Unfortunately, we have recently had to ban a member off the forums. I kept it quiet out of respect for that person (you won't even see the word "banned" by her posts), but I've had several members ask me for more information so I felt I should post something.
Banning a member is a major step and is not done lightly. In the forums' 2.5 years of existence and over 4000 members, we have only banned 4 members.
Banning is carried out only when a member repeatedly violates the rules of the forums. With the first violation we usually only PM the member, asking them not to repeat the act. Second time, they are given an official warning, telling them that the next time might lead them to being banned. If they vioalte the rules again - then we have no choice but to stop their participation. I can assure you that so far, each member that has been banned, has been given not one or two, but several official warnings. They kept violating the rules - leaving us little choice about banning them.
I wish to emphasize that we do not ban people because of unpopular views, not even when those views are upsetting. Granted, not all views can be expressed here - if you wish to carry out Nazi propaganda, it will not be tolerated here (I'm giving an extreme example here just to make a point - not saying that anyone has ever done that). However, we try not to concentrate on the views, but rather on how they are delieverd. You can (and should) read the rules for our complete criteria.
I hope this helps clear the air a bit. Running a board with so many members is not easy - not everyone is going to agree with every decision. I can assure you we are trying very hard to listen to members and make this a pleasant place for all cat lovers.
Banning a member is a major step and is not done lightly. In the forums' 2.5 years of existence and over 4000 members, we have only banned 4 members.
Banning is carried out only when a member repeatedly violates the rules of the forums. With the first violation we usually only PM the member, asking them not to repeat the act. Second time, they are given an official warning, telling them that the next time might lead them to being banned. If they vioalte the rules again - then we have no choice but to stop their participation. I can assure you that so far, each member that has been banned, has been given not one or two, but several official warnings. They kept violating the rules - leaving us little choice about banning them.
I wish to emphasize that we do not ban people because of unpopular views, not even when those views are upsetting. Granted, not all views can be expressed here - if you wish to carry out Nazi propaganda, it will not be tolerated here (I'm giving an extreme example here just to make a point - not saying that anyone has ever done that). However, we try not to concentrate on the views, but rather on how they are delieverd. You can (and should) read the rules for our complete criteria.
I hope this helps clear the air a bit. Running a board with so many members is not easy - not everyone is going to agree with every decision. I can assure you we are trying very hard to listen to members and make this a pleasant place for all cat lovers.
