Permanent Bans...When???

[korbel]

Hello all,

Freedom on the boards is one thing, but maybe endlessly enduring abuses by persistent flamers and especially those who have been repeatedly banned is beyond what should be tolerated on the boards. Is there a specific time when one should be permanently banned or is it always a matter of judgement. Let’s avoid all names. There are certainly several people this thread could refer to, and this is just an inquiry for your opinion that might give the authorities and members a point of reference for the future. Don't forget my friends that the mods always decide when a ban is warranted in the first place. No one can get to three bans or even one if the mods don't think it is justified. So a number requirement really does not tie their hands in my opinion. Well, how do you feel about the question of permanent bans? No individuals need be mentioned...s’il vous plait.

Proceed cautiously,

Korbel

PS

Yes, the third option should be "three strikes" or bans.

 

[YouVantOption]

Hello all,

Freedom on the boards is one thing, but maybe endlessly enduring abuses by persistent flamers and especially those who have been repeatedly banned is beyond what should be tolerated on the boards. Is there a specific time when one should be permanently banned or is it always a matter of judgement.

for one, our opinions don't mean squat here - there is a team of moderators who presumably make the decisions based upon the severity of the trangsressions and repetitiveness of the trangsressors.

I've been on the receiving end of a couple of cuffs across the head, while they stung, they were inarguable, and I respect the evenhandedness of those in charge. I've been on the net for a very long time, and in my opinion the people running this board are very good at what they do; I've seen far far worse abuses in other forums that have gone unaddressed.

The MERB admin. crew are to be congratulated, as far as I am concerned. I'm sure they have some guidelines they go by, and calling for a permanent ban is all well and good but do you think they don't know about things going on, or aren't considering them?

Any way you slice it, a 3 month ban of as applied recently to my two least favourite posters is a very long time-out, and I suspect the next one applied will be quite severe as well, so why worry?

I know I'll get flack about at least one of the two I didn't mentioned, but commented upon in an oblique way, and just allow me to say that I take no pleasure in reading incoherent typo-filled illiteracy. If someone can't be bothered to format and spellcheck, I can't be bothered to read. There is plenty of valuable information found elsewhere, including here by other posters, so I get along very well without subjecting my eyes to that abuse, thank you very much.

 

[Techman]

A permanent ban should be a last resort to be used only in the most serious cases. If someone has been banned due to a flame war, it's really no big deal. We're all supposed to be adults here and we should be able to handle a few flames now and then. In fact, that's why many boards have a flame section so people can blow off some steam. I would however keep a short leash on repeat offenders, a kind of zero tolerance probation period on the return from a ban lets say. One violation during this period, say a month after returning from a flame ban, and you're instantly banned for a week. But if someone is revealing personal information on the open board...ie real names, addresses, phone numbers, personal details and descriptions...or making credible threats against someone, then I would support a lifetime ban.

There also other options besides a ban that can be used effectively.
If someone has been found to be using the PM function to violate board rules leading to complaints, that member's PM ability can be disabled for a time instead of an outright ban for example.

One thing I would like though, would be to set fixed penalties for various offences. That way, everyone would be subject to the same penalty no matter their standing on the board.

No mercy for shills though. If a handle exists for the sole purpose of shilling it should be permanently banned.

 

[z/m(Ret)]

Dunno about other members but the worse time to ban me is anytime before I had my second morning coffee because when that happens I get all bent out of shape and all upset and thing and things weelie weelie get out of hand.

 

[korbel]

What is intolerable.

Hello all,

Don't forget this is food for thought not a petition.

It seems to me that when people over time have been proven to be excessive, unrepentent flamers, who have made every abuse one can inflict, and have been banned repeatedly we have come to the point of...finality! When is it enough already? If you don't believe anyone should be banned permanently, then are you just perpetuating the worst. We already know that even an extremely long temporary banned has not changed some people. So what is the answer? Is it just to endure it all...or or do something final when the right time, as decided by the mods, comes?

Pensively,

Korbel

 

[korbel]

Good

Useless poll...ban this guy for posting it!

Hello the_rock70,

Awesome suggestion...lol.

Smiles,

Korbel

PS

We will now offer a moment of respectful silence for the premature death of Asthmatic Dragon. Miss you.

 

[z/m(Ret)]

We will now offer a moment of respectful silence for the premature death of Asthmatic Dragon. Miss you.

Cough cough... He'll be ... weez ... missed... cough...

 

[metoo4]

YVO, why get your undies in a knot like this? This is only a poll! Why tell Kobel his opinion is worth squat? Is yours worth more? You can't tell your opinion if somebody else's isn't worth anything. It only imply you're superior or you agree yours is also worthless.

Kobel's asking peoples what they think and comparing results with his beliefs. It's not a revolution against the Mods!

I don't think the Mods will get offended in any way. After all, their job is to keep the board flowing so it appeal to members. This mean member's opinion must count somewhere. If there's a trend of tought who point into a direction, the Mods would only be wise to take it into account while doing their job.

It's not like Kobel's saying the Mods are shit and we should tell them what to do, it's far from that!

I think this poll is far from useless! Since when discussing rules is useless? Only in totalitarian society! I think here, a bit of slack is available!

 

[korbel]

As for the options.

Hello all,

I constructed this poll for opinions, not a mandate. I gave you choices at each end of the spectrum in four simple options. I am sure you realize there is no attempt here to have anyone else but the mods decide when or who should be banned. This is a guage to display the current feeling of opinions of all members towards permanent bans and still does not remove any authority from the mods in my view. IMHO the only option, if applied, that does remove the ultimate authority of the mods is the first. And I did not vote for that one.

More smiles,

Korbel

PS

WHOA baby...I said no teeth...pleeeeeease!!!

 

[red]

Is there a specific time when one should be permanently banned or is it always a matter of judgement.

PS

Yes, the third option should be "three strikes" or bans.

when you make fun of the leafs?

 

[korbel]

when you make fun of the leafs?

Hello Red,

Okay...and you will not disrespect my Red Sox either.

Peace brother,

Korbel

 

[red]

Hello Red,

Okay...and you will not disrespect my Red Sox either.

Peace brother,

Korbel

agreed Mr.Korbel

 

[korbel]

The race................

Hello all,

It's now 10:30:18. Here's a FLASH NEWS report:

It's a close race my friends.

Those who have voted for some kind of defined limit number 14,

Those who want to leave everything totally up to the mods with no mandatory parameters number 12.

Those who want a wide open board bordering on anarchy...just a pitiful 3. Hmmmm there are never enough libertines around when you need them.

Happy flames boys,

Korbel

 

[Fat Happy Buddha]

I'm a firm believer that organized chaos should be rigidly applied in a flexible, even-handed manner that brooks no exceptions. Mods should stick closely to the principles outlined in the I-Ching (or Nostradamus for infractions committed in French). This would clear up a lot of ambiquity.

P.S. I officially declare the I have not decided whether to run for Mod in 2012. See my campaign website for more details or to make donations.

 

[korbel]

Hmmmm.

I'm a firm believer that organized chaos should be rigidly applied in a flexible, even-handed manner that brooks no exceptions. Mods should stick closely to the principles outlined in the I-Ching (or Nostradamus for infractions committed in French). This would clear up a lot of ambiquity.

P.S. I officially declare the I have not decided whether to run for Mod in 2012. See my campaign website for more details or to make donations.

Hello FHB,

Forgive me for not knowing how I-Ching or Nostradamus applies here. Could you explain?

Regards,

Korbel

 

[JustBob]

I already stated my opinion on this topic. Yes there should be permanent bans. Implement a 3 strikes law:

1st offense: 1 week suspension
2nd offense: 1 month suspension
3rd offense: permanent ban

I believe that to have repeat offenders constantly re-instated is ridiculous. They have nothing to fear (aside from the short vacation) from not changing their behavior.

 

[daydreamer41]

3 strikes and you are out? Only in the case of Popeye.

 

[jacep]

I seem to remember a few people getting "permanently banned" and then coming back after awhile so this sort of takes away from it being a "permanent" ban.

 

[hormone]

I seem to remember a few people getting "permanently banned" and then coming back after awhile so this sort of takes away from it being a "permanent" ban.

I believe that mods should apply random justice in pre-defined fixed manners that are constatntly submitted to the influences of the moon and tides. This way no one could see any favoritism or biases.

Seriously, ome offenses are more harmfull than others, IMO. Flaming, personal accusations/attacks and such do far more to discredit the board and make me want to avoid it more than anything else . So leaving it up to the mods is the best way I can see from what I understand of this board.

And hat off to them, I would not want their job for anything in the world...

 

[korbel]

Adjustment.

I already stated my opinion on this topic. Yes there should be permanent bans. Implement a 3 strikes law:

1st offense: 1 week suspension
2nd offense: 1 month suspension
3rd offense: permanent ban

I believe that to have repeat offenders constantly re-instated is ridiculous. They have nothing to fear (aside from the short vacation) from not changing their behavior.

Hello Justbob,

That's pretty precise. Generally I agree. Yet, I would not want the Mods to be pinned so strictly when each case may be different and will need adressing in proportion to the offences. In the most severe cases I can imagine someone even being permanently banned on the first flaming post. But in most situations I think the basic idea of graduated punishment is a very effective means of giving someone the "message". Still, some basic fairly defined parameters would give members a very clear understanding of the consequences of egregious behavior.

1st offence...3 days-3months.
2nd offence...1 month-6 months.
3rd offence...bye...I hope you enjoy crochet.
Note: Mods reserve the right to go directly to step 3 if you go too far the first time.

Happy stitches,

Korbel