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.

 

[Scott M]

Did somebody say AD HOMINEM???

What took you so long? Your slipping man.

 

[Snowbear]

What took you so long? Your slipping man.

He hasn't found it in another thread currently active, either

 

[cornfed]

What took you so long? Your slipping man.

I had to find my boots, the bull**** is getting pretty deep in here...

 

[cornfed]

He hasn't found it in another thread currently active, either

Damn, I'll go look...

 

[Scott M]

I had to find my boots, the bull**** is getting pretty deep in here...

LOL

 

[cornfed]

I did a search on "hominem" and it returned 36 threads!

 

[Snowbear]

I did a search on "hominem" and it returned 36 threads!

Guess you better get busy rootin' 'em all out then, huh!

 

[Genesis]

http://www.scubaboard.com/showpost.php?p=492726&postcount=229

 

[detroit diver]

No, if everyone knew "exactly" what was said I'd be able to find it in a search and there wouldn't be any disagreement over what was said. I take it you also have no relevence to what was said unless you were the poster of said violation of the TOS.

I guess until you find the thread that you will just remain, as always, clueless.

 

[detroit diver]

http://www.scubaboard.com/showpost.php?p=492726&postcount=229

That's no fun. He was just digging himself into a deeper hole.