Help a newbie out...

BabyRider · Post by **BabyRider** » Mon Jan 03, 2005 3:49 pm

As a new member, just bopping around and looking at different things here, I came across a post about one member getting banned. I don't want the story of that, but I'm curious...how does a person get banned and why? I can understand extremely vile language or the like, but isn't there a way to "ignore" certain users? If someone is being offensive, can't you block threads or posts, etc?

I am not out to anger anyone, but I can see how certain discussions can become heated. I get pretty emphatic about a few subjects. So basically I'm asking, isn't barring someone kind of like censorship? Shouldn't everyone be able to voice opinions?

Tombstone · Post by **Tombstone** » Mon Jan 03, 2005 5:42 pm

BabyRider wrote: As a new member, just bopping around and looking at different things here, I came across a post about one member getting banned. I don't want the story of that, but I'm curious...how does a person get banned and why? I can understand extremely vile language or the like, but isn't there a way to "ignore" certain users? If someone is being offensive, can't you block threads or posts, etc?

I am not out to anger anyone, but I can see how certain discussions can become heated. I get pretty emphatic about a few subjects. So basically I'm asking, isn't barring someone kind of like censorship? Shouldn't everyone be able to voice opinions?

Hi BabyRider,

It's pretty hard to get banned. If you read that thread, it is explained. One of the best tools on any forum is the "ignore" function. You'll find that in your settings.

Regarding banning being censorship - you bet! FG has rules and doesn't allow

illegal activities, personal threats, spam, porn, etc. Just like in your house - I'm sure you wouldn't allow a stranger to come into your house and trash it. Would it be okay if FG allowed porn to be flooded into its forums? Nope.

Do a search on banning. There are other old threads that go into this subject as well.

BabyRider · Post by **BabyRider** » Mon Jan 03, 2005 7:32 pm

- I'm sure you wouldn't allow a stranger to come into your house and trash it. Would it be okay if FG allowed porn to be flooded into its forums? Nope.

Do a search on banning. There are other old threads that go into this subject as well.
No, I sure wouldn't!

I'll look into the banning search, thanks for the tip!

LottomagicZ4941 · Post by **LottomagicZ4941** » Tue Jan 04, 2005 5:01 am

Guess I missed something. Did something get deleted? Perhpas I'll find it after this post:)

Today is the fist I have ever heard of someone getting banned here and I have been here for a while now. 6 or so months I would guess.

Lotto

http://www.flalottomagic.net/cgi-local/ ... elcome-344

MagicZ4941

LottomagicZ4941 · Post by **LottomagicZ4941** » Tue Jan 04, 2005 5:05 am

Must be those 12.5 hour shifts we started in mid october. I joined here in October.

Lotto

http://www.flalottomagic.net/cgi-local/ ... elcome-344

MagicZ4941

Paula · Post by **Paula** » Tue Jan 04, 2005 6:47 am

I am unsure how information about banning is found in the Forum? There is a limit to entertainment, you are warned about any behavior unsuitable, usually it is a topic ex: GAY RIGHTS that can cause a stir. Very "simple". Then you have the ones who in a team effort decide this is a soccer game? Poor Losers, they act out and don't understand why? As a Newcomer i think you understand very well, good luck.

greydeadhead · Post by **greydeadhead** » Tue Jan 04, 2005 7:17 am

Banning someone from the boards is not censorship. You are free to voice you views and thoughts in a manner that is not derogatory or inflamatory. Personal attacks, inane remarks, comments that degrade a person based on thier race, sexual orientation etc. are unacceptable. All opinions should be treated with the respect that they are offered in, not ridiculed because you do not agree with them. Some members have in the past used these tactics and have been warned by FG to cease or be banned. As far as these discussions turning into a 'soccer game' I don't see that happening. I do see members that agree with each other siding with each other but not making a blatant attempt to have someone banned. Anyway.. as long as you keep it civil and respectful of the other members views.. then no one should be banned..

BabyRider · Post by **BabyRider** » Tue Jan 04, 2005 11:46 am

OK, so opinions are tolerated in all forms, but no slamming and mud-slinging. That I understand. It is what made me so frustrated by another forum. All they wanted to do was tell you how ignorant you are, and not quite that politely.

I already have people who disagree with my views, and that's fine. I'm not here to change anyone's mind or tell them they are wrong for thinking one way or another. Like it says in my intro...I just love a good debate. Thanks, everyone, for your input here. I'll try not to p*ss anyone off!

Tombstone · Post by **Tombstone** » Tue Jan 04, 2005 12:42 pm

BabyRider wrote: OK, so opinions are tolerated in all forms, but no slamming and mud-slinging. That I understand. It is what made me so frustrated by another forum. All they wanted to do was tell you how ignorant you are, and not quite that politely.

I already have people who disagree with my views, and that's fine. I'm not here to change anyone's mind or tell them they are wrong for thinking one way or another. Like it says in my intro...I just love a good debate. Thanks, everyone, for your input here. I'll try not to p*ss anyone off!
Since I am privy to backend workings of ForumGarden, let me spell out (from my memory) the only TWO types of people we have had to ban so far:

1. Those that REQUESTED to be deleted or banned.

2. Those that SPAMMED us. If you don't ban those folks they just keep coming back and continue their activities.

Sounds pretty good to me. As membership grows and more of the "general public" finds ForumGarden, our moderators will have their hands full. Just like running an all-night market. You get good people, and those who want to create mischief and harm.

BabyRider · Post by **BabyRider** » Tue Jan 04, 2005 12:47 pm

Hey Tombstone: I have already told a couple of people about this forum. My sister LOVES this stuff and didn't know about this particular site, so I'm sure she'll be joining us any time now.

And what does "Supporting Member $" mean? (If I may ask that.)

persephone · Post by **persephone** » Tue Jan 04, 2005 1:05 pm

Having read this banning stuff at 5am this morning and looking back at past and present events that are all interlinked this evening, I have to say that the recent deletion of a member was a good call.

Every forum has at least one crazy member, who confuses and annoys people, every forum has a thread where things are taken a little too far for others tastes and every forum has times when people "gang up".

What I read this morning I didn't like, the Garden has been, since I joined, a place that is a little different from others and is far more tranquil.

Yes it has it's resident crazy who annoys us and at times upsets us, but I would rather have a crazy than an outright s*** stirrer who makes it into a very ugly place.

The spamming confuddles me, most other forums I go on are English and we don't seem to get spamming on them, quite happy that spammers are booted straight away.

As for asking to be deleted, well you should never dare people and you should only ask if you really want it.

Tombstone · Post by **Tombstone** » Tue Jan 04, 2005 1:06 pm

Great to hear! Thanks for the referral. The Supporting Member thingy is for fg'ers who have visited this link:

http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/subscriptions.php (Become a Supporter) and opted to donate.

BabyRider · Post by **BabyRider** » Tue Jan 04, 2005 1:10 pm

Well, then, I'm going to give it a little more time, but I can see I'm going to enjoy myself here, and I will absolutely support! Thanks for the link.