Q&A About Being Banned

[ndh777]

This probably isn't the place to put this thread so please forgive me if it isn't.

Lately, I've been seeing alot more users having the "banned" or "probation" label underneath their names while I haven't seen them around much before nor did I ever see any posts that were spam, threatening, or just deserving of a ban. So now I'm a bit worried as to what exactly will definitely get you banned.

This forum is really awesome and I just want to make extra sure that I am following the rules so that I'm not kicked off.

I've read the site's rules and such but I guess my question is, what do you guys see most often that is deserving of a ban?

 

[Martimus]

If you follow the site rules... and treat other forum members with respect and courtesy you probably have little to be concerned with.

On the other hand, if you are argumentative, abusive, threatening, or use your membership here to sell your product/service/blog...

 

[ndh777]

If you follow the site rules... and treat other forum members with respect and courtesy you probably have little to be concerned with.

On the other hand, if you are argumentative, abusive, threatening, or use your membership here to sell your product/service/blog...

Sounds like I don't have anything to worry about thanks! lol

 

[ardchoille]

There's quite a bit going on in the background that most users will never see. Part of my job as a Guide is to ensure certain types of posts, such as spam, are removed as quickly as possible to get them out of the way of our viewers. I've seen some spam posts only last a few seconds on the forums because Mods and Guides are diligently working to make the forums as enjoyable as possible.

 

[ndh777]

There's quite a bit going on in the background that most users will never see. Part of my job as a Guide is to ensure certain types of posts, such as spam, are removed as quickly as possible to get them out of the way of our viewers. I've seen some spam posts only last a few seconds on the forums because Mods and Guides are diligently working to make the forums as enjoyable as possible.

Okay, that makes a little more sense. I kept scratching my head wondering about a few different users as they never seemed to have any spam posts. But I suppose that is true.

I'm in no way criticizing you guys or this site, just curious and making sure I'm following the rules so I don't get banned. I've done some pretty stupid things here and you guys in the Admin. department have been very gracious knowing that I don't know any better at the time.

 

[Slug]

We're not egomaniacs who go around banning members on a whim or to meet some fictional "quota".

It's extremely rare for somebody to receive an immediate ban, except for obvious spammers who clearly have no interest in AF other than as a source of revenue. Otherwise the emphasis is on rehabilitation rather than retribution i.e. we explain (via the infraction system if required) why certain behaviours are unacceptable. Unfortunately we find the occasional member who refuses to comply with the Site Rules even after multiple warnings, and often such people will end up banned. The loss of any member is regretable but the AF community comes first.

I hope this helps clarify things?

 

[SUroot]

If you follow the site rules... and treat other forum members with respect and courtesy you probably have little to be concerned with.

On the other hand, if you are argumentative, abusive, threatening, or use your membership here to sell your product/service/blog...

'sup with blogs?

 

[woop]

'sup with blogs?

Posting blog links that are irrelevant to the topic at hand will get you a warning and/or infraction (depending on if you're straight up spamming it or not). Guidelines clearly state not to post personal sites/blogs - keep em in your sig! AF is not a medium to drive traffic to your own site

 

[SUroot]

Posting blog links that are irrelevant to the topic at hand will get you a warning and/or infraction (depending on if you're straight up spamming it or not). Guidelines clearly state not to post personal sites/blogs - keep em in your sig! AF is not a medium to drive traffic to your own site

Can you clarify the stance on topic-relevant blogs please?

Edit, Loving the sig btw

 

[woop]

Can you clarify the stance on topic-relevant blogs please?

Edit, Loving the sig btw

"Links on first post (or first couple if you're being slick) to your own site: If it's a competing website, not okay. If it's say.. a blog entry you're referring to, or... you're a developer and want to link to your site when you announce an app, that's alright. Bottom line - Don't come here to pimp your site – come here to be a member.

Links to your own site, in general: Toss 'em in your signature, that's fine. Linking when referencing something relevant and stuff is fine too. Just be a contributing member, not a spammer."

If its absolutely necessary in terms of your reference material to continue the discussion and/or helping another member - I'd say that is fine. If it could be copied and pasted (with a source link at the end), then obviously do that. Basically, as Phases puts in the quote I have above - don't pimp your site.

But also keep in mind: "
In regards to all of this.. Moderators will handle situations at their discretion"

We handle each case individually, and if we feel you are basically trying to push hits to a blog/site, then we will deal with that accordingly.

 

[ndh777]

We're not egomaniacs who go around banning members on a whim or to meet some fictional "quota".

It's extremely rare for somebody to receive an immediate ban, except for obvious spammers who clearly have no interest in AF other than as a source of revenue. Otherwise the emphasis is on rehabilitation rather than retribution i.e. we explain (via the infraction system if required) why certain behaviours are unacceptable. Unfortunately we find the occasional member who refuses to comply with the Site Rules even after multiple warnings, and often such people will end up banned. The loss of any member is regretable but the AF community comes first.

I hope this helps clarify things?

Oh, I completely understand that you guys don't just go around clicking "ban" on random people lol you guys are more professional than to do something like that.