Removing People From The Forum

[Gary]

The reason I ask this is that BushCheney08 hasn't directly broken any of the guidelines, but has exhibited all the classic characteristics of a troll - faulty logic, inability to debate anything rationally, flaming people for anything and everything, and a huge persecution complex when people call them out on their troll-like behavior.

Personally, I don't find him entertaining or positive in any way, shape or form and would be more than happy to shuffle him out of the community, but in this case I'm leaving it to you folks - and this vote is not specifically about BC08 but more about general principle, as in, what is our tolerance level for trolls?

[legaltender]

He's already apologized and I think too many are booted, frankly.

[Gary]

> I think too many are booted, frankly

Currently there is one one person who is banned. There are a few more who know they are not welcome, but (so far) the ban list is a lonely place.

In the eight year history of the CMF, there have been less than two dozen people banned. With over 2,000 different people taking part in that time period, that's a ridiculously small percentage.

But the reason I specifically asked about trolls is I have seen what happens to forums and such when unchecked trolls spread their verbal poisin - and I have long fought to keep this place from succumbing to the online vampires who seek only to destroy.

[TNBear]

I'm still not sure about he/she/its' motives, but if someone/thing pisses off enough folks to mount up 20 smites they obviously are not a positive contributor to this esteemed forum.

[Kordax]

This poster simply has an observent sense of humor & a take on the issues that may be a little more quirky/different than most plus he's not steering people to spam-a-zoid sites.

[Felix]

BC08 has apologized, and I believe has on occasion made a reasonably relevant post. I am in favor of a slow trigger on bans in general, and perhaps this is a case for restraint.

[bushcheney08]

kordax said:

This poster simply has an observent sense of humor & a take on the issues that may be a little more quirky/different than most plus he's not steering people to spam-a-zoid sites.

Thanks Kordax.

I honestly don't understand what all the negative karma was for. I didn't go personal. Just posted about news events in a weird way, which I apologized for. Contrary to the initial post, I didn't flame people. Everyone in the CMF clique started doing it to me. I jokingly tried to engage in the silly name calling, but found it pointless and decided to stick to the issues instead.

It seems like I was penalized for being insincere. But I didn't realize you guys had rules about it.

Not only did I post an apology for my gross insincerity, but in other threads -- entertainment and local news -- I posted seriously.

I understand if The Leader must ban me for joking around in some silly threads. I understand that one must protect his forum from all my "verbal poison."

Or people could lighten up and not take themselves so seriously.

But honestly, if you decide to ban me, I think I'll be able to cope.


EDIT
Just wanted to point out that, "Can Arabs Go to Heaven" gave you 31 replies of discussion. Imagine that... my outlandish silly post actually inspired some degree of discussion, unlike the fascinating and timely topic "Documents Indicate No Iraq-Al Quaeda Cooperation." What's next? A topic on "Scientists Determine Sky is Blue."

[Gary]

Uh huh... then when are you going to start taking your head out of your ass when you post? You have been nothing more than a troll who can't even defend your asinine statements (like calling your beloved President a liar and then trying to doubletalk you way out of it).

When I see things writen like "CMF clique" and "The Leader" and "people could lighten up", I know that I am dealing with someone who has no desire to be part of a community, but insteads wants to be a negative influence. Those are far to easy and too simplistic and do not have any connection to the reality of an eight-year old community that has fostered debate from all sides of the political spectrum.

Until you show evidence to the contrary, I will consider you nothing more than a troll.

[bushcheney08]

You can feel free to think I'm a troll. I can handle it. I think you guys act like a clique around here. So sue me for having an opinion. I have cliques with my groups of friends. It's not like called you a Nazi or something. You are a very serious man.

If you want to ban me, ban me. Otherwise, let's stop talking about me and start talking about real topics.

[marshall]

Sorry, BushCheney. Such are the rules around here. Disagree with the boss, and you get booted.

[xterragirl]

Maybe Marshall could be on the list favored to be booted.

[Milk]

I am in agreement with Marvell and Kordax on this one. Slow to ban is better.

[Kordax]

Guys, I don't get it.

What's the problem with being: 1) argumentative? 2) stylistically different from others? 3) wrong every so often? 4) approaching issues from a singular perspective? 5) prone to occassionally needling people?

Once someone has participated in discussions on this forum for a few weeks, they'll be better understood -- why not wait a while before wringing necks?

[Dreamwebber]

I agree with Kordax...I mean I disagree with BushCheney politically but, then my lifestyle is different from many people on this board...for ex. you wouldn't catch me dead wearing a costume and going to a con...that doesn't mean that I can't relate to people who do....it's just not my thang.

I can see where BC is coming from in regards to cliques. To be perfectly honest I had thought about taking a break from the board myself because some of my favorite posters had stopped posting/or not as often and I have missed the heated discussions..... everyone seems to agree with everyone lately lol I especially miss the debates with El Gusano, Danger Ranger, Kordax, Warkitty, TNcoaster and others in the debate lounge.

In regards to kicking people off....personally I think the decision should come down to 2 things. First, I like the karma thing...but, I think BC has been unfairly smited. I mean I don't know if BC is in 3rd grade? being sarcastic? or really believes what he/she writes...but, I find their posts very entertaining and haven't given him/her a smite...at least I don't think anyway.

I think you should use a combo. If a person has over 20 smites....is it just over one topic of conversation? I think if someone has over 20 then the moderaters should have a secret board meeting and it has to be a unanimous vote as to whether the person should get the boot or not. This can be done through email not a physical board meeting.

[el Gusano]

Well, at least one person misses me.

One thing about it, when you're stuck on your rear for six months, you have a lot to post. But, when you're able to go back to work, you have to work double time to make up for it. (And, I was out of work for much longer than the six months that I was stuck on my rear.)

Thankfully, I have more work coming in than I can handle. Although, I do wish that I had turned down this repair job that I'm in the middle of. It's going to look bad, even though it cannot be repaired any better. I just hope the customer sees that.

As far as kicking someone off, I think DW has a good idea. I don't like the idea of it being entirely up to the karma, as we've been having good fun fighting for Jay's boardly soul. What if those evil, dark forces had won?

OTOH, BC08 did seem rather trollish, although he/she has since apologized and we can see in the near future if more reasoned.

So, like DW, I think a combination between karma and a board meeting would be good, with a possible probationary warning period.

[Gary]

We're going to do a more comprehensive poll in General Discussion, based on the (constructive) comments here.