I would like to thank you for your PM Megs, but I would prefer to respond on this thread for the sake of continuity, and in full participation and support of the efforts of late to improve the deteriorating situation in some of the AT threads, and the board in general. I think is a positive step to discuss these issues in the open, as opposed to the usual behind-the-scenes actions, because I believe it fosters an opportunity for real improvement and demystifies how things are going to be dealt with, so we all can move forward in a positive direction.
This exchange thus far has resulted in a faster response to reports, and members hearing you and your staff's thoughts on what should be reported, and how those reports are addressed. The ATC thread is improved now that reports are actioned quickly. I look forward to further improvements across all the threads, the forthcoming Authentication forum, a format for submitting authentication requests, and some designation for authenticators so that members know who specifically is volunteering their time to assist them, and is trusted to do so.
While I appreciate your concerns for privacy, and your belief that dealing with these infractions is best done off the board, I question the effectiveness of this policy. We have seen repeated incidences of trouble makers returning, and continuing to attack and antagonize the authenticators and other members time and time again. Earlier posts on this thread point out said members continuing to post after theses offenses as if nothing had ever happened. What message does this send? It appears as if tPF condones their behavior, and that the authenticators and other members are prevented from defending themselves. Why shouldn't they just go on attacking us? If other members don't SEE there are consequences for such actions, why would they refrain from doing the same if they decide to?
What good is a disciplinary policy that doesn't result in discipline? These "warnings" fall on deaf ears. The whole point of warning someone is to imply a stronger action is to follow, but that action never comes...and the problems continue. If you can't, or won't back it up with serious punishment, loss of posting privileges, or banning from the site, the warnings are useless. If the victims don't see the moderators removing these agitators, they logically assume nothing was done, their ability to participate here free of harassment isn't important to you or your staff, and hence their contributions mean nothing to you. They grow frustrated and quit. The entire board suffers. More courtesy and concern is extended to the rule breakers rather than to us, the positive community members. This needs to stop, or more valued members of the board, the eyes the advertisers are paying to be seen by, will leave. We authenticators drive a great deal of traffic to the board. Losing more of as the situation grows more intolerable will have it's own consequences too, unfortunately some have already quit as a result.
