Giraffe)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2012, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-miller-allowed-to-be-a-moderator/611409/22 "2012-02-01T16:45:19Z")
As much as it pains me to say it, I think **Starving Artist** has a point. Not about **Miller** ’s note or overall moderation (which I think is quite good), but about the board rules that prevent him from responding in kind. I know I’ve banged this particular drum many times already, but I do think situations like this exemplify how the board was better off when the mods’ posts could be challenged or attacked just like those of anyone else. Because right now, you’re left with saying either (a) mods have the power to attack those who can’t fight back or (b) mods must only moderate as emotionless robots. Neither are appealing, IMO. I’ve always liked the mods here being able to editorialize a bit, particularly in the Pit, and I think the board would lose some of its personality if that were no longer the case. ---
**Author:** ![SmartAleq](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smartaleq/32/163_2.png) [@SmartAleq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmartAleq)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2012, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-miller-allowed-to-be-a-moderator/611409/23 "2012-02-01T16:51:50Z")
Best mod note and the most spot on one I’ve seen in a month of Sundays. Now **Starving Artist** is about as butthurt as a Sandusky protege and I for one think that’s just fucking fine. Stay out of the Pit if you can’t handle the fallout, whiny person. :flip: ---
**Author:** ![aldiboronti](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9fc348/32.png) [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2012, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-miller-allowed-to-be-a-moderator/611409/24 "2012-02-01T17:01:49Z")
I have no complaints about **Miller** ’s moderation in general but I do think he needs to be careful not to let personal feelings show through when he has his mod hat on. From the post cited by SA in the OP: > [@](#): > > Thanks to all of you for keeping an eye out, and all, but he’s tragically in the clear so far. **Miller** is clearly speaking as a moderator there, the fact that he considers it tragic that SA has broken no rules is way out of line. ---
**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:** [February 1, 2012, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-miller-allowed-to-be-a-moderator/611409/25 "2012-02-01T17:18:39Z")
No–I suspect he finds it tragic that Ed’s idiotic rules allow for people like Starving Artist and Caeserio to post explicit, loving descriptions of kiddie rape, but forbid the use of the phrase “fuck you”. Because, it’s clear which is worse and what it says about SDMB/Ed’s priorities. ---
**Author:** ![CarnalK](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnalk/32/486_2.png) [@CarnalK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CarnalK)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2012, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-miller-allowed-to-be-a-moderator/611409/26 "2012-02-01T17:27:30Z")
> [@Giraffe](#): > > As much as it pains me to say it, I think **Starving Artist** has a point. Not about **Miller** ’s note or overall moderation (which I think is quite good), but about the board rules that prevent him from responding in kind. I know I’ve banged this particular drum many times already, but I do think situations like this exemplify how the board was better off when the mods’ posts could be challenged or attacked just like those of anyone else. Because right now, you’re left with saying either (a) mods have the power to attack those who can’t fight back or (b) mods must only moderate as emotionless robots. Neither are appealing, IMO. I’ve always liked the mods here being able to editorialize a bit, particularly in the Pit, and I think the board would lose some of its personality if that were no longer the case. But if we are allowed to beat the mods like rented mules nobody will want to be one! At least the old bitter ones might quit. That would be bad. I guess. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2012, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-miller-allowed-to-be-a-moderator/611409/27 "2012-02-01T17:52:36Z")
> [@aldiboronti](#): > > **Miller** is clearly speaking as a moderator there, the fact that he considers it tragic that SA has broken no rules is way out of line. I disagree intensely. Robotic mods are not a good thing. They _should_ get worked up about certain things. This is one of those things. YMMV. ---
**Author:** ![coolbyrne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/bc79bd/32.png) [@coolbyrne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/coolbyrne)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2012, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-miller-allowed-to-be-a-moderator/611409/28 "2012-02-01T17:57:46Z")
> [@SmartAleq](#): > > Best mod note and the most spot on one I’ve seen in a month of Sundays. Now **Starving Artist** is about as butthurt as a Sandusky protege and I for one think that’s just fucking fine. Stay out of the Pit if you can’t handle the fallout, whiny person. :flip: …so long as **Starving Artist** is taller than a 10 year old boy. Because if he isn’t, it’s just not physically possible for someone to inflict the butthurt on him. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![mnemosyne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c4cdca/32.png) [@mnemosyne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mnemosyne)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2012, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-miller-allowed-to-be-a-moderator/611409/29 "2012-02-01T18:16:17Z")
> [@Munch](#): > > I know I’m in the minority, but I wish such notes were MORE common. I want to see a return to the days of Coldfire and “I \*am \*the fucking hall monitor”. If someone gets offended by an insult in the Pit, I honestly think they need to find a new message board. I thought that was **manhattan**? Either way, I agree. ---
**Author:** ![FinnAgain](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/finnagain/32/12500_2.png) [@FinnAgain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FinnAgain)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2012, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-miller-allowed-to-be-a-moderator/611409/30 "2012-02-01T18:26:01Z")
> [@aldiboronti](#): > > **Miller** is clearly speaking as a moderator there, the fact that he considers it tragic that SA has broken no rules is way out of line. Oh come on, it’s a joke. He was very clearly saying that no matter how squicky SA’s in depth analysis of forcible buttfucking was, that it wasn’t against the rules even if we’d like it to be. ---
**Author:** ![aldiboronti](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9fc348/32.png) [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2012, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-miller-allowed-to-be-a-moderator/611409/31 "2012-02-01T18:34:43Z")
> [@silenus](#): > > I disagree intensely. Robotic mods are not a good thing. They _should_ get worked up about certain things. This is one of those things. > > YMMV. Worked up about the fact that **Starving Artist** didn’t break any rules? That is self-evidently not something a moderator should find regrettable. ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2012, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-miller-allowed-to-be-a-moderator/611409/32 "2012-02-01T18:37:43Z")
> [@silenus](#): > > I disagree intensely. Robotic mods are not a good thing. They _should_ get worked up about certain things. This is one of those things. > > YMMV. Totally agree with this sentiment. We don’t need robotic overlords, the jackboots don’t fit over their metal stanchions. In cases like this, the comments were called for and appropriate. ---
**Author:** ![joyfool](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/df788c/32.png) [@joyfool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joyfool)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2012, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-miller-allowed-to-be-a-moderator/611409/33 "2012-02-01T18:40:12Z")
I just have one question for SA… is it even remotely possible for you to write a succinct post? I swear I’ve never read anything from you that wasn’t fifteen paragraphs long. My God. That is all. ---
**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:** [February 1, 2012, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-miller-allowed-to-be-a-moderator/611409/34 "2012-02-01T18:59:30Z")
**Miller** is one of the best mods on this board, and that particular mod note probably belongs in the Mod Notes Hall of Fame. If you didn’t laugh your ass off, then you don’t have a sense of humor. ---
**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:** [February 1, 2012, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-miller-allowed-to-be-a-moderator/611409/35 "2012-02-01T19:07:55Z")
> [@John\_Mace](#): > > **Miller** is one of the best mods on this board, … Agreed. I just saw this in the “Left out of the loop, and it hurts” thread in the pit; In a reply to something Miller had posted CarnalK said: > [@Left out of the loop, and it hurts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/left-out-of-the-loop-and-it-hurts/611358/18): > > Maybe you should go fuck yourself. The OP just found out that someone he thought was as close to him as a person could get kept a massive life altering secret from him. People have a right to be selfish now and then, but your first “Get over yourself” response makes it look like no one is allowed to feel hurt by it. and Miller responded with; > [@Left out of the loop, and it hurts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/left-out-of-the-loop-and-it-hurts/611358/19): > > [Moderating] > Telling other posters to fuck themselves is against the Pit rules. Telling a moderator to go fuck himself takes a special kind of stupid, though. Try to avoid this in the future. > > No warning issued. > [/Moderating] Miller didn’t get all pissy and take it personally he just did his mod-job and then went on his merry way. Very classy. ---
**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:** [February 1, 2012, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-miller-allowed-to-be-a-moderator/611409/36 "2012-02-01T19:12:12Z")
The mods are often condescending on this MB. I guess that can put some people off. I think it’s kind of funny, especially since “condescension” is so much a part of the essence of this board. In the end, though, it’s just a frickin’ message board. If you start taking it too seriously, then you need to let it go for awhile. ---
**Author:** ![kidchameleon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/898d66/32.png) [@kidchameleon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kidchameleon)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2012, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-miller-allowed-to-be-a-moderator/611409/37 "2012-02-01T19:24:09Z")
He holds a key advantage in being the only go-to person to grind grain into flour. I hope **Starving Artist** remembers that come next harvest time. ---
**Author:** ![Scumpup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce73a5/32.png) [@Scumpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scumpup)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2012, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-miller-allowed-to-be-a-moderator/611409/38 "2012-02-01T19:50:10Z")
Miller’s okay. Generally, he has a good sense of humor and does as good a job of moderating (and better than most) as I’ve ever seen in this place. Once in a while, he does turn into kind of a bitchy queen (I find myself reading those posts in the voice of Roger from "American Dad), but you could say the same thing about me. Since I like me very much and don’t see any reason to change my status, I say let Millie keep moderating the ass off The Pitt. ---
**Author:** ![Irishman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b487fb/32.png) [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2012, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-miller-allowed-to-be-a-moderator/611409/39 "2012-02-01T19:50:39Z")
> [@aldiboronti](#): > > **Miller** is clearly speaking as a moderator there, the fact that he considers it tragic that SA has broken no rules is way out of line. He is not commenting on whether or not it is tragic that SA is not a rule breaker, he is commenting that the rules are tragic that allow graphic descriptions of child sex but not the use of motherfucker. ---
**Author:** ![Shodan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2012, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-miller-allowed-to-be-a-moderator/611409/40 "2012-02-01T20:03:43Z")
> [@Irishman](#): > > He is not commenting on whether or not it is tragic that SA is not a rule breaker, he is commenting that the rules are tragic that allow graphic descriptions of child sex but not the use of motherfucker. “Tragically” modifies “he’s in the clear”. Therefore he is commenting on whether or not SA is a rule breaker. **SA** is not, and **Miller** considers that tragic. **Miller** came into the thread hoping to find a reason to sanction **SA** , didn’t find it, and thinks that is regrettable. So he ( **Miller** ) abused his position as mod to insult **SA** , to console himself over not having a legitimate reason to act. Regards, Shodan [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-miller-allowed-to-be-a-moderator/611409.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-miller-allowed-to-be-a-moderator/611409.md?page=3)