Punishment Changes for Flaming.

• Cannibal wrote on 2013-02-21 00:14
  These past few weeks we've experienced a lot of member hostility. We all know what it's about, so there really isn't any need going into it. I'm sure we're all tired of it. It's unneeded drama, and all it does is annoy people and stress the staff out.
  
  We're willing to admit that we've not been as harsh as we should be in these situations, so we're changing that. You all witnessed (or were part of) the recent 3-day bans, and we've found that those were pretty effective for most of the members involved. So, we're going to begin using this method for the next little while.
  
  From now on, punishment for flaming and insulting any member will result in a temporary ban, which lasts 24-48 hours. The duration of the ban will depend on the severity of the incident, and in repeat cases, will result in a much longer or permanent ban.
  
  Frankly, we're tired of it. There is no reason you guys should be picking on each other like you have been. Let's hope this new rule straightens everyone out. Remember, you don't have to post on these forums.
  
  If you'd like to discuss this new rule, or discuss the previous 3-day bans, civil discussion in this thread is fine.
• Lewd wrote on 2013-02-21 00:35
  What is considered "flaming"? am I still allowed to call a certain member a "gook" which I have done in the past?
  or how about telling someone to "fuck off"?
  I really feel that there should be a list of phrases which are/aren't bannable.
• Claudia wrote on 2013-02-21 00:37
  I just want to point out that I disengaged myself from the problem for almost an entire week before I was banned.
  
  I understand why and it probably was justified, but it was a really nasty shock to be gone for a few days after behaving well (albeit with much cussing, which isn't banned, and if we don't have a filter then we shouldn't be punished for it), then come back to a ban.
  
  I made one joke post in a joke thread, then nothing happens, then BAM SUDDENLY 3-DAY BAN. No infractions for 9 months, no ban history, no explicit warnings, then suddenly, ban. (Though I will admit in the past I've probably been let off a bit easy.)
  
  When I first found out I was banned I was pretty pissed considering that after that thread I decided I would do my damndest (which is a very very very hard thing for me to do) to ignore the member in question, and I was/am doing a good job. then suddenly, ban ban ban.
  
  And that's my spiel. Just wanted to get that out since you opened it for civil discussion. That's my feelings on the matter, even if it doesn't really matter.
  
  TL;DR: I'm annoyed because I actually changed my behavior (a little, which is a lot for me) before my ban.
• Cannibal wrote on 2013-02-21 00:49

  Quote from teneshi;1036172:

  What is considered "flaming"? am I still allowed to call a certain member a "gook" which I have done in the past?
  or how about telling someone to "fuck off"?
  I really feel that there should be a list of phrases which are/aren't bannable.

  
  A lot of things are borderline. If you've called said member a gook for a while, and they've no problem with it, and it's all in good fun, that isn't a problem. But if you were to do it to some random person and they complained about it, that'd be flaming. Telling someone to fuck off probably isn't a good idea.
  
  The reason there isn't a list for things like this is because there are so many exceptions and so many possible ways to flame someone. We can't just make it black and white. There is a case-by-case basis to things like this.
  

  Quote from Claudia;1036176:

  I just want to point out that I disengaged myself from the problem for almost an entire week before I was banned.
  
  I understand why and it probably was justified, but it was a really nasty shock to be gone for a few days after behaving well (albeit with much cussing, which isn't banned, and if we don't have a filter then we shouldn't be punished for it), then come back to a ban.
  
  I made one joke post in a joke thread, then nothing happens, then BAM SUDDENLY 3-DAY BAN. No infractions for 9 months, no ban history, no explicit warnings, then suddenly, ban. (Though I will admit in the past I've probably been let off a bit easy.)
  
  When I first found out I was banned I was pretty pissed considering that after that thread I decided I would do my damndest (which is a very very very hard thing for me to do) to ignore the member in question, and I was/am doing a good job. then suddenly, ban ban ban.
  
  And that's my spiel. Just wanted to get that out since you opened it for civil discussion. That's my feelings on the matter, even if it doesn't really matter.
  
  TL;DR: I'm annoyed because I actually changed my behavior (a little, which is a lot for me) before my ban.

  
  
  The list was actually compiled right after these incidents happened, we just discussed what our further actions would be, which is why there is such a gap between the actual incidents and the bans. We appreciate that some of you are trying, and don't think that we don't see that.
• Claudia wrote on 2013-02-21 00:50
  Alright, cool. I kinda figured y'all were talking about it.
  
  I'm guessing the new flaming bans have been rolled out as of...an hour ago.
• Okami wrote on 2013-02-21 00:52
  While most of the bans were justified, I believe the mods should really try to talk with the member in question that is agitating everyone. I know that he really isn't breaking a rule, but it would be for the best of nation if they smarten up a bit, imo.
  
  Just my two cents!
• Ketchup wrote on 2013-02-21 00:55

  Quote from Okami;1036198:

  While most of the bans were justified, I believe the mods should really try to talk with the member in question that is agitating everyone. I know that he really isn't breaking a rule, but it would be for the best of nation if they smarten up a bit, imo.
  
  Just my two cents!

  
  I agree you guys need to talk to the person in question.
• Cannibal wrote on 2013-02-21 00:55

  Quote from Okami;1036198:

  While most of the bans were justified, I believe the mods should really try to talk with the member in question that is agitating everyone. I know that he really isn't breaking a rule, but it would be for the best of nation if they smarten up a bit, imo.
  
  Just my two cents!

  
  This is something we're going to be looking into. I really hate that some people (I'm not talking about you) think that we're giving said member special treatment, when the truth is, we've tried reaching them and explaining to them why these things happen(ed), and how they can help prevent them.
• Lewd wrote on 2013-02-21 00:57
  On a side note let me suggest that there be a thread limit be placed, such as being able to only create 1 thread every hour or two. this would cause certain members to use existing threads, instead of flooding the forums. Making the ignore function more useful and cut down on flaming.
• Cannibal wrote on 2013-02-21 00:59
  That's actually a really good idea, but I'm not the techie so I'm not sure if it can/will be done. I'll run it by Osay later if he doesn't see this thread, though.
• Claudia wrote on 2013-02-21 01:04
  Bonus points if Osay can make it based off of reputation.
  
  I hadn't thought of the thread limit idea, I think it'd be a good one.
• Hitaki wrote on 2013-02-21 01:14
  Let's be honest. We all know that member in question is either a mastermind troll or mentally ill. While I have a strong opinion when it comes against using the ignore list to solve problems, there's pretty much no choice but to attempt ignoring said member when he cannot comprehend how to take a hint.
  
  It's a given that any caring human being would have the courtesy to respect whatever case the guy has, but let me put out a point. In life, there are places where you belong, and places you quite frankly don't belong. In my honest opinion, he doesn't belong here. You've seen how he's been treated. His case is more than obvious to half the community by now. I believe the staff knows just as well as we do that it isn't just the offenders at fault here, it's also the cause of the offense right here. I may be going off on a limb here, but he is literally acting as a wedge driving this community down.
  
  I've been with this damned community since I was like what, twelve, back when it was still mabiguru. Today I'm seventeen. I'll admit that in my youth I caused my own share of trouble for the community, but I learned from my mistakes and regret a lot of what I've said before in the past. I take a look at how long the individual in question has been with this community, and he's been given more than enough time to learn from his mistakes. If he claims to be an adult then he should act like an adult. Do you think he's acting like an adult? I surely don't think so.
  
  tl;dr - He's not going to learn. Either he leaves or you ban half the community just for him to stay and have the rest put up with him. That's my two cents. Bans aren't solving the problem when the problem is still around.
  
  Edit : Oh, and let me add on that I knew this was going to happen. It's because the people ignorant of him being an obvious problem kept spoon feeding him what he wanted : Attention. I remember saying every now and then that you guys were just spoon feeding him and that he should learn how to handle his troubles himself, because google is the hardest tool on the internet to use, but no. A lot of you didn't listen. Look where we're at now.
• Cynic wrote on 2013-02-21 01:38

  Quote from Hitaki;1036229:

  Let's be honest. We all know that member in question is either a mastermind troll or mentally ill. While I have a strong opinion when it comes against using the ignore list to solve problems, there's pretty much no choice but to attempt ignoring said member when he cannot comprehend how to take a hint.
  
  It's a given that any caring human being would have the courtesy to respect whatever case the guy has, but let me put out a point. In life, there are places where you belong, and places you quite frankly don't belong. In my honest opinion, he doesn't belong here. You've seen how he's been treated. His case is more than obvious to half the community by now. I believe the staff knows just as well as we do that it isn't just the offenders at fault here, it's also the cause of the offense right here. I may be going off on a limb here, but he is literally acting as a wedge driving this community down.
  
  I've been with this damned community since I was like what, twelve, back when it was still mabiguru. Today I'm seventeen. I'll admit that in my youth I caused my own share of trouble for the community, but I learned from my mistakes and regret a lot of what I've said before in the past. I take a look at how long the individual in question has been with this community, and he's been given more than enough time to learn from his mistakes. If he claims to be an adult then he should act like an adult. Do you think he's acting like an adult? I surely don't think so.
  
  tl;dr - He's not going to learn. Either he leaves or you ban half the community just for him to stay and have the rest put up with him. That's my two cents. Bans aren't solving the problem when the problem is still around.

  
  
  While I do agree that it's blatantly obvious that he isn't what we'd expect from an adult, aside from his thread making, he isn't really going out of his way to harass the community in any way, so while it is irritating most of the community, it's their own damn fault if they choose not to ignore his threads.
  
  Now, if they were somehow forced to read his threads then yes, I can understand there being a big problem about it. But considering the fact that it's easy as shit to ignore 90% of the stuff that he posts, I honestly have no sympathy towards the people whining about him. Sure, he annoys me too, but I'm smart enough to realize that I can simply scroll past his threads, thereby avoiding any potential trouble reading one of his threads might cause. And if for some reason that isn't enough, one can just add him onto their ignore list in order to avoid any other posts he might make. (not counting quotes, but honestly, that's a minor inconvenience at best)
  
  I just find it funny how some people on here are irritated by his childishness and.. oddness, yet they themselves are behaving like whiny, entitled brats who refuse to get off their asses and make an effort to avoid such a simple problem. C'mon now, folks. Enough with the temper tantrums.
• Hitaki wrote on 2013-02-21 02:02
  And I couldn't agree with you more. I just edited my post above adding on to what I think of everyone adding fire to the flame. This all started with you people being too ignorant to not ignore his threads. Now you could start trying to ignore his threads now, but it's too late for that now. Like I've said, there's nothing that I hate more than ignoring a problem, yet ironically the only solution to this one in particular is to ignore the problem. Yet it's not going to work in our community because a good half of the members are too damned ignorant for that.
  
  What pisses me off just as much is the people who actually don't mind the guy and even try to defend him. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with sticking up for him considering his case, that's what it means to be a good person. The real problem is that you have to realize that regardless of his case, he's being a problem. Even if he's a special case, he's expected to follow the same norms as the rest of us. Obviously, he's not following those norms. That's why he's causing a social problem here. You know what the community here is like, you should know that things are better off without him around.
  
  In my opinion it's both the staff and the community's fault that this has to be put out as a problem. The staff shouldn't have to babysit for a full grown man, regardless of his mental health, and the community shouldn't have to give him the attention he wants if they want him to stop.
• Fabian wrote on 2013-02-21 02:16
  The problem here is that I don't see him insulting anyone, but I see people insulting him. If you have a problem with his threads, posts, etc, report him, don't take it upon you to be the martyr and the die in the cross for the the rest of mabination to be at peace. Now, if you report him and nothing happens, this means that what annoys you about what he does isn't against the rules, in which case there's nothing you can do.
  
  Basically, I'm not asking people to change the way they behave, I simply expect them to follow the damn rules. People shouldn't have the right to treat him the way he's being treated. I've seen quite a few cases of people in mabination ganging up on others, not just this user, and it goes unseen by the mods, sometimes the mods are even a part of it. This should change, otherwise soon enough just pointing out someone is using mods in a screenshot will cause a lynching (for the person who pointed it out)...Oh wait, it already happened.
  
  

  Quote from Hazeri;1036286:

  There's this guy who insists on roleplaying as a cat on the forums. I find this childish and ridiculous, Have I made a fuss about it? Nah, I just ignore his posts and move on. Yet, the community seemed to be all over him back in the day.

  
  No way :O