Proposal: Banned Members Information Thread

[00Giorge]

Originally Posted by ElectroMagneticFreak

What if there was a short description within the avatar of the banned member with a computer like error code such as: Banned for reason #3: Abusive to another member or reason #1: For not listening to Admins, followed by a date of return such as: Returning on 5/23/2012 etc.

That way it wouldn't require a sticky or a thread it could just have it contained within the avatar of the banned member so others can see the date of return if any and it wouldn't clutter the rest of the forum.

Just an idea but since I am new I respect whatever decision is chosen since I don't have the experience to know what works and what doesn't and what would be best to avoid more drama.

I agree that would be better just to have it under their avatar than to waste space for a stickie.

[Tech_Junkie]

Originally Posted by mfo

So,

Since the majority of the members either want this, or want a variation of it, will this be implemented sometime in the future?

I doubt it. Wouldnt be the first time a winning poll was not implemented. The Mods would have to run it, so its up to then if they think its worth doing, or not.

I've been through this same scenario at least 6 times, and so have others. So its not personal if the Mods choose not to do the extra work just for a couple of bans. If we had bans all the time it may have been more feasible, but we dont. Anyone is free to ask a Mod about duration, so its not really a priority to maintain a whole thread about it. The thread would broadcast it to the entire forum, instead of just the people who want to know. And you know as much as I when you involve the whole forum opinions start flying. When opinions start flying, the drama show is right behind. Trust me, I'm an expert in this field.

[Things]

Originally Posted by ElectroMagneticFreak

What if there was a short description within the avatar of the banned member

We have discussed this a few times, and it would probably require a software plugin. Avery has had bad experiences with plugins in the past so tries to avoid them.

We are discussing this now and a ban thread will probably happen, pending approval from Avery. It'll also lead to a few other minor changes that will hopefully cut down on some of the public drama, at least.

Dan

[Tech_Junkie]

Let me know when its up, I'll make sure I'm the first on your list.

[00Giorge]

Let me know when your ready I'll help you out!

[jcranmer]

Originally Posted by Tech_Junkie

Let me know when its up, I'll make sure I'm the first on your list.

I'm sure some members already have a reserved spot.

[ShortyInCanada]

ElectroMag's idea is an option to provide the info without taking up a lot of space...sounds valid...need to think about it a bit more.
Either that idea or to just have some simple reference of the minimalist type stuck to the members profile page. So those interested can look it up on the profile page and it won't matter to all the others. (Those who don't have access to member's profile pages will just have to suffer.)
I like the idea of having the info of how long the ban is (and how long remains for that matter) avialable for those who want to know.
As for why, let them ask the parties involved in PM and keep the discussions off the public boards.
Answers a couple of questions and keeps the drama out of "site".

[InfinitusEquitas]

I'm still on favor of a thread with more information (obviously) but ElectroMagneticFreak's suggestion would also be better than what's currently in place. (Meaning nothing.)

Meanwhile three vet's are banned... there is not a word anywhere on the open forum about what happened. I'm sure at least a few non vets are wondering what's up.

Ultimately it's up to the admin to decide, as this is his forum. Already though it seems a majority of lpfer's wouldn't mind seeing something materialize.

[Tech_Junkie]

They are working on it. Why keep stating the obvious?

[c0ldshadow]

i unbanned the 3 banned members

lets move on and have peace

[Tech_Junkie]

Thanks Avery.

[c0ldshadow]

i think it's fine to have a brief summary statement about bans (otherwise it's just a big mystery what happened).

but we need to be a bit more lenient i think esp if 2 respected members get in minor fights. banning can just cause more drama on the forum in general

the mods are doing a great job catching things.. i'm not saying doing anything wrong

all i'm saying is at a "high-level" it can hurt morale on the forum in general when ppl get banned, so let's be more lenient in 2-person arguments. i personally would rather let minor things go when 2 people have a small fight rather than ban them both, esp. if they are well known members

obviously certain things are more severe than others... e.g. cursing v.s. making threats, racism, blatantly evil things. those there should be zero tolerance for and bans always



lets focus energy on laser-related stuff any worry less on the bans
have fun guys
peace
-ave

[lasersbee]

Originally Posted by c0ldshadow

i unbanned the 3 banned members

lets move on and have peace

Thanks c0ldshadow...
And I have no ill will against the Mod that banned me...
I guess I was a bit out of line and deserved it..

Jerry

[Tech_Junkie]

Originally Posted by c0ldshadow

lets focus energy on laser-related stuff any worry less on the bans
have fun guys
peace
-ave

Yeah a lot of people think the forum is getting ban happy, and I agree. If its a full blow out, going across multiple threads, then fine. But minor squabbles can be expected when you have such a high rate of opinionated men. We used to get a verbal warning first. Lately its just ban, even after the squabble has ended.

[T_Warne]

ElectroMagneticFreak suggestion is a great idea. Simple and effective.
It really sucks to be involved in a sales transaction with a member, only to log in and see that they are banned. It would be nice to know when they might be back ( and what they did to piss admin off...)

Originally Posted by ElectroMagneticFreak

What if there was a short description within the avatar of the banned member with something almost like a computer error code such as: Banned for reason #3: Abusive to another member or reason #1: For not listening to Admins, followed by a date of return such as: Returning on 5/23/2012 etc.

That way it wouldn't require a sticky or a thread and admins could have it added within the avatar of the banned member so others can see the date of return if any and it wouldn't clutter the rest of the forum.

Just an idea but since I am new I respect whatever decision is chosen since I don't have the experience you guys have to know what works and what doesn't and what would be best to avoid more drama.

[InfinitusEquitas]

Originally Posted by Tech_Junkie

They are working on it. Why keep stating the obvious?

How is one to know what's obvious, and what isn't? What is obvious to me, and what is obvious to others may not always be the same. Is there truly any harm in stating it?

Originally Posted by c0ldshadow

i unbanned the 3 banned members

lets move on and have peace

Thank you, and agreed

Originally Posted by c0ldshadow

i think it's fine to have a brief summary statement about bans (otherwise it's just a big mystery what happened).[/U]

but we need to be a bit more lenient i think esp if 2 respected members get in minor fights. banning can just cause more drama on the forum in general

the mods are doing a great job catching things.. i'm not saying doing anything wrong

all i'm saying is at a "high-level" it can hurt morale on the forum in general when ppl get banned, so let's be more lenient in 2-person arguments. i personally would rather let minor things go when 2 people have a small fight rather than ban them both, esp. if they are well known members

obviously certain things are more severe than others... e.g. cursing v.s. making threats, racism, blatantly evil things. those there should be zero tolerance for and bans always

lets focus energy on laser-related stuff any worry less on the bans
have fun guys
peace
-ave

Exactly!

I regret not having been a part of the forum when you were doing the moderating.

Originally Posted by Tech_Junkie

Yeah a lot of people think the forum is getting ban happy, and I agree. If its a full blow out, going across multiple threads, then fine. But minor squabbles can be expected when you have such a high rate of opinionated men. We used to get a verbal warning first. Lately its just ban, even after the squabble has ended.

Really?!?! That's news to me. That is speaking from recent personal experiences

Second time around, I even asked in my post to be PMed first, and offered to delete any content if it was offensive in any way.

This is a forum with many very intelligent, and very opinionated men. Disagreements are bound to happen, but so long as they are civil, bans should not take place, even if it means some low level drama.

At least IMO, for whatever it's worth.

[Tech_Junkie]

You said you had no alterior motives, and you just wanted a thread made to help the forum. Well your thread is getting approved. Cant you just say "Thank you" and let the rest lie? I dont get it. Why do you keep grinding on? Let it go, and be happy.

[InfinitusEquitas]

Originally Posted by Tech_Junkie

You said you had no alterior motives, and you just wanted a thread made to help the forum. Well your thread is getting approved. Cant you just say "Thank you" and let the rest lie? I dont get it. Why do you keep grinding on? Let it go, and be happy.

Ulterior Motives?

The thread would help the forum.

If something materializes that would be great.

I'm not aware that anything that has actually materialized though.

I want the forum to be better in the future than it is now. That's my ulterior motive.

Sorry to disappoint but I'm not Dr.Evil hatching some nefarious plot.

Edit: I am happy the proposal gained traction.

[InfinitusEquitas]

I expected the results to be lopsided, but not like this

Over 70% of those polled, voted for some form of ban information!

Both the suggestions, and the criticisms were creative, as well as constructive.

It also gratifying to see that the discussion did not devolve into drama, nor bring any here.

Thank you, to all who participated

[T_Warne]

It will be interesting to see how this information is used. I do believe that it benefits the members to have clear and factual information.

[Tech_Junkie]

Originally Posted by T_Warne

I do believe that it benefits the members to have clear and factual information.

I believe it will just list the members name, and duration of ban.

Listing the reasons would draw the drama because it invites opinions in the equation.

[InfinitusEquitas]

Originally Posted by Tech_Junkie

Listing the reasons would draw the drama because it invites opinions in the equation.

What is so wrong with having informed, civil opinions?

A ban is an opinion about the member in question in itself, is it not?

Regardless, it would not be a problem, with basic statements of fact.

For example;

Name, Ban Start Date, Ban End Date, Ban Reason;

InfinitusEquitas, 05/01/12, 05/03/12, Fighting in thread: Link

The Ban Thread should be a statement of a fact that already took place, not one up for debate. The thread should also be CLOSED. If someone does have an opinion to express it should be done separately from the thread.

Otherwise, with no reason given, when people get banned, as c0ld pointed out it's a mystery.

I personally would like to know if someone is banned for scamming, for making threats, or for something more benign, like getting into a cursing match with someone else.

Of course some stuff happens in private, in that case there is no reason for a link, but the reasons should still be there.

I mean why not let people see what can get them in trouble?

For example, where does one cross the line between not being nice (as pointed out many times, this is not a forum requirement) and fighting?

Also that's what the vast majority of people voted for.

The more information out in the open the better.

[Lase]

Originally Posted by InfinitusEquitas

The Ban Thread should be a statement of a fact that already took place, not one up for debate. The thread should also be CLOSED. If someone does have an opinion to express it should be done separately from the thread.

Otherwise, with no reason given, when people get banned, as c0ld pointed out it's a mystery.

If you explain the reason why they were banned and then link to the thread that they were fighting (etc) in, you are likely to have an influx of members questioning it and most likely arguing between a new set of people. Also many vets get banned for fights in the vets section so linking it would be useless.

Name, Ban Start Date, Ban End Date, Ban Reason;

If you simply have it displayed like this then anyone who wants to know more can ask a mod, but it lets people know when the banned member may be returning. Cuts down on unnecessary PM's to mods asking when someone is coming back because of transactions.

Lase

EDIT: Also a good portion of voting happened before the poll was edited. So saying that the 'majority' voted that way is wrong.

[Tech_Junkie]

Originally Posted by InfinitusEquitas

Bla...bla...bla

I was talking to T_Warne, not you. I have no desire to debate the endless debate with you anymore. We all heard your side numerous times. At this point its nothing but hyperbole.

And you still have not thanked the staff for excepting your proposal, and putting it in action.

I'm out.

[InfinitusEquitas]

Originally Posted by Lase

If you explain the reason why they were banned and then link to the thread that they were fighting (etc) in, you are likely to have an influx of members questioning it and most likely arguing between a new set of people. Also many vets get banned for fights in the vets section so linking it would be useless.

If you simply have it displayed like this then anyone who wants to know more can ask a mod, but it lets people know when the banned member may be returning. Cuts down on unnecessary PM's to mods asking when someone is coming back because of transactions.

Lase

EDIT: Also a good portion of voting happened before the poll was edited. So saying that the 'majority' voted that way is wrong.

Actually most of the voting was done well after the the Poll was edited. At the time of edit there were less than 20 (+/- 5) votes. The poll ended with 85. Anything over 50% is a clear majority.

The thread where an offense takes place should also be locked. This already typically happens, and prevents the original argument from progressing.

I feel like a broken record saying this, but what's wrong with having questions asked? If a decision cannot withstand scrutiny, perhaps it was hastily reached, and deserves to be questioned.

Originally Posted by Tech_Junkie

And you still have not thanked the staff for excepting your proposal, and putting it in action.

I'm out.

Take a look at post #44, and Things rep. I can't rep c0ld yet, too much rep given out in the past 24 hours.

There also hasn't been an official confirmation, or any kind of action as of yet. Rest assured, when there is I will be happy, and thanking the staff.

Are you sure this time? I thought you were done in post #21 too.