When signing up, new male DU members are now required to "Turn your head to the left and cough"

[Miles Archer]

I remember Skinner's post about this a month ago, before putting the new policy in place. He said "I know this will be seen by some as a controversial move on our part, but trust me when I say it is a necessary one."

A routine physical exam is now a prerequisite for men who wish to become a DU member (these changes went into effect 1/1/16).

According to Wikipedia, "Many hernias are discovered during routine physical exams. If you're a guy, you may have had a physical exam where your doctor gave you a testicular exam and checked your testicles for a hernia. By placing a finger at the top of your scrotum and asking you to cough, the doctor can feel if you have a hernia."

This means that all male applicants, upon receiving a clean bill of health, will be granted membership in DU.

Skinner stated that he abandoned his original plan of having members who passed muster automatically display a special icon in their posts. The design was that of a smiling pair of testicles, winking and giving a "thumbs up" gesture. "Sometimes less is more," he observed.

One enterprising DUer, BenCarsonAteMyBrain, has created a Cafe Press line of t-shirts with the slogan "I had a finger placed at the top of my scrotum and all I got was a membership in DU." Skinner immediately distanced himself from this enterprising member, stating "This is no laughing matter. We're trying to make a difference here."

[pinboy3niner]

1. So all new male members will be...sack puppets?

[Miles Archer]

3. Skinner revealed that the new macot's name was going to be Mr. Happy Sack

But once again, "political correctness" ruled the day.

[jakeXT]

10. Mr. Testicle is not amused

[pinboy3niner]

11. Pay no attention, he's always a sad sack

[Warren Stupidity]

2. Well it is an improvement from the digital rectal exam requirement.

[Miles Archer]

4. I remember that new memberships plummeted during that six months

But hey, I give Skinner credit for always trying new things. Innovation does not occur as the result of keeping one's head in the sand.

[Yavin4]

6. "digital"?

Mine was hands free!

[mockmonkey]

12. The digital...

is so much better than the "analog".

[In_The_Wind]

5. That's gonna be cute!

Thanks Skinner

[Aristus]

7. As a holder of a medical license,

I promise to wave the requirement for all new members Skinner sends to me.

[pinboy3niner]

8. I think new registrants are required to use DU's resident specialist, Dr. Ben Dover

Nice try, though.

[Iggo]

9. Expect new member Schmiggo to be joining up real soon.

Heheheh...member.