Update: Moderation Alerts, Warnings, Points & You

In an attempt to continue our candid dialogue about moderation and provide our members with more transparency with how moderation works, I'd like to bring some attention to three recent updates.

Alerts on Moderation
From the Sep 17 forum update: Moderators now have the option to send a notification/reason to thread/post author. This has significantly reduced confusion and post-moderation conflicts.

Temporary Ban Time Now Displayed
From the Oct 16 forum update: When a user has received warnings that results in a temporary ban, the ban expiration date will now be calculated across the active warnings and displayed to the user. Very few have to worry about this, but it should cut down on some confusion and the urge to created multiple accounts.

Moderation Warning Points
We've restructured how these work to make it a bit more clear and less aggressive.

For those who don't know, if it's determined by mods that a user deserves a more formal warning (vs an alert), the user will receive a private conversation and warning points; the default is 1 point per warning, which remains active for 1 month.

• 3 points = 1 day ban.
• 5 points = 1 week ban.
• 10 points = Banned until the points expire, which can range from days to months based on the number of points and when they each expire.
• In some cases a permanent ban may be applied based on the severity of the rules violation or situation.

We'll see how this works and make adjustments if necessary.

How to Avoid Moderation and Conflicts with Moderators
It's easy.

1. Follow the rules.
2. Remember that mods, who are also users, are simply enforcing the rules; mostly based on reports from other users.
3. Don't take moderation personally. None of us here are perfect.
4. Take a moment to read: Candid Dialogue About Moderation

We strongly believe that all of the above will help create a better community and take another step towards breaking down the moderation wall.

Thanks,