Wombat said:
That's what I was talking about when I said that suspension means you can't explain yourself! That's why there were so many new accounts. It was not a circumvention of the rules - it was a plea for people to understand what was going on. Lurks said that no user has been banned without warning. Well, I wasn't warned. I was banned with NO WARNING WHATSOEVER. I honestly didn't think that what I did would cause a problem, but a mod felt differently and not only deleted the post, but banned me without giving me a chance to explain and/or appeal.
I know creating all those accounts was lame, and I prefered not to do it, but it was the only way to get my point across to people who were under the impression that I had committed some unholy crime. If I didn't create another user account, I would still be banned. So forgive me for fighting against an injustice. All I wanted was to be back on the forums, and the mods did nothing but turn a deaf ear. I finally asked David, and he has allowed me back on - an act for which I am greatly appreciative.
All I'm trying to say, like in my original point, is it feels like the mods are a bit too quick on the trigger. There is no message informing you of what the problem is. No chance is given to explain or rectify the situation. Now if a written rule includes a punishment, that is acceptable as everyone should be expected to read and follow the forum rules, but if a rule doesn't really apply, or if it's in a gray area, there should be a bit of leniency. At least a chance for the poster to explain and say "Sorry, I didn't think it would offend, but I can understand your decision. I'll remove it immediately." Done and done. If the poster does not comply, however, that is when more strict methods can be employed.
EDIT> Just to clarify, I want to make sure that all of you know that I'm not holding a grudge. What happened is done, and I'd like to think that you all feel the same way. I'm just trying to use my personal experience and observation to help improve the forums.
