This section is intended for repeat violators of any rule,
and for egregious behavior. Minor and unintentional slips are treated gently and politely by the mods. The vast majority of members will never need the information in this section. |
Blab's core moderating principal is twofold: - "light", un-intrusive moderating, which is only possible by ... - putting responsibility on each member to easily avoid problems by respecting the rules and the mods. This approach has been preferred by members over closer supervision and more frequent intervention in threads. Participating on Blab is an agreement to abide by Blab's simple rules, and the overwhelming majority of members do not find that hard to do - and Blab is for those members. There are 3 things you can do to quickly get kicked off Blab - doing any one can cause sudden loss of access, temporarily or, very rarely, permanently:
In general: repeatedly violating the rules means the member can't keep their access to post on Blab. In fairness to all members, deliberate infractions, even if someone thinks it is minor or they have a good reason, can mean a quick trip to the sidelines, temporarily or permanently. Ignoring mod direction, and/or disrespect for one or more mods. Ignoring a note or post giving specific direction - such as a a note to cease arguing in a thread, or not to violate a certain rule a second time - is likely to mean that the member can't keep their access to post on Blab. Addressing a mod (one acting as a Blab moderator) disrespectfully, privately or publicly, may have the same result. The standard moderating process is to communicate, explain and ask for voluntary compliance. We do require quick compliance. If that does not happen we will institute suspensions. Blab's moderating principal for more difficult cases: Blab is not staffed to continuously monitor one member's activity to ensure rules compliance. Blab mods do not have time to engage in protracted discussions with people about their conduct on Blab. There is simply no room on Blab for those who, for any reason, do not follow the few rules. We will try to work with a member having difficulties up to a point. We very rarely will eject people for a first violation, even a second one. Exceptions to the process may occur when, in the judgment of Blab management, the behavior is so egregious, or so thoroughly demonstrates an inability to get along with the other members, and/or to comply with Blab's simple rules, that it is not possible to possibly see an improvement without heavier moderating of that individual. That we do not do. To keep moderating light, Blab is for members who are well able to moderate themselves. In most cases, for multiple violations within a year or less and deliberate violations: Second violation or a deliberate violation even if it is a first one, may be up to 1 week's suspension of posting privileges, with or without read-only access. A written promise to abide by the rules is required for restoration of posting access. Third violation is usually a long term, no-Blab-visibility suspension. A written promise to abide by the rules is required for restoration of posting access. Bans (permanent loss of access) may be instituted for: disrespect for moderators; the member states a refusal to comply with the rules; the member demonstrates repeatedly that they can't be expected to comply with the rules regardless of their statements; the member is trolling, harrassing, bullying or in any way threatening another member(s.) In most cases, during this communications exchange the member will be advised what to do to avoid further trouble, and asked to state their agreement to abide by the rules. Exceptional, rare cases for possible quick bans may occur if a member knowingly posts inappropriate material; is egregiously disrespectful of management; states a refusal to comply with rules; or is explosive and/or threatening toward other members. Although we have a standard violations process, we consider each case on its own merits and may make exceptions in the process for either leniency or strictness. The management maintains full discretion to institute any action at any time, on a case by case basis. ***Loss of access to Blab by a paid subscriber due to the member's own behavior is not refunded.*** [NOT CURRENTLY IN USE] Blab's infraction system tracks rules violations. Each infraction stands for 1 year, unless an additional violation is incurred within a year, in which case all earlier active infractions are extended for the 1 year period of the new infraction. If no additional infractions are incurred within a year, the infraction expires, unless in the judgment of the moderators an extension is warranted. Most infractions incur 1 point. [NOT CURRENTLY IN USE] Moderators have the discretion to issue warnings with no points, or to add additional points for egregious violations. Consequences for cumulative points at the time of each infraction are as follows: 1 = strong warning of the consequences of the next infraction; 2 = 1 week suspension of access to Blab; 3 = indefinite suspension of access to Blab. Management reserves the right to take such additional action as is in the best interests of the forum. |