Since closing down the forum to new registrations, some 13 days ago, it's been remarkably odd around here.
As everyone knows, or should know, we've always been very particular about the kinds of members we want. If you were still here on the day we closed registration, you could take that as indication that you fit in. The Mafia Family rules, in other words, were something you likely didn't have a problem following.
Imagine my surprise, then, when I started to notice an uptick in behavior that you wouldn't expect here. Since closing registration, I've terminated about 60 members. Some of them were unknown to you guys because they never posted. Instead, they were in a special category of members who had every post moderated by me. Some of them attempted to post but their messages couldn't pass muster with you guys. Therefore, they were terminated. My goal has always been to make this a drama-free place. Putting potential miscreants in a special box was my way of shielding you guys from the circus- and animal-like atmosphere that exists on other forums.
The moderators at ZHPMafia.com have also been very proactive about making sure that rude and insensitive comments are few and far between around the forum. It's a balancing act, though. We don't want to be heavy handed but we also don't want things to get out of hand. To say the least, it's been a challenge to balance those two ideas.
So, even though we don't tolerate boorish, rude, unprofessional behavior around here, we do our best to make sure that the membership is unaffected when it does occur. Moderators are quick to delete posts and follow up with members who we think may need a reminder of what this forum is all about. I'd guess that 98% of the time, it only takes one note. The member gets our message and returns to being a valuable member. However, that's not always the case.
Some members require reminder after reminder. It's gets to the point that these members become high maintenance. They're so frequently in need of reminders and corrective action that members even notice and comment about it (in private messages we receive). Which leads me to today's post.
Two weeks ago, I wrote this: "Likewise, and unfortunately, some of our own may one day stray. A handful of you may feel the need to be disruptive down the road. Even with private messages from me, reminding you of the family atmosphere and friendly tone of the site, you'll continue to behave in a way that does not fit in here. Once I realize that no amount of corrective action will work, you'll be terminated. I won't create a post letting everyone know. You'll just disappear. It's my hope that no one ever gets to that point. As far as I can tell, and if I had to make a prediction, I'd guess that it's not going to happen. But you never know. At least, though, I am on record for putting my thoughts out there about the possibility (and what consequences exist if it does happen)."
I'm sorry to report that I've already been proven wrong. A handful of people have not only been banned, they've been deleted. They'll never return here. Unlike other forums that temporarily ban members (for 7 to 10 days at a time), we don't do that here. Instead, we try to correct issues by gently but firmly dealing with the issues behind the scenes. All the while, the offending members are permitted to post. We've found that to be a great way of working with people. It doesn't put anyone on the spot. We don't want to embarrass our members. And if you do receive a personal note from a moderator, please don't be offended. The note is not meant to offend. We're just trying to give you the courtesy of a reminder (in a private manner). Our goal is to work with you behind the scenes.
Anyhow, if you do notice that someone has been terminated, please understand that the termination is a reflection of our belief that no amount of corrective action could be achieved with the terminated member. In some cases, we may have sent ten messages to the member. In other cases, we may have sent four. It's rare that someone will do something so egregious that they'll be terminated for their first offense (though it did happen earlier this week).
Let me cut to the chase, though (I know you guys/girls have better things to do than read my lengthy note). We're a closed forum. No one else is coming in (we've had no new members in two weeks). Members are leaving, though. Because we no longer have to concentrate on making sure that new members don't create disturbances around here, we've been able to focus on our existing membership. For members who have had a checkered past around here (or a past that has required a lot of personal attention from us), I want you to understand that we have (with several of you) got to the end of the line. There won't be any more private messages for some of you. Instead, you'll just be shown the door. This is a worst-case scenario for me personally because there are a few of you who I really enjoy most of the time. I'd hate to see you go. But go you will. And because there is no petition to undo the termination, it will be permanent.
You guys all made the cut ahead of the registration closure. In many ways you've been hand selected as the type of member we're looking for. What's so odd is that the behavior issues (involving more members) have cropped up after closing the place down. You'd think that people would have done it the other way around. With no new registrations, people are now essentially receiving the death penalty. Anyhow, it is what it is.
So, please, guys/gals, let's continue to make this forum a friendly and professional place to be. Given the composition of our membership, this should not be a difficult thing to do.
Thanks.
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Originally Posted by johnrando
