I really did not want to get into this, but I do think the situation as of now is getting out of hand.
We have bots posting tons of garbage getting banned, BUT good / legit users getting a smackdown on something they did years ago. And some good users are NOT COMING BACK.
Users can appeal. If we feel that they're a net positive and it was for something that happened years ago then a sig ban will likely be issued. Several have already been done today and many more will likely come.
The problem is that they some are not appealing. I know 1 user IRL that just walked away.
Now there were other factors involved, but this was the final push.
*That* is part of the issue. He might be back, might not. You can now find him spending a lot of time on an ieee board.
-Dave
Well there's nothing we can do about that but I'm sure word will spread pretty quick and many users will be reappearing to try claim their accounts back. Most people who got banned are probably still here just on alts so I'm they'll see it. Tell your friend he can appeal if he wants. I'm not sure what you're complaining about here though. Would you rather us not issue sig bans and just leave everyone permanently banned?
If you are aware of anyone who just walks away and you think they should be allowed to return, you should encourage them to appeal their ban with reasons to why returning would benefit the forum.
I really did not want to go down this road, so I will leave it at this:
They were banned for plagiarism for several things for several years, from many places. The issue is that it was *their* work. Proving that would reveal:
1) Their real name.
2) Their real job.
3) 90% of their home address, 99.9999% of their work address.
4) Where they went to school.
So, he walks away.
His choice. Not going to get into it.
-Dave
They can appeal to mods or admins in private if they feel like they can't make their claim publicly.