The issue of users being banned.

[Alienswede]

Hi Everyone,

I just thought I'd take a minute to clear up some issues regarding banning people. This information is as much for our moderators as it is for everyone else. We haven't had time to discuss the issue much because we're in the middle of moving.

There have been some overuse of the banning feature while we have been gone but this is more a result of miscommunication between us and our moderators. Noone should really ever be banned. The most we ever do when someone is repeatedly breaking the rules is set someone to be "unable to post" which means you can still read the forums and do everything except post new threads or reply to existing ones. Banning on the other hand means that you can't visit the forums, the user pics and the calendar at all.

No one should ever be set "unable to post" for having a difference of opinion, not knowing DDM etiquette (because they're new), or because they might rub someone the wrong way. Only people who are being excessively disruptive to the functioning of the forums should be "unable to post". Furthermore, they should receive at least one warning and clear explanation as to why from the moderator that takes this action. Of course, the definition of "being disruptive" is pretty subjective and that's a problem in itself. That's why we always want to make sure to give an explanation when asked.
So, our apologies to both our moderators and members for the problems. Now that we have an internet connection at home (finally) we'll be more "in touch" with what's going on

The banning feature has actually been removed now so noone is banned any more. If someone feels like they are banned or "unable to post" they can e-mail us at any time and we'll sort out why and if there's still reason for them to be set that way.