Page 1 of 1

Banned Member

Posted: June 9th, 2007, 11:04 am
by moira finnie
Hi Members and Friends,
Due to an abusive private message that was sent to one of our moderators within the last week, I am saddened to announce that SHolmes will no longer be a member here. This comes immediately after the first incident within the last month, when this member failed to grasp that the Code of Conduct does give a member the responsibility to curb his or her posted language when asked to do so by a moderator.

I was reluctant to take this step, but please bear with me as I explain why this conclusion was reached. After a careful review of all the information that I had about the original incident from several sources, I sent a follow up to the member via private message to try to clarify the issue and explain that it was the language that he used in his original message, not the opinion expressed, that prompted Klondike's actions. This was a sincere attempt to reconcile the matter with SHolmes, explain the implications of the Code of Conduct, and—most of all—encourage him to continue as a member here.

There was also a review of the matter privately with Klondike and I concluded that we'd all learned quite a bit about how we'd like to approach such issues from now on. Correspondence with other moderators and members privately also yielded some consensus of opinion about what would hopefully be less rancorous interactions in the future. Finally, a public comment about the matter was placed in Site Talk addressing the original situation, with a particular emphasis on the reasons that prompted our creating this moderated forum for the discussion of film, culture and society without sacrificing civility in the name of diversity. This comment and my private correspondence with SHolmes also acknowledged the need for all of us to learn from our experience. I had hoped that might be the end of this problem.

However, on Wednesday evening, SHolmes chose to send a personal, abusive message to Klondike rather than continue to participate in our exchange of ideas here with us. I'm truly disappointed that a personal attack on a member/moderator here would occur, especially since I thought that the original incident, like many that occur when different individuals interact, would've been allowed to blow over in time.

My optimistic view was also based on my private communication with SHolmes in the last week, which led me to think that some understanding had been reached in that period. Unfortunately, it's now pretty obvious that this individual doesn't want so much to share his thoughts as inflict them on others. Based on the experiences with this kind of behavior that we've witnessed in the recent past, I don't think that we should take the chance to allow anyone who may choose to abuse others to continue as a member. Since this private attack came so soon after the first problem with this member, SHolmes is now no longer a member of this forum.

Sorry to go on so long about this matter, but a full explanation seemed warranted so that everyone knows what's happened and understands that this action, while regrettable, is being taken to prevent any deterioration of the cooperative atmosphere being fostered here. I hope that this is never necessary again. As always, thanks for your participation and patience with our budding little site.
Sincerely,
Moira

Posted: June 9th, 2007, 1:21 pm
by mrsl
Moira:

Although this post doesn't really warrant a response, I, for one, am most grateful to you and the others, not only for this board, but your close moderation of it.

Because of that gratitude, I am happy to accept any decision from all of you regarding behavior of this boards' members. Your quick action makes me feel comfortable and protected, and except for my mouth which often overflows with rhetoric, I hope to continue following the proper conditions, and thank you for your conscientious activities.

Anne

Posted: June 9th, 2007, 11:57 pm
by Mr. Arkadin
I can understand profanity when it is part of a film title or a line repeated from a film, but there is no excuse for using it in regular conversation (not to mention capitalized).

We all read the rules when joining and agreed to these terms. He spoke of censorship in his post, but as Jon said "free speech is what I say it is" here. I am not for censorship either, but what Sholmes failed to understand is that we all censor ourselves in relation to speech and actions when it comes to the courtesy of others and the underaged or innocent.

To respond to a warning the way he did was very childish and immature. He could have reposted his same statement without the profanity, but chose to attack others personally instead.

I many times do not agree with everyone here, but I respect others views and the rules laid out to reinforce a code of decency here. Respect is a two way street. One can not have it without giving it.

Posted: June 11th, 2007, 1:33 pm
by CoffeeDan
My thanks too, Moira and Klondike, for taking this matter seriously and dealing with it quickly and decisively. Your efforts at maintaining civility on this site are much appreciated.

However, I can't help noticing that SHolmes's atavar was actress Frances Farmer, who was also known for being obnoxiously foul-mouthed. Despite her obvious talent -- she won an Oscar nomination for a double role in COME AND GET IT in 1936 -- her refusal or inability to control her profane outbursts effectively ended her film career. (I think she was later diagnosed as schizophrenic.)

Coincidence?

abusive behavoir

Posted: June 12th, 2007, 1:29 pm
by inglis
Hi Moira
I am glad that this was handled right away and that we don't have to worry about people being unkind, it gives a person a feeling of security. Thanks to all of you here who are helping this forum stay free of unwanted abuse.

Posted: June 14th, 2007, 12:29 pm
by sandykaypax
Moira, thanks for the detailed explanation of why SHolmes was banned.

Also, thanks to Moira, klondike, and Jon for keeping things civil here.

Sandy K

Posted: June 14th, 2007, 12:36 pm
by jdb1
Did a little warning bell go off for anyone besides me when SHolmes claimed to be a disabled vet who had won writing awards? That brought up definite memories of last summer's TCM website disrupter.