Do the mods e-mail you privately and smack you on the wrist? Or do they post a warning in a thread and trust you will see it?
I particpated in a now-locked thread on revenge that crossed the line from “prank” to “criminal.” Upon locking, the mod said that everyone in the thread should be considered “warned.”
Now, what if I got side-tracked and didn’t see the thread? Is there a final warning sent to your e-mail prior to banning?
I’m not worried. I haven’t done anything egregious (that I know of ) and I was wondering if someone happened to miss all the posted warnings in threads and logged on only to find themselves suddenly banned.
Warnings are usually issued in the thread in which the infraction occured, with the reasonable assumption that those interested in the thread will return to read it.
In more serious cases, warnings are issued both in the thread and by private email.
In some cases, warnings may be issued only by email. For example, when we move a thread out of view and it wouldn’t be possible to issue a warning in the thread.
This means that those of you who participated in the thread have been warned, and the warning has been recorded for future reference. Referring to the warning would not be necessary, unless a repeat or similar offense takes place in the future.
It is likely in some cases that you miss a warning issued to you. It is rare that you are banned on the basis of a single warning. Usually, multiple warnings are issued.
In the unlikely event that this happens, you are still free to email a mod and ask for an explanation. At which time, you will receive an email with an explanation. If we see merit in your request, we may reinstate you.
However, it remains your responsibility to abide by the rules of this board, and you can and will be banned without warning if we deem it necessary. Although this usually happens only with returning socks and trolls.
And while we are on the topic: Is there some way of ascertaining how many warnings, if any, one has? I recall being slapped on the wrist on occasion, but never “warned.” Any way of checking, without putting a mod through unnecessary work?
There’s no hard-and-fast process. The number of warnings depends on the severity of the offense, and not all offenses are equal.
Some offenses do not merit any warnings at all. Spamming, trolling, sock puppetry, we’re not going to waste time with warnings – those jerks know what they’re doing. People who threaten violence against another member are not going to get “warnings.” The use of racial slurs, for instance, will result in pretty much immediate banning. Threatening to overthrow the government. In short, there are a number of offenses that are so egregious that we don’t feel any need for warnings.
) and I was wondering if someone happened to miss all the posted warnings in threads and logged on only to find themselves suddenly banned.