…and this is a 
The petites sauvages of Pharyngula: old Mollies, new Mollies, and open enrollment
Category: Administrative • Weblogs
Posted on: January 14, 2008 1:34 PM, by PZ Myers
The always perspicacious Chris Clarke is talking about us, in a post where he talks about the pleasures and perils of managing comments on a blog.
I'd be lying if I said I never appreciated a good bar brawl of a comment thread. And some blogs make the free-for-alls work: Pharyngula comes to mind as an example of a wonderful, worthwhile blog with a laissez-faire comment policy. But few blogs have that winning Pharyngular combination of high traffic, sharp focus, distinct blogger personality, and devoted constructive regulars. The chance of a typical low-to-mid-traffic blog ripening into another Pharyngula is, as the blog world matures, decreasing.
He's got it right — managing comments is tricky stuff, and there are the issues of setting the tone, of culling the more egregious violators, of keeping the place from descending into random madness. Probably the best example of a blog pulling off the delicate balancing act of of getting a convivial and smart continuing conversation going is Making Light; I think Pharyngula has a fine comments section that at least aspires to that level, less the "convivial" part. Chris accurately describes the situation here as a laissez-faire free-for-all.
Do you know how one of the standard scenarios in fantasy role playing games is the wizard in the tower (or the bottom of the dungeon), and you've got to fight your way through swarms of weird monsters wandering the stony halls to get to him? That never made much sense to me: why is there this weird mix of stealthy assassins and thuggish ogres prowling about, and why would some lich-king or demon take up residence in such an odd hole in the ground? But then I started this blog, and it's become clear. It's a focus for all kinds of raucous melees, so sure, all kinds of interesting denizens will occupy the place. So thanks to all of you readers, we have an interesting assortment of ogres, wizards, goblins, angels, nice townsfolk, and even merchants (the spammers, who don't last long) dwelling in the hodge-podge maze of the comment threads. It can be a scary place — don't go down there without full armor — but it's also an exciting place.
Which brings us to today's effort in comment management. After a long delay (December is a slow month, so I wanted to give this one more time to gather steam), we have a new Molly winner for December: Dustin. We'll be giving him a corner crypt with easy access to the main thoroughfare for entering adventurers, along with a +3 Vorpal Sword.
We also need new nominations for this month, so consider this the January Molly nomination thread. While you're congratulating Dustin, you can also mention someone else you think deserves an exalted position in the wandering monsters table.
Finally, with some trepidation, I'm also making this an Open Enrollment thread. Do you want to be on the Pharyngula blogroll? It's easy. First, you need a blog with an RSS feed (I do all my blog browsing with a newsreader, so that's an absolute requirement). Second, you need to give me a link to your blog in a comment here. And finally, you have to pass a test demonstrating that you actually read Pharyngula: name your favorite commenter. (That's a cunning way to get more votes in the Molly nominations.)
Comments
Cue Babylon 5 music.
Posted by: Chris G. | January 14, 2008 1:43 PM
First, I have to say that my favorite commenter is probably Cuttlefish, because I'm a sucker for well-done humorous verse.
And the RSS feed for my blog, "The Backyard Arthropod Project", is at http://somethingscrawlinginmyhair.com/feed/
I'm trying to document as many arthropods as I can on my property in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and I post one arthropod a week (this week is an inchworm, and next week will be a "snow fly", a wingless crane fly that only comes out when it is *below* freezing).
Posted by: tceisele | January 14, 2008 1:47 PM
There's a trick to managing comments: Don't assume that calling names isn't an appropriate response to some wanker.
That's where "moderation" falls down again and again. Someone ignores every question they've been asked (or occasionally they might either "address" an issue by quickly shifting topics, or by outright lying), and repeats the same appallingly ignorant and/or dishonest attack. The responses are then rather uncharitable. The "moderator" then attacks the victims of the trolling wanker for using "inappropriate language." PZ is as pissed-off at these manipulative gits as many of us are, hence he doesn't bother us for treating them as they deserve.
And that's why it works, because PZ, unlike most moderators, doesn't think that all responses are deserving of equal treatment. They are not.
Glen D
http://tinyurl.com/2kxyc7
Posted by: Glen Davidson | January 14, 2008 1:47 PM
prometheusretold.blogspot.com
I like Blake Stacey.
Posted by: Chris Bell | January 14, 2008 1:49 PM
I normally try to avoid blogwhoring, but since you opened the door, I'm gonna enter.
First off, naming my favorite commenter is a cinch: Ichthyic. We miss you over at After the Bar Closes.
I recently opened CBEB's: The Church Burnin' Ebola Blog. It's certainly not everyone's cup of tea - it's my decidedly lowbrow take on atheism, the evolution-creation debate and music.
Yes, there's an RSS Feed, but when I post videos they're streamed from my hosting company (I get better quality than YouTube that way) so you might have to use your browser...
I update pretty frequently, but it might be too lightweight for your blogroll. Nonetheless, others might enjoy it.
Thanks,
Mister DNA
Posted by: Mister DNA | January 14, 2008 1:59 PM
Kagehi. Don't make me repeat myself. Again. Also, Glen Davidson, even though he does that thing where he puts his name and URL at the bottom of every comment even though the web site already puts everyone's name and URLs, if given, in the "Posted by" footer.
Posted by: Rey Fox | January 14, 2008 2:00 PM
Silly, PZ... ALL Vorpal Swords are inherently +3! (It says so right there on page 166 of the DMG.) There's no reason to mention it specifically, like it could be +2 or +4.
...as if!
Posted by: jfatz | January 14, 2008 2:01 PM
WHEREAS Pharyngula has been the inspiration for the writing of my limericks, and
WHEREAS most of the limericks I have written thus far have been posted to Pharyngula first
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that I am using this obnoxious, archaic, and utterly stupid language to make you aware that I wish my blog, http://limerickfun.blogspot.com/ to be added to the Pharyngula blogroll.
Posted by: Rich Stage | January 14, 2008 2:06 PM
I recently opened CBEB's: The Church Burnin' Ebola Blog. It's certainly not everyone's cup of tea - it's my decidedly lowbrow take on atheism, the evolution-creation debate and music.
You steeling my blog? Well, I've got recipes, too:
http://thegodofbiscuitsgospel.blogspot.com
Best thing I ever did was calling posts "gospel readings." It's fun to see how fast they click away once they realize what they're really getting. (Here's some Mahler to make the day better.
Favorite commenter? Probably ichy, but everyone who piles onto our pro-torture, anti-poetry troll is good in my book.
Posted by: MAJeff | January 14, 2008 2:10 PM
OK, my post with my blog address just got held in moderation, however, I'm going to add that tonight is my weekly webcast of the first season of Mary Tyler Moore. Episode 4 is tonight.
Posted by: MAJeff | January 14, 2008 2:12 PM
Mmmmmmmm...sausages!
Posted by: BJN | January 14, 2008 2:12 PM
I don't blog (not enough damn time in the day) so no links from me.
Posters I respect and look forward to;
Ichthyic and Truthmachine.
I look forward to Glen, Scott, Blake posting and of course RD popping in from time to time :)
Posted by: AllanW | January 14, 2008 2:13 PM
I like Blake Stacey too.
I'm at http://jollybloger.blogspot.com/ which of course has a feed. Focus is atheism, anti-theism, crazy-person politics (I know we disagree, PZ, I lean libertarian... but not objectivist!), and my gimmick is pirates. Every Wednesday is Pirate Wednesday!
Posted by: Jolly Bloger | January 14, 2008 2:16 PM
Completely off-topic, but I can't resist: in 10 minutes BBC4 is showing the latest episode of the Astronomy show The Sky At Night.
Yes, THAT Dr Brian May, also known as the lead guitarist of Queen.
I love British TV.
Posted by: Lee Brimmicombe-Wood | January 14, 2008 2:18 PM
I'm feeling left out...
Should I advertise my new blog, http://VorpalSwordsareALLplusthree!.blogspot.com/ -- or would that be inappropriate?
Posted by: jfatz | January 14, 2008 2:18 PM
I just found out I cannot have an exclamation point in my HTTP address, and that makes me very sad. How else am I to exclaim things?
Posted by: jfatz | January 14, 2008 2:21 PM
http://atheistexperience.blogspot.com
I like Glen D and Ichthyic, plus any mindless creo troll who comes here and leaves with his ass in his hands.
Posted by: Martin | January 14, 2008 2:22 PM
Oh wait, never mind. Checked the blogroll and found out we're already there! Many thanks.
Posted by: Martin | January 14, 2008 2:24 PM
You're so lucky. Over here in the colonies, we get Charlie Daniels on Fox News giving his thoughts on the subtleties of Constitutional law. It ain't pretty.
Posted by: Mister DNA | January 14, 2008 2:24 PM
I put in another vote for Blake Stacey!
I'm too damn proud to beg for a place on the blogroll (numerous people who know me well would undoubtedly ask, "Proud of what, exactly?")... though here's the link anyway:
Skulls in the Stars
Posted by: gg | January 14, 2008 2:30 PM
along with a +3 Vorpal Sword.
Did someone mention a vorpal sword?
Hey, if it was good enough for Jesus....
Posted by: MAJeff | January 14, 2008 2:30 PM
To those who have mentioned me here, thanks for the kind words. I've already got a Molly, but it's nice to find I haven't lost my touch. :-)
This month I'd like to nominate Glen Davidson, AJ Milne and MAJeff.
Posted by: Blake Stacey | January 14, 2008 2:31 PM
Ditto on the MAJeff Molly nod.
Yeah... I know I should say more, but I'm in a rush today.
Posted by: Dan | January 14, 2008 2:40 PM
Oh, and I have a blog with an RSS feed too. No Mahler though, sorry.
I guess I would be looked down upon if I voted for FtK, wouldn't I. :-)
Bob
Posted by: Bob O'H | January 14, 2008 2:41 PM
There are a lot of smart and funny people posting here so picking is hard but Ichthyic stands out. Science and atheism are not the only reasons I stop by. I LIKE LEFSE! I also like lutefisk. But then, I'm a South Dakota Norwegian stuck in KC.
Posted by: Ken | January 14, 2008 2:44 PM
I also like lutefisk. But then, I'm a South Dakota Norwegian stuck in KC.
How can you even attempt to survive in that realm of barbecue, you poor soul :)
It sounds almost as bad as not being able to get decent bratwurst (I make my parents ship them to me twice a year) in the land of lobster and clam chowder.
Posted by: MAJeff | January 14, 2008 2:52 PM
Just finished watching, and Brian May gave a very jolly lecture on Zodiacal Light. But they also had Terry Pratchett at their meteor watching party. Very cool!
Posted by: Lee Brimmicombe-Wood | January 14, 2008 3:10 PM
Mrs Tilton for OM. Sometimes when I see long comments I skip over them (usually when I'm at work) but when I see Mrs Tilton was the author I always go back and read it.
Posted by: jba | January 14, 2008 3:16 PM
It's hard to pick favorites! Cuttlefish can make anything funny. Blake Stacey is a good one. I'm also throwing out Casey Schmidt's name, since the last comments of his I saw contained an email from a Floridian Creationist school board member showing his true colors, and in all caps no less. How often do we get something so straight from the
jackass'horse's mouth?My blog is Hyphoid Logic (http://vyoma108.blogspot.com). Evolution wars stuff, biology, occasionally mycology (not as much as I should lately, I admit) and general ruminations about life as they occur to me. Sometimes pictures of a lizard, too. Please add me to your blogroll.
Posted by: Mike O'Risal | January 14, 2008 3:17 PM
yes, MAJeff!
Posted by: thalarctos | January 14, 2008 3:17 PM
You can watch The Sky At Night here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/space/spaceguide/skyatnight/proginfo.shtml
and I vote for MAJeff!
Posted by: MyaR | January 14, 2008 3:32 PM
Apparently, I'm one of a cadre who likes Blake Stacey. I also happen to like Cuttlefish and Ichthyic.
My blog is at Jyunri Kankei. I write (when I can) about reason, logic, and adventures in life. Oh, I have a feed too.
Posted by: G | January 14, 2008 3:35 PM
I don't comment enough to self-promote, and I would vote for Blake Stacey, but he has one already so Ill vote for Ichthyic this month.
angrybychoice.blogspot.com and of course it is RSS
Posted by: Lorax | January 14, 2008 3:45 PM
Doesn't Icthy already have a Molly? PZ, you're going to have to start putting a link to the award list in the nomination posts so we lazy types don't have to go searching.
I think MAJeff has been quite active and fabulous this go-round, and add to the pile of votes in his favor.
Posted by: Carlie | January 14, 2008 3:47 PM
Damn. I'm a biologist but can't spell fishy words. You know who I meant.
Posted by: Carlie | January 14, 2008 3:49 PM
Nod to MAJeff. Worthy.
Posted by: Dahan | January 14, 2008 3:49 PM
I'm at VWXYNot? and I like Cuttlefish and Kseniya (may not have spelled that right).
The first post is not indicative of my blog's usual content, I was just venting a bit!
Posted by: VWXYNot? | January 14, 2008 3:59 PM
I don't have a blog and am, at best, a very occasional commenter (probably more accurately described as a not very stealthy lurker) and I would hate to pick a favourite.
Still I would like to call for the return of Christian Burnham, missing in action these past few months, victim of the sometimes overwhelming laissez-faire free for all spirit of the Pharyngula comments section.
Come back Christian! It's been long enough now!
Posted by: Arnaud | January 14, 2008 4:03 PM
Can I cast negative votes? I want to nullify someone's vote for this Cuttlefish show-off.
Posted by: Jamie | January 14, 2008 4:07 PM
In the middle of all this, I Stumbled over to http://www.daylightatheism.org/ today, and am completely transfixed. I fear I'll be losing a lot of sleep perusing the archives...
All completely worth it!
Posted by: jfatz | January 14, 2008 4:10 PM
Too many good comments by too many good commentators. In descending order, 1) Ichthyic, 2) Truth machine, 3) Cuttlefish. I do not maintain a blog, I keep up a few web sites (Moths of North Dakota, Flea beetles of North Dakota, and Orthoptera of the Northern Great Plains), no links- you'll find them when you need to identify the beasts in question.
Posted by: mothra | January 14, 2008 4:12 PM
Oh, goody, Jamie's here.
Posted by: MAJeff | January 14, 2008 4:13 PM
MAJeff, #48:
I've already addressed this "pro-torture" charge, yet he still repeats it. Do you realize you people are voting for a serial liar?Posted by: Jamie | January 14, 2008 4:16 PM
I'm rather fond of Colugo(sp?) He has some insightful comments and obviously knows his stuff.
My blog is Incoherent Rants of a Madman at coathangrrr.blogspot.com
Posted by: coathangrrr | January 14, 2008 4:27 PM
There are many good commenters!
However, the first one to come to mind was Blake Stacey. If I skim the comments, I always stop and read if it's one of his.
My own atheism (mainly) blog is at http://ecstathy.blogspot.com
Posted by: Efrique | January 14, 2008 4:29 PM
1)Truth Machine because he doesn't pull any punches
2)Glen D because he knows his shit
3)MAJeff because if posting 10 times in one thread of comments only adds up to 100 words or less, and you still add something to a discussion, you're either a concise mother fucker, or an idiot. I'd say he's the former.
Posted by: zer0 | January 14, 2008 4:46 PM
My blog URL is:
http://www.julianstirling.co.uk/blog
As for a favourite commenter, I have to say I hardly ever take in the names, which is why I never vote on the Mollies, but everyone remembers the poet Cuttlefish.
Also +3 vorpal sword? Assuming that to be a longsword, and adamantine (if you are giving it a +8 bonus you may as well as it can help against DR, not to mention sundering), then that is 75,015 GP that is a lot of cash for any award.
Posted by: Gobaskof | January 14, 2008 5:03 PM
Is there a way to search Pharyngula for some of Dustins excellent comments? I would also like to do a search for Sastra. It seems the "Search this blog" tool does not look at commenter names unless it is in the body of the post.
-DU-
Posted by: David Utidjian | January 14, 2008 5:04 PM
Ah well. I like the blog well enough, but I don't often read the comments.
You're still on my blogroll, though.
Posted by: The Barefoot BUm | January 14, 2008 5:05 PM
since blake stacey already has a molly, i'll add my vote for MAJeff.
as for blogroll additions, i'm surprised to find that you don't have dr.violet socks on your blogroll. she's the sharpest and smartest voice i've come across in the lefty blogosphere (imagine chris clarke, michael berube and twisty rolled into one)
Posted by: buck | January 14, 2008 5:13 PM
I've already addressed this "pro-torture" charge, yet he still repeats it. Do you realize you people are voting for a serial liar?
Only if we vote for you, Jamie. You have even said that it would be morally right to -- indeed, morally wrong not to -- torture your own mother if that would save a billion people, and that it's only selfishness that would prevent you from doing what's morally right. That is certainly in some sense "pro-torture" and you ought to simply own it.
In counterpoint I offer this, which upon reading immediately made me think of you:
Posted by: truth machine | January 14, 2008 5:25 PM
I'll go in for MAJeff as well. Concise, informative, well-argued... And, not going to lie, comment #41 in this thread just tipped the balance in his favour a little bit more. =)
Posted by: Avekid | January 14, 2008 5:39 PM
I'd also like to cast my vote for MAJeff, who is always witty and cogent. I must say as well that truth machine really delivered in three monstrous threads (one on Libertarians, a second on torture, and a third on...I don't even remember anymore).
My blog is at http://inteldis.wordpress.com, where I, the liberal atheist feminist, blog with a happy moderate and a conservative/evangelical Christian on various issues.
Posted by: j | January 14, 2008 5:46 PM
It appears that the mod software ate my first attempt at shameless self promotion, so here goes again:
http://jyunri.blogspot.com
I have a feed and everything, and I think MAJeff could use a molly and Blake Stacey is one of the most eloquent speakers here.
Posted by: G | January 14, 2008 5:56 PM
If I'm pro-torture for agreeing with Sam Harris that torture is acceptable in certain extremely unlikely circumstances, then presumably everyone here is pro-murder for believing that murder is acceptable when defending your country from invaders. I think torture should be illegal, and I strongly disagree with its recent use by the American government. But I'm not prepared to say that I don't think it should be used under any conceivable circumstances, because I simply don't believe that. How on Earth does this make me pro-torture?
In short, both MAJeff and Truth Machine are clearly liars. They're persistently and deliberately uttering barefaced falsehoods about me. Disagree with my opinions if you like, but you're simply lying if you accuse me of being pro-torture.
Posted by: Jamie | January 14, 2008 6:00 PM
Blake Stacey #22 once again demonstrates his OM worthiness by nominating 3 worthy OM candidates. I'll second his nominations for Glen Davidson, AJ Milne and MAJeff.
And I'm adding Carlie. Who, as I recall, has been particularly hot this month.
Posted by: Sastra, OM | January 14, 2008 6:03 PM
Tulse for Molly.
Jamie for dungeon. Comment 38 is really hard to explain unless he's a troll.
Posted by: David Marjanović, OM | January 14, 2008 6:04 PM
Correction: "I did not say that it would be `morally wrong not to'. I said refusal would be morally acceptable, as there aren't really any good arguments against it."
Posted by: Jamie | January 14, 2008 6:04 PM
Actually, I garbled that correction as well. Nevermind, you can figure it out.
Posted by: Jamie | January 14, 2008 6:05 PM
Comment 38 is hardly serious. Don't get your underpants in a twist.
Posted by: Jamie | January 14, 2008 6:06 PM
Cuttlefish is a show-off, though. Why else would he or she write poems with each and every post?
Posted by: Jamie | January 14, 2008 6:08 PM
Posted by: Stanton | January 14, 2008 6:20 PM
The Paul Dirac quote is so witty that I'll post it again:
Posted by: Jamie | January 14, 2008 6:24 PM
The list of past winners is always there: it's at the top of the page, in the tab labeled "commenters".
I will also mention that the Dungeon tab is up there, too. Note that the kinds of things that can get you banished there are persistent insipidity, slagging, stupidity, trolling, and wanking -- and Jamie is excelling in all of them. Consider this a warning. That he thinks this is the thread where we want to hear the same old gabbling nonsense from him is a great mistake.
Posted by: PZ Myers | January 14, 2008 6:33 PM
I would ask Jamie about what makes Dr Dirac an authority on poetry, but, Jamie thinks it's childish to ask for evidence to support claims in an argument.
Posted by: Stanton | January 14, 2008 6:43 PM
Those theists, they're so absurd! Hey, PZ, guess what? We already know that! Good job wasting years of your life stating the obvious.
Posted by: Jamie | January 14, 2008 6:50 PM
In answer to the question asked in #42, I think we're dealing with a both/and situation.
Posted by: MAJeff | January 14, 2008 6:53 PM
Well, somebody's got to do it!
Posted by: Sastra, OM | January 14, 2008 6:54 PM
My vote goes to... Mrs Tilton of coarse. :P
Posted by: 386sx | January 14, 2008 6:56 PM
Don't let the front door hit you on the stick that protrudes from your rectum.
Cuttlefish, in the meantime, is already enshrined in the Order of the Molly, thus constituting irrefutable evidence of the reverence that the scientific community has for poets.
Posted by: Rey Fox | January 14, 2008 6:56 PM
Since this thread is a little about blogwhoring, I've got mehr Mahler, lieder set to the poetry of Friedrich Rückert, as performed by Thomas Hampson, Leonard Bernstein, and the Vienna Philharmonic.
Enjoy.
Posted by: MAJeff | January 14, 2008 7:05 PM
MAJeff is past due, so he gets my vote.
Jamie is a jerk-off. I vote something relatively heavy falls on his head.
Don't like poetry. Fine. Don't read it, fuckface.
Posted by: Brownian, OM | January 14, 2008 7:07 PM
Jamie is the anti-Feynman:
No-one cares what you think.
Posted by: Zarquon | January 14, 2008 7:15 PM
Jamie is the anti-Feynman
Now that's poetry.
Posted by: Brownian, OM | January 14, 2008 7:28 PM
In no particular order (because I enjoy them all): Mrs Tilton, Blake Stacey, Cuttlefish.
Posted by: alison | January 14, 2008 7:38 PM
Thank you coathangrrr, I enjoy your comments too - and those of MAJeff and a bunch of other fine folks who probably have already won Mollies by now. At times I've been a contrarian (some might even call me an ass) to PZ's remarks but I want to note my appreciation to the good Dr. Myers for presenting this stimulating forum of ideas and discussion (and morbid Cthulhu worship). I'm afraid I have to take myself out of the running since I might not be able to fulfill the duties (or expectations) of producing witty commentary on a regular basis. But I'll still pop in from time to time.
Posted by: Colugo | January 14, 2008 7:41 PM
Without trying to sound too much like an attention-grabber, I have a blog at
http://jyunri.blogspot.com
that the filter for some reason keeps eating. Also, I think MAJeff is well past due for a Molly.
Posted by: G | January 14, 2008 7:46 PM
Isn't it about time for a show trial?
Posted by: MAJeff | January 14, 2008 7:55 PM
I had a look at the Dungeon list, and I have to say, I really don't see how I'm possibly in the same league of obnoxiousness as those fundamentalist cranks. The crime I allegedly perpetrated in this thread was in defending myself against false charges. I'm not pro-torture, full stop. No-one here would like it if I posted lies about them, so please extend me the same courtesy.
Then there's the poetry thing. Yes, I was trolling -- it can be fun, try it. My real views are milder. I was basically presenting a more extreme version of my opinion. I have to say, though, that I thought the reaction I elicited was pathetic. Abounding in that thread were: lies, strawmandering, false depiction of my assertions, ungrounded analysis of my psyche, and inflammatory personal insults, the bandying of which I didn't start.
So you don't tolerate here anyone with politically incorrect ideas. This much is plain. What are you supposed to do in the comments if not discuss contrary viewpoints? Cheerlead?
"Yes, PZ, I totally agree! Those creationists are such dumbasses. LOL!"
Posted by: Jamie | January 14, 2008 8:04 PM
Yes, fuck you too. I'm going to stop posting here admid [sic]this PC-fanatical rabble.
I expect a small hiatus instead, but either way, it does seem you need to take a break and get out of the house a bit more.
just to encourage your departure, I vote for our new poet, Rich Stage for this month's Molly (who IIRC, was the one who proffered the limerick that offended you so).
cheers
Posted by: Ichthyic | January 14, 2008 8:07 PM
@79
LOL
short hiatus indeed!
lasted all of a bit over an hour, by my reckoning.
Posted by: Ichthyic | January 14, 2008 8:10 PM
Put me down for MAJeff too... we always seem to pop up on the same postings to comment... he has a better attention span, more knowledge and a whole lot more patience.
Figures Jamie would have issues with the resident poet/lyricist... damn him for being so maddeningly prolific. And damn all us science lovers for loving his work.
Posted by: Steve_C | January 14, 2008 8:22 PM
Posted by: Stanton | January 14, 2008 8:29 PM
Tolerance of intolerance is nothing but cowardice.
(I plagiarised that from somewhere.)
Posted by: Gobaskof | January 14, 2008 8:30 PM
I vote for MAJeff. His commentary has been insightful, witty, useful, illustrative, provocative, informative, and challenging. (And at times he pissed me off, until I thought about what he was saying and after thought found myself agreeing.)
What more could we ask of a prospective Molly winner?
Posted by: MikeG | January 14, 2008 8:38 PM
Gobaskof: Also +3 vorpal sword? Assuming that to be a longsword, and adamantine (if you are giving it a +8 bonus you may as well as it can help against DR, not to mention sundering), then that is 75,015 GP that is a lot of cash for any award.
3rd Edition is for heathens!
Posted by: jfatz | January 14, 2008 8:59 PM
Okay, sure. Take a look at my journal if you like: science and political news from the perspective of a Western ex-pat in China -- http://yangwaterdog.blogspot.com.
I don't always read the comments and it seems the best commenters that come to mind already have the OM at the end of their name. Several people have voted for Cuttlefish. Didn't (s)he already win one, a couple months ago? I guess not, so I'll vote for Cuttlefish.
Posted by: Waterdog | January 14, 2008 9:04 PM
So you don't tolerate here anyone with politically incorrect ideas.
Nonsense. There are plenty of non-PC people who post here regularly. Some of them the majority of posters will disagree with, but no one calls for them to be banned unless they turn to trolling. Moreover, I find it absurd when people show up and start whining about the PC police for no reason other than people have disagreed with them. If that is what you consider censorship then you need to grow up.
Posted by: coathangrrr | January 14, 2008 9:09 PM
So you don't tolerate here anyone with politically incorrect ideas.
Yeah, you're a real fucking Rosa Parks, aren't you? Stick it to the man!
Go whine about your oppression somewhere else, pansy.
By the way, we aren't really all that PC: we most certainly do discriminate against the willfully stupid.
Posted by: Brownian, OM | January 14, 2008 9:18 PM
jfatz:
I think you will find 3.5 Ed is for masters, once you add about 50 pages of house rules. Also I DM such low combat games (1 small fight ever session or 2) that the rule system doesn't make much difference, it is all story.
Posted by: Gobaskof | January 14, 2008 9:37 PM
Posted by: Jamie | January 14, 2008 9:49 PM