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- Go to A note on verbal abuse and site disruptions
Three strikes
In the majority of cases, we do use a "three strikes" approach. As described below, we issue warnings when a violation occurs, and only suspend members after repeated warnings have been ignored.
In fact, in some past cases, we have even allowed suspended members to return, e.g. because of an apology or because of a significant change in behavior. Unfortunately, such members tend to continue activity such as verbal abuse, so we are less likely to allow this in the future.
The "three strikes" approach may not always be appropriate. For example, if someone is issuing threats of violence against another member or if they are a suspended member who has created another identity to deliberately disrupt the site, "three strikes" may not be the appropriate response.
One interesting issue is that when a single person has multiple identities, it may appear that we are suspending several members, even though it's only one person who has created false identities to mislead others, e.g. to "gang up" on someone they dislike.
posted by
BlogitStaff
on October 11, 2003 at 6:19 AM
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A Comment Worth Reading
I rather like
benzinha's comment to my free speech post. A sort of three strikes and you're out approach.
posted by
Jemmie211
on October 11, 2003 at 1:13 AM
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The process we follow
We felt it was important to post this again for members.
In a typical scenario, a member reports a potential violation of the Terms of Use. We investigate the report, and if necessary, remove the relevant item and issue a warning that describes the violation. The most common violation is abuse of another member, e.g. using a profanity to describe another member simply because they have a different opinion.
If the member repeatedly violates the Terms of Use, e.g. continually abuses others or deliberately attempts to disrupt the site, we have no choice but to suspend their account. To learn more about the criteria used, please read the Terms of Use, particularly the "No Unlawful or Prohibited Use" section.
For obvious reasons, we cannot publish our security measures. However, it is very difficult for someone to hide their identity online.
All of us on the BN Staff work very hard to make Blogging Network an enjoyable and harassment-free environment. That is not an easy job and we always try to be as fair as possible. We would gladly welcome your input if you have some suggestions on how to improve this process.
For the past few months, we have been working to create additional posting guidelines based on member suggestions. The Terms of Use themselves are not expected to change significantly, but we believe the guidelines will help clarify them further.
posted by
BlogitStaff
on October 10, 2003 at 7:50 PM
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Look for posting guidelines next week
Dreah, thanks for the input. We're attempting to make the Terms of Use clearer with new posting guidelines which should help. The BN Staff takes no pleasure in suspending members and our time can be much better spent growing and improving the site. That's what we plan to continue to focus on.
posted by
BlogitStaff
on October 10, 2003 at 7:26 PM
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hmmm
for those of us who may be more or less dense.. some kind of Blogging Commandments.. that spell out possible violations loud and clear would be helpful.
posted by
homegirl
on October 10, 2003 at 6:55 AM
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THE SUITE101 link is missing,
probably been overloaded.. but I think I know what abuse is as I have seen it loud and clear on this network... whether parties meant to do it or not...
It's just very sad that BN has been forced to become a police state.. whether they mean for that to be the case or not..
I hope I am not overstepping my bounds here... this site has really helped me to develop my writing skills and is pushing me toward a future in writing.
posted by
homegirl
on October 10, 2003 at 6:47 AM
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Now I have to go somewhere else................
(just kidding)
Rule one: if you are being abused, TELL THE PEOPLE WHO CAN HELP YOU EVEN IF YOU THINK OR HAVE BEEN TOLD THEY WON'T.
Bullies always try to arrange your silence for a reason. Do not play their game. It is never too late!!
posted by
majroj
on October 9, 2003 at 2:57 PM
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Thank you
The information on emotional/verbal abuse that you provided a link for was very helpful in painting a clear picture of one violation of the terms of use.
There is also good information there about narcissism and megalomania, psycopathological conditions which can be often found in those who use emotional and verbal abuse to control people, similar to what has taken place at times on Blogging Network.
posted by
missyjblog
on October 9, 2003 at 1:20 PM
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