In Rick’s piece mocking the appearance of Supreme Court Nominee Elena Kagan, commenter “bobdog” thought it would be funny to impersonate longtime Wizbang community member (and personal friend of mine) “James H.”
Olaf The Troll God’s Hammer came off the wall.
Commenters’ use of multiple identities is frowned upon, but not officially banned. (I tend to follow the “Roger Rabbit” rule — I put up with it only when it’s funny. There are a couple of other rather esoteric exceptions, but generally “don’t do it.”
Using another commenter’s identity, though — sorry, that shit don’t fly.
No, it’s not explicitly spelled out in the rules. It shouldn’t have to be. It should be one of those self-evident things, and I’m not going to bother with warnings.
If you’re wondering how strongly I feel about this, consider this: I’d be very inclined to bring out the hammer even if someone used the name “Lee Ward.” Yes, I’d even act in his defense. (Granted, in that case anyone would be hard-pressed to make him look worse than he does himself, so it’s more of a case of keeping him looking as bad as possible, but the principle is there.)
“Bobdog” is history. If anyone would like to make an argument in his defense, go ahead. I will read and consider what anyone has to say.
Update: I just lifted the ban on Bobdog’s IP. My intention is to give him the opportunity to discuss the action. Unless I am persuaded otherwise, I’ll reinstate the ban around noon Eastern on Sunday.
Unless, of course, he pulls a BarneyG2000 and answers sooner with a rhetorical bird-flipping. Then it could happen sooner.
Finally, I added the “not” to the “James H” signature on bobdog’s impersonation. My first reaction was to simply undo the faking. My second reaction was to reveal the real commenter behind the faking, and posting his IP. My third reaction was to change the publishing of the IP to the banning of it.
Update 2: Thanks, bob. Case closed.
I was wrong earlier; what bobdog did IS a violation of the published rules. I’m embarrassed; I really oughta pay better attention to them. From the Terms Of Service: “(c) impersonate any person or entity, including, but not limited to, a Wizbang, LLC official, forum leader, guide or host, or falsely state or otherwise misrepresent your affiliation with a person or entity.”
As far as I’m concerned, this was a “learning experience” and a “teachable moment” for everyone, including me. The threatened banning is hereby withdrawn, and Olaf’s Hammer is back on the wall — to the great relief of my back.
