Let me say though, before this ventures off into the weird realms that it can do, that I do honestly appreciate the effort you're making here. I don't think anyone is under any misconceptions about the notion of a democratically run SB... but I appreciate the opportunity. That being said, actions speak louder than words, so I would urge you to listen.
It boils down to communication. For whatever reason, SB is on this "privacy" kick. There is no "right" to privacy, and Scubaboard management has this giant burr up their backside thinking they have to protect the 'honour' of those who've been banned.
Besides - if it's privacy you're trying to protect, I'll produce a signed original waiver from Seajay, Raven AND Cobaltbabe, giving you permission to disclose the rationale behind their bannings. But if I were to do so, would you do it?
It's not enough to be right. You have to APPEAR to be right. It's not like this can be a surprise to you Pete - you had to know that banning Seajay, Raven, Cobaltbabe, Jepuskar, Wreckwench and whoever else would send a giant shockwave through our community. So you can't sit on a little pillar of righteousness and claim that it's a private matter. When one is convicted of a criminal act, that conviction isn't a private matter between the judge and the criminal - it's conducted in an open courtroom, for all to see and interpret. We simply ask for the same prinicipals in action.
It's the same message I give all my clients - you don't have to worry about a "code of silence" amongst your moderators if you simply explain the truth. Openness and honesty isn't too much to ask.
We can live with whatever terms of conduct you wish to impose upon us. Want us all to type left-handed with pink snorkels in our mouth? OK - your board. But when you kick off our friends for not complying, make sure we know why.
