Voting to ban members

I haven't been around long enough to comment on this particular case, but in general, how does banning even work? Sure, an account can be disabled. But what's to stop someone from just creating another account? Doesn't the anonymity of an online community make banning someone rather pointless?

lightscribe wrote: I haven't been around long enough to comment on this particular case, but in general, how does banning even work? Sure, an account can be disabled. But what's to stop someone from just creating another account? Doesn't the anonymity of an online community make banning someone rather pointless?

Sometimes ... but truly we are on the honor system of ya wanna get actual. Hope- if ya wanna call it that. We hope people act right but some times they don’t. Rules rules rules. I remember my dad telling me “a thief will do what’s needed to steal regardless of deterrents.” Some times we are at the mercy of one another. Some times that’s a hard truth some times it’s a great truth. Depends on the day - time- activity - and a lot of small things that CAN play a factor but for the most part yea - your right about some one just logging on as some one different- happened in the past and will prolly happen in the future.

Lightscribe, people have been caught (and banned) using multiple accounts from the same IP address.
Sure there are ways around it, but ultimately the work required to get around security each account iteration is most likely not worth whatever rush someone gets from using this site's services.

I didn't realize it was based on IP address. I'm used to the kind of banning that happens when you report harassment on social media, which is often insufficient and easy to get around. I've experienced severe harassment and threats of violence online that weren't met with adequate action, so I think I brought those emotions into this situation without knowing all the facts. I apologize. Thank you for clarifying.

lightscribe wrote: I didn't realize it was based on IP address. I'm used to the kind of banning that happens when you report harassment on social media, which is often insufficient and easy to get around. I've experienced severe harassment and threats of violence online that weren't met with adequate action, so I think I brought those emotions into this situation without knowing all the facts. I apologize. Thank you for clarifying.

Think on this...

If they are unable to locate you physically and if they do not possess enough of your personal data to harm you, whatever they say is just that. However, if they do have your data, who gave it to them?

lightscribe wrote: I haven't been around long enough to comment on this particular case, but in general, how does banning even work? Sure, an account can be disabled. But what's to stop someone from just creating another account? Doesn't the anonymity of an online community make banning someone rather pointless?

Seems like banning should be restricted to cases of extreme behavior: bullying, harassment, etc. Unfortunately, it seems to be handled differently depending on one's friends and connections. I'm still trying to understand the apparent inequity myself. I thought I would have been contacted by mods about the situation I was in and none of them did.

I am all for thoughtful discourse, especially on this site. But let me make one thing very clear: harassment and threats are never the victim's fault. What I do or do not share online does not give anyone the right to harass or threaten me. Period.

It depends. If you 'share' things people don't like they can, and have on occasion every right to:

- Repeatedly ask you to stop (which can be perceived as harassment)
- Make numerous threats ranging from 'ignoring you' to 'taking you to court'.

Point is, what constitutes threats and harassment is a matter of opinion.

Ren, I'm happy to discuss this topic with anyone who wants to participate, but I think we should take that conversation to a separate thread.

The result of a vote (to ban) literally is 'popular opinion'. Discussing opinion is on-topic.