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.

 

[Genesis]

I don't remember Pete asking for help deciding who should be in charge of which forum.

Last time I looked, the name of the forum was "suggestions and feedback."

And by the way, is your offense at my suggestion due to partisanship? Hmmmm.... seems to make my point, no?

 

[JohnF]

Last time I looked, the name of the forum was "suggestions and feedback."

And by the way, is your offense at my suggestion due to partisanship? Hmmmm.... seems to make my point, no?

That just gave me an idea. How about a Conspiracy Theorists' Forum. it would give those who see ulterior motives and hidden agendae lurking between the lines of every post a place to share their concerns without the intrusions of apparent reality.

It would also give the mod/admin folks a place to park those threads and sub-threads which have wandered off topic into conspiracy tangents.

Just a thought.
JohnF

 

[chrpai]

It would also give the mod/admin folks a place to park those threads and sub-threads which have wandered off topic into conspiracy tangents.

Better yet, lets just get a flame board going.

 

[Big-t-2538]

I was thinking that this thread might have died overnight....stupid Tony....you shouldn't think....anything useful ended back on page 2

 

[cornfed]

Don't forget to check the announcements kiddies...

We know... we're just trying to make the most of things!!!

 

[cornfed]

Last time I looked, the name of the forum was "suggestions and feedback."

Oh, I'm sorry I was talking about this thread. Maybe I should have realized that after 180+ posts we wouldn't be anywhere near the original topic.

And by the way, is your offense at my suggestion due to partisanship? Hmmmm.... seems to make my point, no?

It doesn't have anything to do with that. I was simply making the (somewhat snide) observation that you'll take any chance you can to enlighten us on your perceived injustices of the world. When you've given one horse enough of a beating you'll go looking for another one. Give it a rest, Karl.

 

[chrpai]

It doesn't have anything to do with that. I was simply making the (somewhat snide) observation that you'll take any chance you can to enlighten us on your perceived injustices of the world. When you've given one horse enough of a beating you'll go looking for another one. Give it a rest, Karl.

The irony is that you will take any chance that you can to make snide comments at people. I recently saw one post where you attacked someone for not being a moderator when if you just read their post you would have realized they were talking about their role as a moderator on another board. Perhaps you should get it a rest, Drew.

http://www.scubaboard.com/showpost.php?p=491615&postcount=63
http://www.scubaboard.com/showpost.php?p=491678&postcount=69

 

[Big-t-2538]

I agree....we all need to retire to the local pub, throw some darts, and drink some beer !!!

 

[detroit diver]

That just gave me an idea. How about a Conspiracy Theorists' Forum. it would give those who see ulterior motives and hidden agendae lurking between the lines of every post a place to share their concerns without the intrusions of apparent reality.

It would also give the mod/admin folks a place to park those threads and sub-threads which have wandered off topic into conspiracy tangents.

Just a thought.
JohnF

I like this. The problem is that it might be populated by only a couple of people.

 

[MechDiver]

I was thinking that this thread might have died overnight....stupid Tony....you shouldn't think....anything useful ended back on page 2

I made a good post on page 43...or was it 44