Just wanted to say thanks

[TorchTheWitch]

MFM being tombstoned was a long time in coming as far as I'm concerned.

I'm sorry you're facing so much backlash for doing what was unquestionably right. Frankly, I don't understand the backlash at all. It was the most revolting anti-gay post I've ever seen here and couldn't possibly be confused with any kind of "humor" and from someone with a long history of obnoxious and insensitive posts.

[Skinner]

1. You are not the only person who feels this way.

I have heard from a number of DUers who were appalled by his post. As I have said elsewhere, I usually have a pretty good sarcasm detector, and my initial reaction was the same as yours. The other admins, and the moderators who were online at the time all read it the same way we did.

Having gone back and read it many times, I have come to believe that perhaps this was a case of poor wording rather than malicious intent. But that does not change the fact that the way I read the post -- and the way many other DUers also read the post -- is completely consistent with what he wrote. Frankly, I'm still pretty ticked-off that this happened at all. I rather think that any long-time DUer would have figured out by now that if you are going to go there, you should really make damned sure you won't be misunderstood.

[TorchTheWitch]

2. there are some things that are just never funny

Some subjects are just far too sensitive to express out loud in the form of a "joke" or as "satire" or "sarcasm". I see doing so as merely an excuse to reveal ones true appalling feelings on such subjects using the "joke" or "satire" or "sarcasm" excuse as pre-empted attempted ass-covering. For example, someone who makes a "joke" about rape is not someone I would ever want to be alone with as there is nothing about rape that ever can be construed as funny, and anyone that does is someone who has little or no empathy for rape victims, and therefore may be inclined to be a rapist. There simple IS no humor in certain subjects, and anyone who thinks that there is is probably someone who has little or no empathy for those people associated with the sensitive subject. In other words, even if the "joke" or "satire" or "sarcasm" IS completely understood it STILL isn't funny and therefore not only inappropriate but high risk for others to not only take offense but be deeply angered or hurt.

As for "going there" perhaps this is the problem with long time posters with a history of "almost going there" a number of times and not facing serious consequences over it... it merely emboldens them. And perhaps that is also the problem with the backlash... had this been a relatively unknown poster who said this they would have been tombstoned, and there wouldn't be a soul here who made excuses for them or thought it was unjust. Being a long term poster who is apparently well-liked (which in this case I find shocking) should never be a permission slip for bad behavior and certainly shouldn't be for truly appalling behavior however it's attempted to be "disguised".

Well, in any case, thanks and sorry that you're getting put through the wringer for doing the only appropriate thing.