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PaperclipPerfector  1yr ago (text post)   2724 thread views

Small-Scale Question Sunday for August 13, 2023

Do you have a dumb question that you're kind of embarrassed to ask in the main thread? Is there something you're just not sure about?

This is your opportunity to ask questions. No question too simple or too silly.

Culture war topics are accepted, and proposals for a better intro post are appreciated.

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If I reply to someone who’s blocked me, do other users see an indicator? Seems like that might protect against the “Parthian shot” method of weaponizing a block. Another reader would see the flag and know not to expect a response from the blocker.

Then again, I’m not sure I’ve yet seen anyone abuse that on this site. So…second question: has that happened?

Edit: I responded to @grognard and got the usual “higher standard” banner. Let’s see if that response shows any indicator.

I thoroughly hate that blocking is even a feature. Writing anything on the internet is already so much screaming into the ether; add a chance that the intended recipient may just not receive the answer and it feels even more like an unjustifiable waste of time. Doubly so if the blocking is stealthy, as it appears to be on this Motte.

The blocking does show up to the blockee with a little red icon, even before I click “reply.” That alone makes it significantly better than Reddit.

In theory, I could abuse that one-way knowledge to get shots in on @grognard or @coffee_enjoyer without them ever seeing. In practice, I don’t expect that would fly here…but I have yet to see anyone try it.

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