Clarification on usage of political figures

[NaughtyTiger]

Recently, a post was scrubbed for mentioning a former (long dead) head of state, as political.
I would really have thought that historical figures were okay, but no.

Mentions of Julius Caesar, Abraham Lincoln, and Emperor Shang of the Tang dynasty will be scrubbed.
But Patton, Rommel, Sun Tzu are okay because they were not.

I do ask that the rules be clarified so that folks don't make this mistake.

I did expect that thread to be modded, because it has nothing to do with 5e, but I am surprised at the reason for scrubbing a post.

[Grey_Wolf_c]

Recently, a post was scrubbed for mentioning a former (long dead) head of state, as political.
I would really have thought that historical figures were okay, but no.

Mentions of Julius Caesar, Abraham Lincoln, and Emperor Shang of the Tang dynasty will be scrubbed.
But Patton, Rommel, Sun Tzu are okay because they were not.

I do ask that the rules be clarified so that folks don't make this mistake.

I did expect that thread to be modded, because it has nothing to do with 5e, but I am surprised at the reason for scrubbing a post.

It shouldn't really surprise you. The rules are clear:

Inappropriate Topics
Real-world religions (including religious reactions to gaming)
Real-world politics (including political reactions to gaming)

It doesn't stop being real world politics just because it is in the past.

Quoting the mods:

Sheriff: There is no time limitation. The distinction is real world vs. not real world. If it involves the real world and politics please leave it out of the Playground. If you wonder how broadly to interpret "politics," give it a very broad interpretation, and err on the side of caution in what you post.

Grey Wolf

[NaughtyTiger]

It shouldn't really surprise you. The rules are clear:


It doesn't stop being real world politics just because it is in the past.

Quoting the mods:


Grey Wolf

Actually, it should surprise both of us if the moderators agree that Ceasar is off limits, but Manson is cool...
Real-world politics is not the same as real-world politicians.

[Roland St. Jude]

It shouldn't really surprise you. The rules are clear:


It doesn't stop being real world politics just because it is in the past.

Quoting the mods:


Grey Wolf

Sheriff: Exactly.

Real-world politics is not the same as real-world politicians.

Sheriff: This is an odd interpretation and one that is plainly incorrect, particularly here, where politics should interpreted broadly given the total lack of limits other than "real world."

Also, please take this kind of thing up privately, particularly when it stems from your personal circumstances. This kind of thing is generally prohibited by the Forum Rules:

Rules/Moderator Complaints: Our forum rules have all been carefully considered before being implemented, and we do expect that all users abide by them, even if they do not fully agree with the reasoning behind them. We are happy to answer questions about the rules in the Board/Site Issues forum, but unsolicited whining, kvetching, or general complaining about the existing rules will be removed, as will complaints about specific moderators, moderator actions, or the moderation staff in general. If you have a concern involving a moderator or the forum rules, we ask that you send a PM to Roland St. Jude, the Forum Guru.