This was not the first time, and preceded by a number of PM asking to please tone it down as far as a month ago.
I take no enjoyment in sometimes being the OT heavy.
But how in good conscience can we ban XXXX for a month, and overlook XxXx's post?
I am German, and as a people, we are not exactly renowned for our sense of humor.
Still, I fail to see the humor in, and I quote: "..."
I find this type of post rather odious. Not through any fault of the poster but because of the need for it. As a career manager, it has long been drilled into me that discipline is a private thing, not to be discussed with others. If the rules and procedures are laid out in advance and everyone is made aware from the start, there would be no need for a post like this, reviewing XxXx's or anyone else's "dirty laundry".
When a discipline is administered, everyone should understand that specific, predetermined steps have been followed and there will be no need for questioning the "capriciousness" of the person applying the discipline.
Place a single post sticky at the top of Off Topic. Lay out the ground rules for discipline. Lock the thread.
For example...
Welcome to BenzWorld's Off Topic Forum.
This Forum has been established to allow the free exchange of ideas in a responsible yet unrestricted manner. While there will be wide latitude given regarding free expression, posts that violate BenzWorld's Policies (<~~this should be a link to a BW policy page which I could not locate/Dig) may be subject to action by a Moderator. While the actions may vary somewhat due to the severity of the inappropriate post, the following progressive discipline may be administered.
First: A public post from a Moderator referencing the offending post/poster, warning that continuing to post in such a manner may lead to further action.
Second: A Private Message (PM) explaining the specific BenzWorld Policy which has been violated with notification that this is a "Second Notice" to the poster.
Third: A Private Message (PM) referencing the Second Notice followed by a warning that a Ban may be imminent.
Fourth: Ban with a Moderator public post referencing the final offending post. Length of Ban may be X Day(s), One Week, One Month, One Year, Permanent, depending on severity of violation or previous disciplinary history.
The following actions will result in an immediate, permanent Ban.
Reason 1
Reason 2
Reason 3
and so on.
In the event that there are no further violations for a period of 6 months, the above process will restart at the First step.
***
Of course, this is just a suggestion as to the number of warnings but in the real world, this is the path that satisfies most legal requirements of 'progressive discipline'.
A poster's history will be wiped clean after a specified period of no further offenses. For example, if a poster has the first action listed above applied to them and then has no further actions for a 6 month period, the 'clock' would reset to Zero and the process would start at the First Action if another violation occurs. This allows a poster to redeem themselves and not face an arbitrary banning 3 years from now simply because of the number of previous violations.
This type of Post will put everyone on notice as to the consequences of violating the policies. Of course, it will be expected that the Moderators will follow such a plan fairly and consistently. There will then be no further need to wonder why someone was banned after a single post.
Just a suggestion. Feel free to tell me where to stick it.
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I frequent a political forum. There, a member who repeatedly (limit 3 times) refuses to discuss a question re one of his posts is given his walking papers.
I frequent a political forum. There, a member who repeatedly (limit 3 times) refuses to discuss a question re one of his posts is given his walking papers.
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