Ok, it's time to reply. I've spent the weekend reading and observing your responses from a distance, waiting to see how this would unfold.
I observed a remarkable range of styles and approaches. From careful diplomacy and kind words from some, harsh words from others, and of course good-natured inanity from Jimmy V.
Despite the differences in approach, there is quite a solidarity in the general opinion...Also consistent in their responses, and unbudging from their stances throughout the ordeal are the "involved parties" sonolive, huub, astro, arkadin, shroomz, etc. Someone early on pointed out how their in-thread argument was becoming a microcosm of the entire problem. How true.
Now I will respond (but briefly) to Olive, who, as usual, is perceiving this entire thing as a personal attack. I know there are language/translation issues and culture differences. But I agree with those that said this is an international forum, and we must not hide behind the translation/culture defense to mandate ignorance and insensitivity.
So to answer- clearly, this is not a lawsuit. Nor is it a public execution. "Banning" a member means that the person is restricted from posting, or even restricted from viewing planetz. "Can the parties be judged and left?" Absolutely. I have the right to ban whomever I wish, for any reason whatsoever, and with no explanation. Everyone should re-read the registration agreement if this isn't clear.
http://www.planetz.com/phpBB2/profile.php?mode=register
PlanetZ is a non-commercial entity- I started these forums as a place to discuss pulsar/scope stuff nearly 10 years ago. I volunteer my time to keep this place running - not really anymore for the love of scope - but because I feel a commitment to those people that choose to be here, and have made planetz a part of their lives. Consider this my home, and you my friends sitting together here chatting. I have a busy life outside of the forums, so I'm often not in the room. I'm letting you hang out and relax in my house when I'm not even here. So when i return from being away, and find a big awful mess waiting for me, it's really discouraging. **If only people could keep this metaphor in mind, I think NONE of this tiresome nonsense would ever happen**
So, after having read all your replies, and private messages, and emails, it's time to make a decision.
Someone suggested a forum mod to implement "temporary bans". One of the reasons I have so rarely banned anyone is the finality of it - the inability to make amends and self-modify/self-evolve. A temporary ban would allow the banning of individuals for some period of time, say a week, in which to cool off.
So, when an argument becomes personally abusive, hateful, etc, I will temporarily ban the involved parties, perhaps with a prior warning if warranted. If the same person is banned multiple times, then the ban will become permanent. No one will be exempt.
As I mentioned, I cannot read every thread, nor follow every argument or discussion. I cannot be omniscient. I depend on you guys to let me know via private message if I'm missing a bad scene that needs my attention.
To address Olive directly again, I recommend that you be the sole representative of DAS here, and to conduct your business here in a professional, level-headed manner. For everyone's benefit, I recommend that you ask Eric to refrain from posting in the planetz forums. Also, remember that this is not a DAS support forum - so please just post your product announcements and news. If you want to conduct beta testing and lengthy bug/design discussions, these would best be done in your own private forum. People here may criticize your products, as happens for every product everywhere in the world. Your duty should be to correct factual errors, but allow people to have their own opinions even if you disagree with them.
Huub, astro, and everyone else- please just let it go. Let it all go. Really.
Let... It.... Go....
So, that's it.
I sincerely hope that I will not even need to use the new temporary ban.
-John
