Suggestion Finalized Banning Procedure

[The Chairman]

On January 15, 2003, 7 users were banned from Scubaboard. Most of the moderators and a few of our users were not satisfied with the process, and so we began discussing the hows and whys in the moderator’s forum. Subsequently we even opened up a new forum for our users to be able to express their thoughts and ideas.

In formulating the new process, we wanted to ensure to resolve a few issues germane to the larger issue. These would be communication, fairness, consistency and moderator responsibility. To this end we have come up with the following process:

Temp bans (5 days) can be called for by any moderator and are automatic. This can be in response to any violation of the TOS (moderator’s discretion), harassment of others, flaming others, or trolling. The moderator must send a notice (even though an administrator has to flip the switch) to the affected user’s e-mail and detail why the suspension was initiated. These should be rare and can be conditional.

Perm Bans are considered when the user exceeds 2 suspensions in less than 6 months, openly challenges authority (not just asking a question), threatens anyone in any way, or has blatantly violated the TOS. A perm ban requires 8 moderator’s approvals or a 2/3s majority of the mods voting, which ever is more. A temp ban should be called for first and then perm banning should be discussed for at least 5 days. The mod who initiated the temp ban is in charge of the process. They will also set the time for a vote (at least 5 days) and send the appropriate message if so needed. These should be very rare and can be conditional.

Under no circumstances will Scubaboard moderators or administrators disclose reasons or rationale for any disciplinary action to a third party. We view this as a privacy issue and are committed to protect the privacy of the board's users at all times. While we do respect a user's desire to request a review of the status of their account, we specifically forbid the use of sock puppets (multiple user accounts) or another user's account to make your case. All such requests must be sent to scubaboard@moderninsider.com for consideration. At this point of the process, we will not feel obliged to correspond any further unless we change your status. All moderators and administrators will forward any and all such requests sent to them personally as well.

Perm bans can be re-visited by any mod at any time and only need a simple majority of the mods voting to be rescinded.

As with any “invention” you are never sure how it works until tested. So it was suggested and then decided by the mods to subject the January 15 bans to the new process. 4 of the original 7 had perm bannings initiated and those are being discussed. While we hoped to have 3 of those 4 finalized today, server issues have made that impossible. However, we can report that Cobaltbabe, Raven C and 00Scuba have been subsequently restored to full user status. We welcome them back into the Scubaboard fold, and extend our sincerest thanks to those users who gave us input into this issue.

 

[scubasean]

Yes, lets implement the democratic ban process. I KNOW who the first and second to go would be...

I'll bet we differ on those choices...in at least one case.

 

[jonnythan]

I'll bet we differ on those choices...in at least one case.

Well maybe the *rest* of us can agree on a top 3.

But think how boring it would be around here.

 

[Warren_L]

I don't think MHK could have killed any children by posting an ad.

Maybe that has something to do with it.

Maybe not, but the principle's the same, as far as I can tell. I don't know then, should the rules apply in some cases depending on the severity of the consequences? Besides, there weren't any incidents before they changed the speed limit. Was pretty safe to begin with IMO.

 

[OneBrightGator]

When you pay for the right to be here, then your arguments might hold water.

We may not pay to be here, but you are making money off the fact that we are here. We do have a say, who hears what we have to say is up to you.

I imagine SB as a very large room, and a few the lights are getting turned off and things are happening in the shadows. I don't want to leave, I like the vast majority of the room, but I'm not sure if I like what's going on in the shadows and I sure as hell don't want the light above my head to go out.

Ben

 

[cornfed]

Illigetimi non carborundum!

Quoi?

 

[Uncle Pug]

We may not pay to be here, but you are making money off the fact that we are here.

Don't flatter yourself Ben. Pete isn't making money off of you being here.

 

[LUBOLD8431]

Well maybe the *rest* of us can agree on a top 3.

But think how boring it would be around here.

Huh, imagine for a second, that thread. Top 3 to be banned from Scubaboard...

I dont think it would last five minutes, but wow, that would be fun...

 

[detroit diver]

Quoi?

How's this?: Si dubitas, id et duc

 

[detroit diver]

Huh, imagine for a second, that thread. Top 3 to be banned from Scubaboard...

I dont think it would last five minutes, but wow, that would be fun...

Ya think we could do it quickly before the mods pulled it!!???

 

[cornfed]

I imagine SB as a very large room...

Is that why the signal to noise ratio is so low sometimes? Everyone is in the same room shouting at the top of their lungs?