New Warning and Banning Policy

After an extended period of discussion, and the unanimous approval of Staff, we have decided to eliminate the present warning and banning procedure and replace it with a newer, more flexible one.

In the new system, the three strikes system of warnings and bannings (first warning -> week ban -> second warning -> month ban and so on) will be replaced by one in which Staff members can warn and issue bans as they see fit. This should have the result of improving moderation of long-established and/or popular members (who Staff is often accused of playing favorites with) by allowing us to discipline them without having to permanently ban them if they step out of line after some number of times if we don't feel that they really need that.

At the same time, Staff will have the option of permanently banning someone if they feel this is the right course of action without having to go through the same procedure as now. A permanent ban will not normally be our option of first recourse and members will be given one chance and will be warned that their behavior could lead to a permanent ban unless circumstances suggest that one shouldn't be bothered with.

Warnings given in thread or via PM are all equally warnings. There has been some dispute about this in the past; hopefully this will clear that up. Additionally, warnings need not be issued before a less than permanent ban if it is felt that such action is necessary.

Staff will have other options at its disposal for dealing with troublesome members, such as revokation of posting privileges, thread bans and forum ("Age of Aquarius") bans. What measures are needed will be determined by Staff.