Here's how moderating works:
1. To take any action, the mods need to see it. That can either be through us seeing it directly, or it being reported to us via PM or via the "report to moderator" button. It should be obvious to everybody, but an active mod staff of three (me, Dons and goukii) plus a couple less active mods simply can't read through hundreds of posts per day, even if we're participating in the game threads or elsewhere.
2. Once we see a violation, we determine how to address it. We generally no longer edit posts, but we often remove them from public view. The mods then review the poster's history, both their posts and other prior issues that have been reported. "Discipline" can be having your post deleted on the low end, to a forum ban on the strictest level.
3. In terms of being banned from certain boards -- namely, Game Threads and Current Events -- we've determined as a staff that a) those boards are more susceptible to hot-headed takes, and b) often, posters who are otherwise good "citizens" lose their mind. So, we let them keep posting on the site, but restrict access.
4. Our rules are publicly posted. They're pretty extensive, mostly a combination of Jeff, Bob Day, and myself trying to give people as much notice as possible. However, for those not familiar with the "entire rule book", we helpfully highlight the key rules in blue:
The Basics:
Respect each other at all times.
Keep this site family friendly. No profanity, no sexual content, no illegal activity.
Don't be a jerk, and don't ruin CelticsBlog for others.
Have fun!
For all of the specifics, see our detailed rules below.
5. As goukii mentioned, we generally don't publicly advertise discipline. The argument "nobody else got suspended" is inaccurate, but we're not going to name names.
6. Nobody is entitled to a warning. The rules serve as that. However, for those accidentally using profanity, an automatic "Edited for profanity, please don’t do it again" warning is generated. In this particular instance, the user received that warning at least twice in the handful of posts that I reviewed. Additionally, if we notice people frequently using profanity, we will often post a public warning. The quickest way to be booted from the game thread? Post profanity immediately following a mod's warning. However, again, those warnings aren't a prerequisite for discipline.
7. In most cases, somebody who has been suspended from a board can "appeal" that suspension by PMing a mod. This has happened dozens of times, and in almost every case, we have granted the appeal. Why? Because the poster gives a genuine apology and promises that it won't happen again. In the very few times we haven't granted an appeal, it's because a) the poster has a long history of discipline elsewhere on the site, b) the poster blames others and shows no contrition, and/or c) the poster blames the mod staff for his suspension. Hint: calling our rules a "joke" isn't going to get somebody very far.
8. If people think we're not doing a good job, or just want to discuss why a rule is in place, this "Comments & Remarks" forum is the proper one for those discussions. We aren't perfect, and the community works better if you feel part of the process. So, fire away with suggestions or critiques.
