Quoting Forum Moderator:

Quote:
If you note a potentially inaccurate vote, feel free to politely PM the user in question.  If they don't respond or are not accepting PMs, it is not acceptable to bring the issue to the forums.  We consider this a form of harassment and so will be putting a stop to it.

May I ask how you will be putting a stop to it?

I got called out in this thread. Rather than post there, I decided to cast my red arrow and move on with the confidence that you would deal with it as indicated above.

The thread goes on for 2 pages. It gets locked. A few posts get removed. The offender gets some "for your reference" and "perhaps you missed" chides from the mod.

The original post which calls me out by name is allowed to remain. 

And the offender is still posting.

Where exactly did the "stop" get "put"? 

It certainly appears same-as-it-ever-was to me. 

Personally, speaking I think every user who has used this thread to attempt to get a paruicular user banned or whatever are the users that should in fact should be banned, some of you for a very LONG time. I have never understood why ken allows this thread to be used as it has been. i would have locked and sanctioned those who participate in it a very long time ago.
That includes all of you.

Quoting lyonsden5:

Quote:
A for you James for posting that. My guess is it will be removed though. As you know you can't comment on moderation.

You can ignore their "warnings" seemingly without retribution but you can't comment their actions. 

If they remove my post while leaving up the post that called me out for my vote, there's something seriously screwed up here.

Well Skip it seems like they locked the thread that we were having a conversation in, but they didn't say why exactly.  I'm not actually looking to have anyone banned, just hoping something can be done about the negative atmosphere that scares many off.

I do agree with you that they should enforce the rules and hand down bans, when applicable.  If the behavior continues then longer bans should be enforced.  The have mentioned bringing down the hammer but that hasn't appeared to be the case.

I've always thought that banning was ridiculous and unfair. I wouldn't want to deprive anyone the chance to use and participate in this program.

However, over the years my opinion has changed and I would like one user banned for life so the rest of us can get along without the insults and harassment!

Quoting lyonsden5:

Quote:
Quoting DoubleDownAgain:

Quote:
Well Skip it seems like they locked the thread that we were having a conversation in, but they didn't say why exactly.  I'm not actually looking to have anyone banned, just hoping something can be done about the negative atmosphere that scares many off.

I do agree with you that they should enforce the rules and hand down bans, when applicable.  If the behavior continues then longer bans should be enforced.  The have mentioned bringing down the hammer but that hasn't appeared to be the case.

Or perhaps this is the problem:

Hah! That's awesome...big for you sir! 

There is a quote from Kathy in Goblins' sig that I think sums up the best answer to dealing with the negativity we see in the forum:

Quote:
"It is difficult to ignore someone who you believe to be acting in a way that is inappropriate. But, that might be the best way to deal with the situation. Let us all try to do that and see if it is effective."

Yes there are users whose posts and behavior we find inappropriate.  If everyone stopped responding to those posts and that behavior - from whomever it is and whatever is posted - I sincerely believe that the behavior would cease. 

However everyone who contributes to it - by granting the behavior attention - is contributing to the problem. 

I suggest we try these steps:

1.  If a post offends you - do not respond to it.
2.  If a thread offends you - do not post in it.
3.  If you feel you cannot ignore posted messages from certain users, use the forum's block feature.  While problematic, it will likely be better than contributing to the problem.
4.  Take a personal pledge to make the forum a better place by:
    - behaving in a civilized manner in the forum
    - speaking to other members as you wish to be spoken to
    - treating all other members with respect, whether you agree with their opinion or not
    - disagreeing with another members opinion politely
    - ignoring any offensive behavior from any forum member
5.  Finally, remember what you learned in kindergarten - it is not okay to insult others and call them names.  Doing that does not make others want to play with you during recess.

I think if we all did this then the forum would be a much better place for everyone.