Being the new guy on the block, I know I don't have much reputation here, but I'd like to be here a while - and once my wife and I finish remodeling + extending our entire kitchen (sub floor and floor joist, tile, backer board, grout, cabinets, electrical....you name it. Plus, adding another 4' x 11' on entire kitchen)
I will hopefully have more time once done to be here, and hopefully learn, and help.
I was once pretty up to par on FTA, ...and I didn't even have to read the rules of this site because I already know the common sense stuff applies here. I actually admin'd a couple sites back a few years ago...
But I bet if I went into details, or said names of sites, it would violate some rules as the sites were...well just guess. It was an era from 2003 too late 2007. And I already know just from seeing the areas of this site, that sites I mod'd or admin'd on back then are very much disallowed talk here.
But there is a common factor...bad apples. Every site has them, and every site deals with it in different ways.
I think the best way, and the way I tried to do, was a friendly, non provocative private message, suggesting a lighter tone...then, use the new tool for thread ban if it continues, and onward from there.
It's never easy to kick people out, but here's the thing...we saw people return using proxy..etc, and knew it was the banned folks..But they usually would calm down.
But, I always hated ban evasion and made it so banning was last resort.
Staff, unfortunately, can't usually publicly post what mad members say in private...And sometimes staff can appear bullish if the offender plays the "big mean power hungry mod" card. That happens more than we ever would probably know...But I think things here are pretty fair and balanced, and this site has quite a nice rep to maintain.
Just my thoughts, doesn't hold much weight, but it's from my own experience.
This thread even being here is a big sign of how compassionate the owner and staff members are for the group of folks who enjoy this place.
Most sites just have rules without asking for any input from members...this is a very unique approach, and I applaud Scott for his stance (and staff members).