I may get in trouble for this, but I have to bring it up. Recently, it appears that some members have been suspended, but I do not wish to discuss that. Rather, I find the response by moderators alarming.

Now, I am in favor of strict moderating, but it seems that "Punishments will not be discussed in public." I am deeply concerned about this as it will inevitably lead into users leaving as well as possible abuse (not an implication or insult). If users are left in the dark as to the nature of an offense and the subsequent ban, it will hurt the morale of the site. It creates an air of moderators that do what they please without answering to anybody, regardless of the actual truth of the situation (for instance if the moderators all agree on the situation; it doesn't help if a common user doesn't know that). To remedy this, I suggest instead of deleting threads and posts, simply edit out the offensive content, then make a post that issue an official warning or ban explaining the offense and duration of punishment and then lock the thread as necessary. This way, The reasons for action against a user will never be in question.

I also suggest establishing a moderation forum both to help moderators and settle any moderation issues. This will bolster public morale by allowing users to discuss moderation topics with the moderators without cluttering another forum. Since it is a moderation forum, however, it will need stricter rules than usual. I suggest this:

Moderation Forum Rules

Please do not post here unless you are reporting a problem we need to deal with

Reportable Situations:
Spamming, and this includes pic spamming and smiley spam.
Trolling, flaming, flamebaiting
Thread hijacking and derailing
Thread move/tow requests
Lock requests
Content that includes anything:
obscene
illegal
malicious
defamatory

MODS ONLY THREADS
A MODS ONLY label in a thread title means that only the following users can participate in the thread:
The person making the complaint/query
The accused (if there is an accused)
The mod or mods involved
A user providing a relevant link or relevant information
Anyone who does not fit into one of the above are not permitted to post. Should they post despite that they are not adding anything, they will be warned for spamming. Even in threads were there is no label, those who speculate, post "me too" responses and anything else irrelevant, such as off-topic bicker will likely be warned for spamming as well.

Tips
Always proof read what you write because the written word is all we have here in terms of communication. The clearer the text of your complaint or query is, the easier it is for us to understand what you want and help you more efficiently.

When possible, always link to the post that you are reporting. If you just post the text of the post without some kind of link, we will inform you that we cannot help you.

Do not bring frivolous complaints to Moderation, such as over a different of opinions. For example, if you disagree with someone, do not automatically assume that they are breaking any rules. If you have a legitimate grievance, however, do bring it to our attention.

Remember to play nice with others because when you report someone for a perceived rule violation, you may also get caught in the process. Everyone is equally accountable for his/her own actions regardless of the actions of any one else.

If someone is trolling, flaming or otherwise being obnoxious, do not reply. Report the offending thread or post to Moderation.

Be respectful of the mods and others who try to help you.



Suggestions are welcome and please at least consider this.

Banned/suspended users will of course be notified as to the reason. The reasons for punishments is NOT up for public debate, and only causes issues. The lynch mob mentality does not foster a good forum enviroment.

my only question now is...
why have you deleted one of my posts and shut the other one out?
are you afraid of something?
members will catch on eventually...
no matter how many posts the mods delete!

PMed.
And simply, this is not a democracy. Such issues are NOT for debate. No matter how popular a person is, we have rules, and we will enforce them.
Keeping reasons why a person is punished private allows them to learn from the experience, and keep hard feelings down.

what a laugh!!!
if thats the case why hasnt anyone told MDB why he is banned?

I am aware of that.

No, because I am human, and cannot respond to three different things at once.

but you still havent told him why he was banned

There are posts and threads that have no value in keeping. I am a fan of just locking most threads, though.

when it benifits you right?