# What happens when a member is banned? **URL:** \ **Category:** About This Message Board\ **Created:** [November 20, 2019, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-when-a-member-is-banned/843738 "2019-11-20T23:09:59Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Max\_S](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/46a35a/32.png) [@Max\_S](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_S)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2019, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-when-a-member-is-banned/843738/1 "2019-11-20T23:09:59Z")
I was digging through the archives when I came across **Starving Artist** ’s [THREAD=863221]ban[/THREAD], dated October 1, 2018. **Starving Artist** ’s [profile](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/member.php) says his last activity was on August 6, 2019. Obviously you can’t post anymore after being banned. But apparently you can still log in. Can you send messages? Vote in polls? Change your profile picture or signature? Make friend requests? View other people’s profiles (and contact information)? What exactly happens when you are banned? ~Max ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2019, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-when-a-member-is-banned/843738/2 "2019-11-20T23:13:28Z")
**Starving Artist** moved to a farm upstate, where he has lots of sunshine, open spaces, and fluffy bunnies to chase. ---
**Author:** ![Walken\_After\_Midnight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/b487fb/32.png) [@Walken\_After\_Midnight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Walken_After_Midnight)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2019, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-when-a-member-is-banned/843738/3 "2019-11-20T23:16:31Z")
I heard they get fed to the hamsters. ---
**Author:** ![Max\_S](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/46a35a/32.png) [@Max\_S](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_S)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2019, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-when-a-member-is-banned/843738/4 "2019-11-20T23:16:52Z")
> [@iiandyiiii](#): > > **Starving Artist** moved to a farm upstate, where he has lots of sunshine, open spaces, and fluffy bunnies to chase. You know, I didn’t read _Animal Farm_ until last year. Always thought it would be part of some school course, but it never was. I ended up reading it when my sister checked it out for her Lit class. ~Max ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2019, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-when-a-member-is-banned/843738/5 "2019-11-20T23:30:47Z")
As far as I know you can’t log in, and you can’t participate beyond reading what others write. ---
**Author:** ![kopek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kopek/32/337_2.png) [@kopek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kopek)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2019, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-when-a-member-is-banned/843738/6 "2019-11-20T23:31:22Z")
> [@Walken\_After\_Midnight](#): > > I heard they get fed to the hamsters. What? Nothing for the poor squids? But getting to the actual OP – I believe The Banned, like everyone else, can read but **SA** ’s membership was not renewed AFAICT and can no longer post. My bet is the activity monitor is based on the IP and not logging in since our regulars who are guests often don’t log in – just use certain browser options and things. ---
**Author:** ![GreysonCarlisle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a87d85/32.png) [@GreysonCarlisle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreysonCarlisle)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2019, 11:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-when-a-member-is-banned/843738/7 "2019-11-20T23:39:36Z")
Most often on old vbulletin boards, the banned member gets a _You’ve been banned_ screen when they log in. When they sign out or clear their cookies, they may or may not be able to read some or all of the board’s forums, depending on what the admin allows non-members to read. Being banned by IP works similarly, except it usually has a _If this is an error…_ note with the admin’s email address. ---
**Author:** ![engineer\_comp\_geek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/engineer_comp_geek/32/504_2.png) [@engineer\_comp\_geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/engineer_comp_geek)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2019, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-when-a-member-is-banned/843738/8 "2019-11-21T00:28:25Z")
When someone is banned or suspended, they can’t really log in. When they “log in” all they get is a screen saying that they are banned or suspended, along with the reason and the date that the ban/suspension will be lifted. If they are permanently banned, the date that it will be lifted is “never”. You can’t completely log in, so if I recall correctly, you can’t sign out. You can however clear your cookies, and then you can read the board. You cannot send messages. You cannot vote in polls. You cannot change anything on your profile. You cannot make friend requests. You cannot view profiles. If you log in and see the “banned” message, then that counts as a login as far as the “last activity” date is concerned. If you are IP banned, then you will not be able to read the board, even after clearing your cookies. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2019, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-when-a-member-is-banned/843738/9 "2019-11-21T03:34:54Z")
Has anyone ever been banned by being nuked from orbit? I’ve heard it’s the only way to be sure. ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2019, 4:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-when-a-member-is-banned/843738/10 "2019-11-21T04:37:35Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > Has anyone ever been banned by being nuked from orbit? > > I’ve heard it’s the only way to be sure. With some we’ve sure tried. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2019, 4:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-when-a-member-is-banned/843738/11 "2019-11-21T04:41:42Z")
> [@engineer\_comp\_geek](#): > > When someone is banned or suspended, they can’t really log in. When they “log in” all they get is a screen saying that they are banned or suspended, along with the reason and the date that the ban/suspension will be lifted. If they are permanently banned, the date that it will be lifted is “never”. I’d WAG, that you can technically still log in, but once logged in, the ‘you’ve been banned’ screen is the only one they can see. Since they’re actually logged in, the date of their most recent activity would be that day. If that’s the case, the dot next to their name would probably also turn green. ---
**Author:** ![muldoonthief](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muldoonthief/32/3188_2.png) [@muldoonthief](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/muldoonthief)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2019, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-when-a-member-is-banned/843738/12 "2019-11-21T13:58:46Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > Has anyone ever been banned by being nuked from orbit? > > I’ve heard it’s the only way to be sure. > [@Colibri](#): > > With some we’ve sure tried. Yeah, nuking from orbit can have unintended consequences. Like the time **Marley23** , on his first day as an Administrator, managed to [ban the entire board](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=14228613&postcount=31). ---
**Author:** ![Max\_S](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/46a35a/32.png) [@Max\_S](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_S)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2019, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-when-a-member-is-banned/843738/13 "2019-11-21T15:59:39Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#): > > I’d WAG, that you can technically still log in, but once logged in, the ‘you’ve been banned’ screen is the only one they can see. Since they’re actually logged in, the date of their most recent activity would be that day. > If that’s the case, the dot next to their name would probably also turn green. For forty minutes. [POST=21980413]According to the administrator[/POST] that’s how long a session stays active. ~Max ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2019, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-when-a-member-is-banned/843738/14 "2019-11-21T16:07:16Z")
> [@muldoonthief](#): > > Yeah, nuking from orbit can have unintended consequences. Like the time **Marley23** , on his first day as an Administrator, managed to [ban the entire board](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=14228613&postcount=31). Yeah. Good times. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Jasmine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jasmine/32/2964_2.png) [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2019, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-when-a-member-is-banned/843738/15 "2019-11-21T16:31:20Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > Has anyone ever been banned by being nuked from orbit? > > I’ve heard it’s the only way to be sure. “Nuked from orbit”? What does that mean? 😕 ---
**Author:** ![engineer\_comp\_geek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/engineer_comp_geek/32/504_2.png) [@engineer\_comp\_geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/engineer_comp_geek)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2019, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-when-a-member-is-banned/843738/16 "2019-11-21T16:52:18Z")
> [@Jasmine](#): > > “Nuked from orbit”? What does that mean? 😕 It’s a reference from the movie Aliens. It’s become kind of a meme (all over the internet, not just here). Original Aliens reference: Meme example: [https://static.fjcdn.com/pictures/Nuke\_278bb1\_1974783.jpg](https://static.fjcdn.com/pictures/Nuke_278bb1_1974783.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2019, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-when-a-member-is-banned/843738/17 "2019-11-21T16:58:12Z")
> [@Jasmine](#): > > “Nuked from orbit”? What does that mean? 😕 As **e\_c\_g** says, it’s from _Aliens_. It refers to a menace so toxic and dangerous you want to take the most extreme measures to destroy it without risking getting close to it. Like some trolls. ---
**Author:** ![ftg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ftg/32/2801_2.png) [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2019, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-when-a-member-is-banned/843738/18 "2019-11-21T17:28:07Z")
> [@iiandyiiii](#): > > **Starving Artist** moved to a farm upstate, where he has lots of sunshine, open spaces, and fluffy bunnies to chase. No, they’re wished into the cornfield. It’s a _good_ thing [del]Anthony[/del] the mods did. ---
**Author:** ![PastTense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pasttense/32/14550_2.png) [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2019, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-when-a-member-is-banned/843738/19 "2019-11-21T18:24:58Z")
Given that Starving Artist was not given a suspension before before being banned, I believe the ban should be lifted. ---
**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2019, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-when-a-member-is-banned/843738/20 "2019-11-21T18:32:40Z")
> [@PastTense](#): > > Given that Starving Artist was not given a suspension before before being banned, I believe the ban should be lifted. They don’t need to suspend anybody. You can be arbitrarily and capriciously banned. > [@Bone](#): > > **Please remember that you are our guest here, and that we reserve the right to exclude you at our whim, for any or no reason whatsoever**. Subscribers who are banned forfeit all subscription fees they have paid. If you have been banned from the SDMB and resubscribe, you will be banned again without notice and forfeit your subscription fee. By registering and using the board you acknowledge this right and agree to abide by our rules and to submit to their interpretation and enforcement by our moderators and editors. [https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=864546](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=864546) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-when-a-member-is-banned/843738.md?page=2)