The other thread has deteriorated quite a bit, so I start a new one here. Please don't post in this, keep it clean, use the previous thread. I'll try to keep this open for any possible reply from sladdi.
I just sent sladdi the following PM. If I get a reply, and sladdi agrees, I will post the rely here for all to see.
Dear sladdi,
I have been a member of newgnr.com for a few months now. This is my favourite Guns N' Roses fan forum, particularly because it is mainly dedicated to the new incarnation of GNR (we don't look back, we look forward) and because the moderation doesn't prevent lively, heated and fun arguments.
Lately I've learnt that people are being banned from the forum. I wholeheartedly support moderation of boards to keep them lean and fun. Moderation should both try to maintain the structure of the board and dampen excessive abuse. That being said, I am not a favour of harsh rules and rigidity. As I said, I like the lively arguments and the ability of threads to wander off in new directions.
I have a long history from different message boards, from the old Usenet era, BBS, and various web-based discussion boards. And I have to say this board functions well. But lately the behaviour of certain members, particularly "Warchild", worries me. Warchild seem to have included ad hominem attacks as part of his standard modus operandi, and uses abuse and insults unprovoked and too often; he consistently posts in the wrong sections, apparently just to provoke those he dislike; he manipulates with the quotes of other members (quotefucks); and I have also witnessed him attack the self-drawn avatar of one of the members when he didn't succeed in driving her away with his regularly abuse. (I'd be happy to support evidence for this).
Such behaviour reduces the value of this board for all of us.
On more or less ALL other moderated boards I have been this kind of behaviour would lead to a serious reprimand or (temporary) banishment because it undermines the functionality of the board and sets a precedence of behaviour that could lead to anarchy. Since this board obviously practises banishment I am quite perplexed that Warchild hasn't been banned yet. So what I would like to know is if this sort of behaviour is tolerated, if it has your blessing so to speak, or if it will have consequences?
I recently started a thread in the Support section discussing this. I will also post this PM there and any response I might get from you.
Thank you and best regards,
SoulMonster
