# Zenster banned? What's all this then? **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [October 24, 2003, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zenster-banned-whats-all-this-then/209338 "2003-10-24T15:54:24Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2003, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zenster-banned-whats-all-this-then/209338/81 "2003-10-25T00:39:44Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by TheLoadedDog \* > \*\*\*Lynn[/ib] is normally a pretty damned sensible mod, but in this case, is she wrong or is she wrong? > > She’d taken a bead on _Monty_ with her rifle, but he moved and she missed the shot. Along came _Zenster_… \*\* **Monty** ’s warning wasn’t exactly unexpected, he’s been more disagreeable than usual lately. I don’t know what’s going on with him but whatever it is, I sincerely hope he can get it straigtened out. ---
**Author:** ![AskNott](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asknott/32/5790_2.png) [@AskNott](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AskNott)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2003, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zenster-banned-whats-all-this-then/209338/82 "2003-10-25T00:41:23Z")
I started this thread, back in ATMB. I said right away, “I hope it’s not rude to ask this question.” This is a civilized community, and it takes everybody’s effort to keep it that way. I’ll miss Zenster, but it seems that he cut his own rope. We all agreed, coming in, to follow the rules. I accept the verdict, because I accept the authority of the moderators. That’s part of the deal. ---
**Author:** ![Una\_Persson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/una_persson/32/346_2.png) [@Una\_Persson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Una_Persson)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2003, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zenster-banned-whats-all-this-then/209338/83 "2003-10-25T00:42:08Z")
I didn’t communicate with Zenster much of late, purely by chance and not by design, although I never stopped liking him. It seems clear that he went over the top in a few threads recently, and evidently the Staff and he had serious irreconcileable differences and had to do what they had to do. I liked, and like, Zenster, but I think it’s clear that some of the things he said and the way he said them were not very good or constructive for this Board. It’s hard to tell a friend when they are way over the top sometimes. I don’t know; maybe I and others should have told him privately. Like I said, I didn’t post in the same threads except for a couple recently. Maybe this is an opportune moment - that all of us should take this time to think a minute, and tell a friend, if and when they’re having a rough go and it’s showing, to maybe just relax and cool down, take a break, and make a positive change? ---
**Author:** ![TheLoadedDog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/35a633/32.png) [@TheLoadedDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheLoadedDog)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2003, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zenster-banned-whats-all-this-then/209338/84 "2003-10-25T00:48:28Z")
Sorry, I wasn’t disputing her actions regarding **Monty**. I don’t know enough about that to comment. I’m just saying that **Lynn** might have been a bit edgy when **Zenster** got in her way. ---
**Author:** ![Larry\_Mudd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f14d63/32.png) [@Larry\_Mudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Larry_Mudd)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2003, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zenster-banned-whats-all-this-then/209338/85 "2003-10-25T00:52:10Z")
I most likely wouldn’t have posted to this thread, but **bojon** asked in my [“Poverty pimp” thread](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?s=&postid=4150781): > [@](#): > > If your name was ZENSTER and Lorne Mayencourt was COUNTY, Did you threaten him??? By which I assume he was referring to this: > [@](#): > > Take a look at this 2X6 Clue Stick, Lorne. Can you read what’s embossed on its splintery surface? “\<–snip—not relevant in this thread–\>” The embossed lettering is purpose-made so that you will be reminded of this simple axiom each morning, as you shave in front of the Highly-Polished Surface of your choice. I don’t think the situations are comparable, since [“Clue Sick” is a widely-recognized _metaphor_](http://www.elsewhere.org/jargon/html/entry/clue-by-four.html), while an axe-handle is, well, an _axe-handle_. Even still, as I noted, when I felt compelled to direct Mr. Mayerson’s attention toward my rant, I did not consider it prudent to take it as granted that he would recognize that hyberbolic metaphor as completely harmless, so I was at pains to point out: > [@](#): > > I should not like you to suffer any needless anxiety, so I should assure you that a “Clue Stick” is a purely metaphorical construct. It won’t hurt. **Zenster** made no such qualifications. Personally, I was surprised by **Zenster** ’s banning. (Not to say that I think it was wrong – only that I hadn’t been paying attention.) I enjoyed many of his posts, though I was aware he was often full o’ piss and vinegar and more confrontational/combative with other members than is strictly necessary, even when if/then scenarious involving hyperbolic axe-handles weren’t involved. I think it would be lovely if he cooled out and was able to come back at some point. Lesson learned from that remarkably trainwreckish thread: Parking in Firelanes may deserve a place after Politics and Religion, when it comes to subjects that have the potential to bring out the ugly in a situation. ---
**Author:** ![bojon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/3da27b/32.png) [@bojon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bojon)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2003, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zenster-banned-whats-all-this-then/209338/86 "2003-10-25T00:52:37Z")
This is the PIT. He did not wish DEATH on someone, He said WERE YOU TO DO SOMETHING. I WILL DO SOMETHING. (Paraprasing of course)Blowing a bellows full of bumblebees up your butt, is not DEATH. An implied response to take action for a subsequent action, is not a threat. ---
**Author:** ![Creative\_Munster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/919ad9/32.png) [@Creative\_Munster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Creative_Munster)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2003, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zenster-banned-whats-all-this-then/209338/87 "2003-10-25T00:55:59Z")
Lynn, please reinstate Zenster. I like the guy. Thank you. ---
**Author:** ![PunditLisa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/4af34b/32.png) [@PunditLisa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PunditLisa)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2003, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zenster-banned-whats-all-this-then/209338/88 "2003-10-25T00:56:43Z")
As a long-time poster, though not nearly as prolific those that came after me (dan-8500 posts!), allow me to offer some words of advice for posting: 1. If you are shaking with fury as you type, before you hit “submit” click on the x in the upper right hand corner of your screen. Then go feed the ducks. Come back and post when you are calm. Or better yet, don’t post at all. It ain’t worth being banned and the world will live without your opinion. 2. Take the high road. If someone is losing control and shouting at you, do not act in kind. 3. If you do lose your good humor, chances are that your fellow Dopers will tell you that you are acting like an asshole. Do not assume they are all wrong. There is a good chance that you are indeed acting like an asshole. So be an adult and apologize. 4. Do a tone check before you hit “submit.” It’s easy to misconstrue words, esp. if you’re smiley adverse. 5. If you see someone going down in flames, do not provoke them further. Do a mate a favor and try to help them out. They may continue the self immolation, but at least you tried. ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2003, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zenster-banned-whats-all-this-then/209338/89 "2003-10-25T00:58:57Z")
Excellent advise, **PunditLisa**. ---
**Author:** ![bojon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/3da27b/32.png) [@bojon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bojon)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2003, 12:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zenster-banned-whats-all-this-then/209338/90 "2003-10-25T00:59:04Z")
Answer the question? Refer to previous reply, as I am a newbie.If you were ZENSTER? Did you threaten, COUNTRY!!! ---
**Author:** ![Ice\_Wolf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/dfb087/32.png) [@Ice\_Wolf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ice_Wolf)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2003, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zenster-banned-whats-all-this-then/209338/91 "2003-10-25T01:00:01Z")
Despite what was said, how it was said – an accumulation of acts on the register tipped the scales here. That much has been said, and a check back on recent history points to that. **Zenster** has had stuff on his mind, maybe. Some RL spilling over onto the boards. Whatever. It’s a shame this has happened, because the _good_ posts from **Zenster** were very good indeed. He helped keep this community lively. If he can come back after a chill-out period, I’d be among those to welcome him. But such is not for us to decide. Forget about all the crap over “Was it a threat, or not?” He pushed the limits. And fell through. A bloody damn shame. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2003, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zenster-banned-whats-all-this-then/209338/92 "2003-10-25T01:19:23Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by TheLoadedDog \* > \*\*Sorry, I wasn’t disputing her actions regarding **Monty**. I don’t know enough about that to comment. \*\* Wasn’t sure if you were or not but I thought a bit of info might help. ---
**Author:** ![Early\_Out](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Early\_Out](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Early_Out)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2003, 1:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zenster-banned-whats-all-this-then/209338/93 "2003-10-25T01:22:56Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Chefguy \* > \*\*How original. And completely assinine, I might add. \*\* Sorry if I seemed like a smartass, but on a free message board with tens of thousands of members, the threat by one poster to “evaluate my continued participation” seems like the height of hubris. If you don’t like the way the SDMB is run, leave, already, and skip the drama. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2003, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zenster-banned-whats-all-this-then/209338/94 "2003-10-25T01:24:59Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by dantheman \* > \*\ ***Chefguy** , if you wanted no one else to respond, you might want to e-mail the person to whom you directed your post. Otherwise, it’s fair game. \*\* Yes, yes, I’m not a complete fucking moron. I thought perhaps you were assuming I was replying to you, since my post directly followed yours. I was merely pointing it out to you (politely, I thought). ---
**Author:** ![Blonde](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/3be4f8/32.png) [@Blonde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blonde)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2003, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zenster-banned-whats-all-this-then/209338/95 "2003-10-25T01:33:22Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Miller \* > \*\*Must… resist… gratuitous… insult… > > 😉 \*\* Now you’ve asked for it ( **Miller** was responding to my comment about blondes posting kitty pictures) - here’s a snapshot of my black cat Cherokee, and he’s really pissed off that **Zenster’s** been banned! [http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/psvaughan/vwp?.dir=/pics&.dnm=halloween+004.jpg&.view=t](http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/psvaughan/vwp?.dir=/pics&.dnm=halloween+004.jpg&.view=t) For those who have suggested we all take a deep breath, I agree. I can’t help but be dumfounded, though. ---
**Author:** ![Quasimodem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/e274bd/32.png) [@Quasimodem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quasimodem)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2003, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zenster-banned-whats-all-this-then/209338/96 "2003-10-25T01:34:54Z")
I have spoken with **Zenster** on the phone, (although it’s been a while back), and we discussed the incident in **MPSIMS**. I took the position that it was unfortunate, but he **did** cross the line, and he agreed with me at that time. I consider him a very intelligent good-hearted person and I hope that he can be reinstated at some future time. Meanwhile, I hope he will continue posting over in **G’Dope**. I would miss him if didn’t. Sorry, **Zennie**. Your Pal Quasi ---
**Author:** ![Rick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9f8e36/32.png) [@Rick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2003, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zenster-banned-whats-all-this-then/209338/97 "2003-10-25T01:39:45Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by NoClueBoy \* > \*\*I don’t know… > > Sometimes, **Zenster** seemed like two different people. When he was being helpful, he was very helpful. When he was being charming, he was very endearing. When he was acting like an ass, he was an incredible ass. > \*\* You are 100% correct in this assesment. **Zenster** also would never admit he was wrong in an arguement. [Here is a thread where he suggested taking a flare gun ino the forrest.](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=187758&highlight=strobe) When I called him on it, he would not back down. :wally ---
**Author:** ![DocCathode](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doccathode/32/18773_2.png) [@DocCathode](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DocCathode)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2003, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zenster-banned-whats-all-this-then/209338/98 "2003-10-25T01:40:12Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Quasimodem \* > \*\* > I consider him a very intelligent good-hearted person and I hope that he can be reinstated at some future time. Meanwhile, I hope he will continue posting over in **G’Dope**. \*\* The Mods have banished Zenster to Australia? They can do that? ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Blue\_Sky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d26b3c/32.png) [@Mr.Blue\_Sky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Blue_Sky)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2003, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zenster-banned-whats-all-this-then/209338/99 "2003-10-25T01:42:00Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by DocCathode \* > \*\*The Mods have banished Zenster to Australia? > > They can do that? \*\* Australia’s better than the cornfield. ---
**Author:** ![Larry\_Mudd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f14d63/32.png) [@Larry\_Mudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Larry_Mudd)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2003, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zenster-banned-whats-all-this-then/209338/100 "2003-10-25T01:48:15Z")
> [@](#): > > **bojon** : Answer the question? Refer to previous reply, as I am a newbie.If you were ZENSTER? Did you threaten, COUNTRY!!! I’m not sure that I understand what you are trying to ask. Why are you so focused on personalities? If we’re comparing the two posts, exclusive of personality, then the answer is simple enough. Yes, “Were you to be illegally parked in a fire lane and caused my residence to burn a millisecond longer than it needed to, you’d likely be the recipient of more than a lovetap or two. Personally, I don’t think an axe handle could stand up to the wear and tear I’d put it through,” is a threat. > [@](#): > > He said WERE YOU TO DO SOMETHING. I WILL DO SOMETHING. (Paraprasing of course)Blowing a bellows full of bumblebees up your butt, is not DEATH. An implied response to take action for a subsequent action, is not a threat. Bzzzz. Wrong. A conditional threat is still a threat. Of course, **Zenster** ’s threat was conditional on circumstances that are not likely to occur any time soon, but it’s still a threat. My post referred to an object which has _no existence at all_ outside of rhetorical use. It would be very hard for someone to successfully argue that they were threatened with a Clue Stick, and anyone who might conceivably make such an argument has probably had their fair share of Clue Sticks brandished in their general direction. If, on the other hand, you’re asking if this all about personality and a banning would have happened if **Zenster** had posted the same thing to **county** as I did to Lorne, because the Evil Mods hate **Zenster** and love **county** , I really can’t offer a definitive answer, although I’m pretty sure it’s in the vicinity of _No fucking way_. On the contrary, I suspect that if _I_ wracked up a number of “Being a jerk” warnings, the mods would probably have banned me a bit quicker, since, in my opinion, my contribution and participation in the “serious” fora are less significant that **Zenster** ’s. Hell, _I’d_ ban me before I’d ban **Zenster** , if I were acting like **Zenster**. If that makes any sense. I don’t know who originally posted this pearl of wisdom that’s immortalized on **Opal** ’s [Page of Flames](http://fathom.org/teemingmillions/flames.html), but it ought to be etched in stone over the portals of this place, wherever they are: > [@](#): > > When they came for Phaedrus, I said nothing, for I was not a Jeezer. > > When they came for Jack Dean Tyler, I said nothing, for I was already circumsized. > > When they came for Friend of God, I said nothing, for I regularly took my Lithium. > > When they came for Mu-Mu, I said nothing, for I actually liked the mods. > > When they came for me… well, actually, they never did come for me. Know why? 'Cause I didn’t behave like a jerk on the boards, you fucking morons! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zenster-banned-whats-all-this-then/209338.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zenster-banned-whats-all-this-then/209338.md?page=6)