Right, there used to be a 'removed thread' sticky a while ago. If a thread was deleted then it would be recorded in the sticky by whichever mod removed it, along with the reason why the thread was unsuitable. I don't think this is still in use... any reason? I would actually quite like a "banned users" thread. It could be locked so as not to be a spamhaven, and only mods and admins could add posts. Nice and simple really, if a user gets banned/suspended, the mod/admin who did the kicking could simply add the user name and a short reason why, along with maybe a link to the offending post (if it's not deleted)? I don't think it would be a massive amount of extra work for the mods, i mean, a few seconds really for each user that gets banned (and it's not like you lot are trigger happy to be fair). I'm guessing most bannings are considered in the mod lounge anyway, the few extra seconds wouldn't be that much of a hassle would it? When i see a regular with the 'banned' title, i often wonder "wtf? why? thought he/she was a decent member??". I'd like to know why some people are banned (though with some members it's kinda obvious ). It would also serve as a warning to the increasing amount of shitty nubberino posts (sadly, not all by noobs) that blatantly disregard the rules here (or show that the poster hasn't even read the faq'n'rules). Anyway, i hope you consider this // and no, it's not just cos i'm nosy... though that is a big part of it
The list of threads that have been trashed was (IMHO) impractical to maintain, what with the number of threads we have to trash these days (what with the influx of 'free ipod' and all that rubbish), apart from which the list would end up absolutely massive. It might seem like it wouldn't take long to explain, but editing a thread and writing a sentence explaining the thread and why it was deleted can be quite complicated. I don't know for sure exactly why we stopped using the 'deleted' thread, as its not my place to decide (thats for the admins/staff), but I expect thats the reason. There is also, without wanting to come across too badly, the fact that we as moderators don't feel that *everything* we do on the forums needs to be explained in public - some people can discuss things like this properly, but a lot can't, and in some ways it'd just be another reason for arguments to star, if all the dirty laundry was aired in public. Its fair to say these forums aren't a democracy, but thats not to say we don't care what anyone else thinks - hence this feedback forum
Agreed. If its removed, there is no reason to post that it has been removed. You know it isnt there, so you know it has been removed. lol
The thread that is no longer in use is the 'removed thread' one. There was a valid reason for it, it reduced the amount of 'why was my thread deleted?' and 'where did my post go?' threads. Now mods end up having to close a thread, then close another one that pops up seconds later asking why the first was closed... Some people on here really are dumb, and don't really twig that if it's gone, it's gone for a reason, and they should just stfu. Anyway, this isn't about bringing back that thread. I just thought it would be a simple way to describe the 'banned users' thread i thought of. People don't often get banned here, so i can't see it being much trouble whacking a name and reason in the thread right after pushing the big red button. I wouldn't expect the thread to be open for regular members to reply, it would just be a reference as to when and why a member was banned. Still, as has been pointed out, the mods don't have to explain their actions to us, and that's fair enough. It's just sometimes i'm shocked to see the 'banned' title under some usernames, and wonder 'why?'. Anyway, doesn't matter. If i truly give a crap i'm sure hopping onto #bit-tech and asking why a long term member had been booted out would work.
I guess you miss a lot of the people who get banned - there's a few every week, most aren't regulars though, so they disappear without anyone really noticing. However, regulars being banned is far less frequent. People don't necessarily get banned for doing one thing though, it's a collection of things that have added up over time, and they may well have done something quite minor that has resulted in us releasing the ejector seat. In that case it's very hard to quantify exactly why someone was banned in under 100 words, because it is quite possible that they've been a repeat offender over a considerable period of time. I don't know, it's an interesting discussion though.
In quite a few cases it's just a few days in the sin bin as a warning, and can happen to the best of us (well, you ). Just the way vBull flags up suspensions, however long. As for the "Trashed Threads" list, it was a good idea at the time, but we still have copies in the trash can if there's any dispute, and TBH we don't seem to get the "What's happened to my thread" posts often, maybe just as a PM or on IRC.
How about a list of banned peole with post counts over a certain number? That would keep the riffraff out AND save time. You get police reports in the paper, yes? so why not the forum?
