Iron ruler

Some one who rules iron

Take it how you want iron ruler

by Hmug February 10, 2021

Theory of Iron Rule of Oligarchies

A political science principle, sometimes called the "Iron Law of Oligarchy," stating that any large organization, including democratic states and revolutionary movements, inevitably develops a ruling elite (an oligarchy) that consolidates power, serves its own interests, and becomes detached from the rank-and-file. Democracy and egalitarian ideals inevitably decay into oligarchic control because complex administration requires specialization, which leads to concentration of knowledge and power.

Theory of Iron Rule of Oligarchies Example: A grassroots political party starts with radical democracy and rotating leadership. Within a few years, a small group of full-time organizers (the Oligarchy) controls the finances, messaging, and candidate selection. The Iron Rule has manifested: the need for efficiency and expertise created a permanent, self-perpetuating leadership class that now values its own power over the party's original ideals.

by Abzugal Nammugal Enkigal February 4, 2026

The Iron Maiden Rule

The unwritten rule of music (mostly but not exclusively metal) that states that only Iron Maiden are allowed to wear their own band shirts on stage, by virtue of being Iron Maiden. It has been broken numerous times. The worst offenders are probably Amon Amarth, who wear their own merchandise in every photo and every video in which they aren't shirtless.

The reason for the rule is the same reason why it's generally gauche to wear a band shirt for the band you're going to see: band shirts are generally a way to broadcast your tastes and in so doing support a band that people might not have heard of.

Watain broke the Iron Maiden rule by painting their own emblem on their bare chests.

by The music definitions guy December 4, 2010