Going forward I will begin enacting a four step program: I will begin issuing a verbal warning (publicly), followed by a formal private warning, followed by an official profile warning, and if further action needs to take place it will be moved directly to a temporary ban (24 hour) for any user that choices to “troll” a topic or user. Further actions will be addressed on a case-by-case basis. This includes, but is not limited to;
- Direct, or indirect, attacks on a person’s opinion, character, or otherwise. An “attack” being defined as a post whom the main concern is to negatively combat a user, his opinion, or his ability to have an opinion. Example: “You don’t shield hop, so you don’t understand how Shield Cooldowns will affect the metagame.” In this example, there is no counter-point, it simply exists to defame the other user and remove their ability to have an opinion - the ‘attacker’ in this scenario disregards the other users’ ability to have an opinion based solely because they do not play the game the same way. There are no qualifiers to have any opinion.
- Off-topic or non-contributing posts (examples: image macros, memes, or quips used in such a way that add they nothing to the conversation at hand [in an effort to derail or otherwise devalue the conversation]). The posting of an image macro or meme does not automatically mean you’re doing something wrong, but if you are using them to harbor negative emotions or reactions, then you shall receive a penalty.
- Intentional argumentative behaviour or other such means that only serve to create tension and not discussion. Examples: Circular or Repetitive Arguments. Please note the keyword “intentional”. Simply using something like a strawman argument will not automatically incur a penalty, however, if we feel you are doing so on purpose, to negatively impact the conversation or a user, you shall receive a penalty.
- Intentional ploys for argumentative behaviour. Examples: flame baiting (making a post specifically to garner arguments), general trolling, and outwardly negative engagements (such as direct snark, belittlement, etc). We’re all a little sarcastic sometimes, and that’s okay - we’re all human beings here - but please, try to avoid making statements that have the sole repercussion of stirring up an argument.
- Any form of harassment. Please note that I do not personally take this allegation lightly and will thoroughly investigate each event on a case-by-case basis. Users “playing the victim” will be aptly punished, just as users that choice to try and “punish” users.
I will give approximately a week before I start handing out ‘official first warnings’ to any users, as to give everyone a chance to see this post, but going forward, I won’t blindly ignore any mean behaviour between users. You do not have to respect someone’s opinion to be humane to someone, nor do you need to “like” their personality to treat them with respect.
If you see a post that you feel is overtly confrontational, aggressive, or otherwise inappropriate do not hesitate to press the “Report” button. I will address each Report individually and responsibly. In the majority of cases, I will not proceed with any official actions without talking to all parties involved first. If you do not trust that your Report will be properly handled, please feel free to send myself, and of the other green names, or any of the red names (list of red and green names here) with your concerns.
Finally, this is not to attempt to silence naysayers, nor snuff out discussion or debate, however, the forums have taken a particularly nasty turn within the last two or three months, and rather than continuing to put faith that things will turn themselves around through self-moderation, I am greasing the wheels myself, 'cause letting it be is just not working.
In closing, if you can’t state your opinion without being nasty; don’t. Feel free to believe I am being heavy handed, but if you talk to the folks I have actually spoken to about rule infringements - I’m very casual and easy going about it. I’ve never processed a single profile warning, nor have I ever banned anyone - just a few simple PMs (or the occasional Line message if I think that would be easier). I’m not one to shot first and ask questions later. It’s just not my style.
