Members sometimes want to inquire about, question, or dispute a moderation action.
Things to consider:
What to do:
Things to consider:
- Moderation is almost always correct, appropriate, and done fairly. We know that reasonable people can have differences of opinion about the meaning of particular posts or how to interpret rules. Language is imprecise and sarcasm and nuances are hard to detect over the Internet so it's possible that your post was misinterpreted by other users and by the moderators. However, our moderators are experienced at interpreting posts, applying the Forum Rules, and making judgement calls in borderline cases.
- What's past is past. What concerns us is your future use of the forums. If you've been given a reminder, or even a temporary suspension, it's because we think you can follow the rules in the future. These actions are intended to help you use the forums properly and maintain your posting privileges.
- Follow the rules. No matter what your past forum record is, follow the rules and you'll avoid problems and get the most out of the forums.
What to do:
- If you received a reminder, temporary suspension, or ban, read any messages you've received from the moderators, which should tell you the specific information you need to know. Also see if there are related FAQs that answer questions you may have.
- Consider the reason you think you should not have been moderated and see if it's on the list of Common Rule Breaking Explanations, Excuses, and Complaints. If so, an answer is there too.
- If you still disagree, use the Contact Form and tell us why you disagree (in a calm and respectful manner). We will review your posts, account history, and the actions by the moderators based on your message and the moderation records. In most cases we will reply within one week. Sometimes we may start a personal conversation with you.
- Do not lose your temper. We are willing to review moderation cases, but blowing up will not help you make your case.
- Do not contact us without reviewing the information listed above. You'll be wasting your time and ours.
- Do not start a personal conversation to dispute moderation. Instead use the Contact Form so that the whole team has an opportunity to review the case.
- Do not report a reminder message as if you were reporting an inappropriate personal conversation; you will not get a reply.
- Do not post about moderation in the forums. To ask questions about any aspect of moderation, use the Contact Form. We do not answer questions about moderation in the forums.
- Do not insult the moderators for doing their job.
- Do not re-register during a temporary suspension or after a ban. You will likely be recognized and permanently banned. Trying to bypass a suspension or ban shows an unwillingness to respect the rules and will dim any chance you have of retaining your account or being reinstated after a ban.