Still More Questions About Banned Members

Hey.

I am aware of the rule that prohibits the discussion of banned members (an utterly stupid rule, imo); however, I'm still inclined to make some inquiries regarding this issue.

Firstly, just how "permanent" are bans? Is the same IP address ever unblocked? Even if that's not the case, are formerly banned members ever permitted to re-register? I'm asking this because it seems as if I've heard some conflicting stuff regarding this matter.

Lastly, would the Mods ever consider a reform of said "utterly stupid rule"? Even if it was just confined to one section of the board, or even one single thread?

Now if anyone's wondering, let me make it clear that YES, I am a formerly banned member. And admittedly, I'm not entirely sure what I'm doing back here.

Originally posted by Bleak
And admittedly, I'm not entirely sure what I'm doing back here.

I guess that makes two of us.

reply to post by hypervalentiodine


Wow, you have been busy for someone who registered tomorrow! (I am on central standard). I must admit I have often wondered what people do to be banned. This is a site for free opinion so if you were offering that why should you be banned?

we don't allow our members to discuss banned members in the forums because it always leads to drama.

Since we have two banned members posting again, I think the other questions you asked, regarding allowing banned members to come back, are answered.

The truth is, we don't like banning members. When we do, it's usually for a multitude of reasons, rarely one infraction (posting porn and hoaxing being the only real single instance issues that result in bannings).

Originally posted by Crakeur
we don't allow our members to discuss banned members in the forums because it always leads to drama.

Thank you for the reply. Anyway, I still insist that it would be a great idea to set aside one little area for such a thing.

Since we have two banned members posting again, I think the other questions you asked, regarding allowing banned members to come back, are answered.

I noticed that ATS indeed did unblock my IP address after about, uh, a month and a half or so...? Basically, I'm asking if that's standard practice...?

The truth is, we don't like banning members. When we do, it's usually for a multitude of reasons, rarely one infraction (posting porn and hoaxing being the only real single instance issues that result in bannings).

I've learned a lesson from my previous experience with this site, that lesson being "do not aggressively defend yourself in a conversation with a Mod, regardless of how right you think you are."

reply to post by Bleak


banning a member does not entail blocking an ip.

It's expected when some members get banned, often it's for obvious reasons.

It's sad though, when a really good poster gets banned, some of them that have been banned have contributed so much to this site, and all of a sudden, you notice that they're banned forever

When a member that's been a member for years and has tons of good posts, stars, applauses, etc makes a mistake, it would be nice if they were unbanned after a couple of months, but that doesn't seem to be the case...

reply to post by Crakeur


The fact that most members would be coming from dynamic IP addresses kind of makes IP banning redundant anyway methinks.

reply to post by snowspirit


believe me when I say it pains us to part ways with members who contribute. Whether it's a member with a long, prolific history of posting or someone who spends more time reading and less time posting. However, when issues arise, the discussions that take place amongst the staff and the member can turn ugly and, more often than not, the member let's their ego get the best of them.

Here are my layers of The Stages of the journey into the community of ATS


Layer 1: detect liars

Layer 2: accepting of mod actions

Layer 3: remove counter agents

Layer 4: detect corruption

Layer 5: surprise inspections

Layer 6: treatment of enemies

Layer 7: treatment of the poor



Many never get past Level 2.
Even more think they are level 3
but are just learning level 1 stuff still.

... anyway. Welcome to level 2.


David Grouchy

The Worst Defense

Originally posted by Bleak
I've learned a lesson from my previous experience with this site, that lesson being "do not aggressively defend yourself in a conversation with a Mod, regardless of how right you think you are."

If by "aggressively defend" you mean insults and profanity, then yes. In five years on the staff, I have yet to see a case where a member who was actually reasonable, wasn't a jerk and was willing to follow the rules was actually banned. Prisons, as they say, are full of innocent men.

It's always worth bearing in mind that while members may not see what's going on, we do, and are thus somewhat less impressed by arguments from members or ex-members that aren't based in reality.

Or, for that matter, attempts to falsely impugn our character or drum up sympathy in the forums.

Originally posted by Crakeur
reply to post by Bleak

 

banning a member does not entail blocking an ip.

It most certainly does. I would know.
During my ban, I couldn't do anything here - I couldn't even read threads, not even as a "guest." Then, after a while, it was lifted.

Regardless, is it safe to out myself now?

Originally posted by snowspirit
When a member that's been a member for years and has tons of good posts, stars, applauses, etc makes a mistake, it would be nice if they were unbanned after a couple of months, but that doesn't seem to be the case...

Apparently they can re-register, but yes, the particular account is gone for good.

Originally posted by Majic
The Worst Defense

Originally posted by Bleak
I've learned a lesson from my previous experience with this site, that lesson being "do not aggressively defend yourself in a conversation with a Mod, regardless of how right you think you are."

If by "aggressively defend" you mean insults and profanity, then yes. In five years on the staff, I have yet to see a case where a member who was actually reasonable, wasn't a jerk and was willing to follow the rules was actually banned. Prisons, as they say, are full of innocent men.

It's always worth bearing in mind that while members may not see what's going on, we do, and are thus somewhat less impressed by arguments from members or ex-members that aren't based in reality.

Or, for that matter, attempts to falsely impugn our character or drum up sympathy in the forums.

Insults and profanity? No.
Defiance and sarcasm? Admittedly, yes.

Originally posted by Doodle19815
reply to post by hypervalentiodine

 

Wow, you have been busy for someone who registered tomorrow! (I am on central standard). I must admit I have often wondered what people do to be banned. This is a site for free opinion so if you were offering that why should you be banned?

I think you may have misunderstood me there. Or maybe not, I'm not sure if you really meant this for me.

No offence mate, but you're not making a terribly good impression for a comeback.

Just accept whatever happened, make a plan not to do it again and enjoy your return to this website.

Ins And Outs

Originally posted by Bleak
Regardless, is it safe to out myself now?

This wouldn't be the place for that. As mentioned, we don't publicly discuss banned accounts, and most certainly won't do so here.

However, you're welcome to click here and let us know which account you would like to have reinstated, if you like.

Bear in mind that we do routinely review the circumstances under which bans were applied, and can see everything that led to the ban in black and white. But honesty and contrition go a long way.

Also, if you would prefer to just go forward with this account, I doubt anyone will try to stop you. We're not the vindictive type, and if you're willing to honor the terms & conditions, that's all we ask.

Originally posted by Kryties
No offence mate, but you're not making a terribly good impression for a comeback.

Just accept whatever happened, make a plan not to do it again and enjoy your return to this website.

It's a good question though. My roomie (pacofunk64) got banned last week because he created a duplicate thread. He hasn't gotten any response as to why he was officially banned but he got banned shortly after the mod closed his thread. I've looked at his posts and I didn't see anything offensive to anyone nor was there any sort of warning. We even looked thru the policy to see if he did anything. Anyways if any of the mods here know please respond back to him.

Originally posted by Bleak
I noticed that ATS indeed did unblock my IP address after about, uh, a month and a half or so...? Basically, I'm asking if that's standard practice...?

We never block IP addresses of banned members -- ever.

What's happening is that your computer still has the cookie of the banned username, which is not allowed to use the site. If your IP was blocked, you'd not be able to access ATS at all.

Originally posted by HawkeyeNation
My roomie (pacofunk64) got banned last week because he created a duplicate thread.

I can assure you that is not why he was banned, and he was indeed informed by our staff as to the severe breach of our Terms & Conditions that resulting in his posting ban.

Nevermind - S.O. got in before me.

Listen To The Banned

As a side note, I just want to point out that a post ban (can log in, can't post) isn't the same as an account ban (can't log in at all).

Post banned members can and do communicate with us via U2U, and though post bans can remain in effect indefinitely (when members don't answer our U2Us), all it usually takes to lift them is a simple agreement to follow the rules.

It never ceases to amaze me how many people, despite our best efforts to communicate with them, seem to have trouble understanding that.