Were you banned from Hubpages? If yes, did they give you the justifica

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  1. maxoxam41 profile image65
    maxoxam41posted 10 years ago

    justification? If not like me. Someone can arbitrarily ban anyone for unjustified reason! What is the mean of defense for someone that is banned? Why can't he/she face a trial? Are we a microcosm of democracy or not?

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    1. wilderness profile image94
      wildernessposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Why were you banned?

      And no, we are NOT a microcosm of democracy; HubPages ownes this site, lock stock and barrel.  No voting needed or allowed.

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      1. maxoxam41 profile image65
        maxoxam41posted 10 years agoin reply to this

        I don't know why, you tell me. In fact people decide to ban someone with Hubpages's blessing, that's what I am against. I want Hubpages to give me a rational justification of someone else's decision. What can I do once I am banned. Nothing. My right to speech or defense is inexistent.

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        1. psycheskinner profile image77
          psycheskinnerposted 10 years agoin reply to this

          If you want to know why Hubpages banned you, I suggest asking them.

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          1. John Holden profile image61
            John Holdenposted 10 years agoin reply to this

            9 times out of 10 they won't tell you, just refer you to the meaningless T&C.

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            1. psycheskinner profile image77
              psycheskinnerposted 10 years agoin reply to this

              To take OPs complaint seriously I would want to know he tried that, and what the reply was.
              Failing that, knowing the day it happened and the Tos one could probably find the offending post.  the forum guidelines are pretty straightforward.  It is almost always something along the line of using a personal insult.

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              1. John Holden profile image61
                John Holdenposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                I've now been banned three or four times and never to my knowledge for a personal insult.

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                1. maxoxam41 profile image65
                  maxoxam41posted 10 years agoin reply to this

                  And did you know why or was it a supposition?

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              2. maxoxam41 profile image65
                maxoxam41posted 10 years agoin reply to this

                "almost", "something along the line..." what makes it vague. Your attempt to dissolve them is at your honor but not enough for me!

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            2. maxoxam41 profile image65
              maxoxam41posted 10 years agoin reply to this

              Exact. What makes me believe that they go through them. If they don't why to give the authority to the quidam?

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          2. maxoxam41 profile image65
            maxoxam41posted 10 years agoin reply to this

            I twice asked them (in former bans) and they were vague. I want a detailed answer.

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            1. wilderness profile image94
              wildernessposted 10 years agoin reply to this

              The problem is, as I see it, that you think you have a right to post here when you do not.  Your title and OP in this thread bear this out - you claim it was not justified while at the same time claiming you have no idea why it was done.  The two claims are the antithesis of each other and you cannot reasonable make both. 

              But HubPages isn't interested in any defense or apology you might offer - they banned you and don't care what you think about it or that you think they don't have a right to do so.  They don't need to give you justification, and most definitely do not need to give justification you agree with.

              I've been banned twice; the first time there were only a few posts and isolating the one that did the "damage" was easy.  I didn't agree with it, but it wasn't my choice - it is and was HubPages and I can either live with it or move on to another site.

              The second time I understood very well why I was banned and agreed with it - I had learned a little about why HubPages institutes a ban.  You can do the same thing if you will quit assuming it has to fit your concept of what is bannable and simply try to figure out what HP considers a bannable offense.

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    2. Quilligrapher profile image71
      Quilligrapherposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Are you sure your ban was unjustified? Hubpages is not a democracy. Read the terms of service. They tell you all the reasons that may cause you to be banned.
      http://s2.hubimg.com/u/6919429.jpg

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      1. wilderness profile image94
        wildernessposted 10 years agoin reply to this

        Difficult to follow, but I gathered the OP doesn't know why he was banned.  And if he doesn't know, he certainly doesn't know if it was justified or not...

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        1. maxoxam41 profile image65
          maxoxam41posted 10 years agoin reply to this

          Their explanation is always GENERAL, I want the DETAIL. Show me that I was WRONG. But to bend without a good fight is not ME.

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          1. wilderness profile image94
            wildernessposted 10 years agoin reply to this

            Unfortunately, it is a fight you cannot win by fighting it.  Only by accepting it and understanding why it was done, without worrying about it being fair or even ethical, can you win, and only if you quit making the same offense.

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            1. maxoxam41 profile image65
              maxoxam41posted 10 years agoin reply to this

              Will you also advice me to report anybody that disagrees or insults me?
              I several times disagreed with you, it doesn't make you my enemy but an opponent.

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              1. profile image0
                Motown2Chitownposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                Report all the disagreements you wish.  Should there be present in the text an actual insult, I'm sure you'll be able to get anyone you wish banned.  If not, you and everyone else will all float on.

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              2. wilderness profile image94
                wildernessposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                Whether or not you report people is up to you.  I report quite often - but only for spamming the forums.  I have never reported a personal attack, even one carried out on me, and I have been the unhappy recipient of more than a couple personal attacks.  It just isn't worth it to me.

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      2. maxoxam41 profile image65
        maxoxam41posted 10 years agoin reply to this

        Hubpages doesn't ban. People ban. Hubpages obeys without checking its veracity. I was ban for a month and until I don't know why.

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        1. profile image0
          HowardBThinameposted 10 years agoin reply to this

          I was unaware of that - having never been banned. But, if what you say is correct, it probably says more about the person who requested your ban than about you. These are public forums and all opinions should be welcome, but some people are just overly-sensitive. From what I've seen of your posts - you seem like a decent guy. I don't see you making vicious attacks on others or anything else.

          Just put it down to some people being too thin-skinned. As a kid, my parents raised me not to be a "tattletale" and I taught my kids the same thing. When we get to be adults, I think we should be better suited to deal with others - without tattling.

          I don't think this is a common occurrence, this is really the first time I've heard of it.  I guess one of the risks of being on a forum like this is running into people who don't have similar social skills.

          Thanks for starting this thread. It's been enlightening.

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          1. John Holden profile image61
            John Holdenposted 10 years agoin reply to this

            And lacking in understanding of the English language and its changing usage from one English speaking country to another English speaking country.

            My last 7 day ban was for telling somebody they were being obtuse, which in my country is accepted to mean "missing the point" from the hysterical reaction my post received and the following ban I can only conclude that it means something else in your country.

            Which raises the question "should people be banned for, what is to them, proper use of language?

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            1. Kathryn L Hill profile image80
              Kathryn L Hillposted 10 years agoin reply to this

              obtuse:
              1 annoyingly insensitive or slow to understand:
              obtuse adjective. Dictionary

              stupid, slow-witted, slow, dull-witted, unintelligent, ignorant, simpleminded, witless; insensitive, imperceptive, uncomprehending; dim, dimwitted, dense, dumb, slow on the uptake, halfwitted, brain-dead, moronic, cretinous, thick, dopey, lamebrained, dumb-ass, dead from the neck up, boneheaded, chowderheaded. ANTONYMS clever, astute. Thesaurus

              What does YOUR dictionary/thesaurus say?

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              1. John Holden profile image61
                John Holdenposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                "annoyingly insensitive or slow to understand:"

                and it was pretty obvious from the context that I used it in that I meant "slow to understand".

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                1. Kathryn L Hill profile image80
                  Kathryn L Hillposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                  you said you meant, "missing the point."

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                  1. John Holden profile image61
                    John Holdenposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                    That is missing the point!

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                2. Cgenaea profile image61
                  Cgenaeaposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                  I personally see nothing wrong with "slow to understand" but that too is banable??? Hey!!! I've got some reporting to do!!! wink
                  ...think i'll skip it; already "filed" it. Still got all my skin. Lol...

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                  1. John Holden profile image61
                    John Holdenposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                    Well if somebody is slow to understand . . .

                    Perhaps I should have told them that they were wonderfully astute smile

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              2. Cgenaea profile image61
                Cgenaeaposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                Hey! As a Christian,  I have been labeled with outright adjectives: unintelligent, unlearned, ignorant, delusional, lacking common sense. And my God gets it too.
                Then again, I aint no tattler. I simply respond. The report button is never my response either. I must have thick skin. And/or the ability to place rude comments in their proper "file"

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                1. maxoxam41 profile image65
                  maxoxam41posted 10 years agoin reply to this

                  Or rounded at the extremity! Is it our fault if someone is too sensitive. Aren't we adults?

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                  1. Cgenaea profile image61
                    Cgenaeaposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                    I suspect a few. smile
                    I have heard many insults. There is one who does it with confidence. An absolute rant and a half with a smile. Hardly ever banned. Must know somebody... wink
                    It is unfair.

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            2. maxoxam41 profile image65
              maxoxam41posted 10 years agoin reply to this

              Is "being obtuse" a personal attack? It is still an opinion. Then what is the limit not to reach?

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          2. Cgenaea profile image61
            Cgenaeaposted 10 years agoin reply to this

            Good observation to me.

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          3. maxoxam41 profile image65
            maxoxam41posted 10 years agoin reply to this

            I accept the difference of opinion. Whoever can gain my support if they rationally debate. In 6 years I personally banned one person because he was racist it is to say how tolerant I am. I disagree a lot but it doesn't mean that I will PUNISH someone because she or he thinks differently.

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            1. MelissaBarrett profile image59
              MelissaBarrettposted 10 years agoin reply to this

              You realize you didn't ban anyone? Right? You reported. Is that what you are mad about? Someone reported you?

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              1. maxoxam41 profile image65
                maxoxam41posted 10 years agoin reply to this

                Reporting means ban don't play with me. Then why don't they bring the evidence?
                As a proof superkev just insulted me. I didn't report him and he is still online.
                Given your answers you will be more likely not be reported, because you are part of the majority, most of the conservatives on this platform like a jovial debater but the one that criticizes and brings other sources but the mainstream media ones will be subjected to banishment because they dare titillate their hypersensitivity.

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                1. MelissaBarrett profile image59
                  MelissaBarrettposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                  BAHAHAHAH! I was drinking coffee dude, now my keyboard is sticky.

                  I get the fight the power stuff. I think all this energy could be funneled into fighting the power that actually matters. I mean really, you could have fired off 20 petitions or wrote a manifesto or something in the time it took to argue a banning on forum that maybe 50 people read and that no real change will ever come from.

                  In addition, it's kinda a bummer but I don't think you'd be cool with someone coming to YOUR site and telling you what you had to allow on it. Just saying.

                  So someone reported you. Big deal. So the people who own this site agreed that you broke the rules... again big deal. Does this really affect your life in any meaningful way? Isn't there something more productive you could be doing?

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                  1. maxoxam41 profile image65
                    maxoxam41posted 10 years agoin reply to this

                    Always cracking a good joke!
                    If I had to report you over and over without any justification to support it, would you still use this light tone or would you start questioning Hubpages's ethics?

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                2. bethperry profile image82
                  bethperryposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                  Maxoxam41,
                  this is an interesting subject, for I didn't even know there was such a thing as a temporary ban.I was always under the impression if someone gets banned, they stay banned.

                  But I don't think anyone is trying to "play" you about the difference between reporting and banning. I know I've reported a few folks for flaming others, and I haven't noticed any of them getting the boot. Not that I seek to get anyone booted out - that does seem a little drastic. The few exceptions I can think of is if a person is deliberately stalking another member, knowingly defaming others, a demonstrated pattern of harassment, spreading libel or posting purely commercial material for personal gain.

                  I do feel if a member gets banned they deserve to be told exactly why. Such consideration may not be an obligation Hupages admin. has, of course. Yet such explanations are common courtesy and show professionalism. And I hope you receive an answer to your questions very soon. Good luck!

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                  1. maxoxam41 profile image65
                    maxoxam41posted 10 years agoin reply to this

                    Courtesy and professionalism don't seem to be part of their motto. We can write, open forum, bring advertising, advertise... but they have no obligation towards the VERY indispensable element of their platform, the writer.

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        2. Cgenaea profile image61
          Cgenaeaposted 10 years agoin reply to this

          I am fogggy about my month-long ban and tried to get answers but remembered how difficult that can be. I do hate it. One minute you're fine and smartly debating; then BAM... the cop.

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          1. maxoxam41 profile image65
            maxoxam41posted 10 years agoin reply to this

            Exactly! And it is fair according to Hubpages?

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            1. Cgenaea profile image61
              Cgenaeaposted 10 years agoin reply to this

              Appears so. I am always taken aback by the "form letter" responses that scream, "you figure it out" smile
              However, I am alive for a short time. I say what is necessary; be it received or no. But I bet that if the context of the "offenses" were viewed I would have only been banned half as much. But they've probably got lots of reporters and not as many report verifiers. What will be will be.
              I gotta be meeeee! Thinkn Sammy Davis smile

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        3. wilderness profile image94
          wildernessposted 10 years agoin reply to this

          Of course it is people that ban - HubPages is a paper corporation that can do nothing without the people in it's employ.

          If, on the other hand, you're claiming that it is some hubber, not an employee of HP, that banned you, you are badly mistaken.  No one outside of HP can ban anyone.

          I do have to wonder, though, if you don't know the reason what makes you think it was without justification?  Can you justify that claim?

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          1. Cgenaea profile image61
            Cgenaeaposted 10 years agoin reply to this

            I personally can answer that by saying, because I don't use comments that I consider banable. The context of the conversation should be looked at when considering banning. People say, well you're a doodie head!  I respond with you're a bigger doodie head! (Or something like that) and I see the "cop"
            I really think people consider it fun to bait for bans. ESPECIALLY when you show them that they are no smarter than you.

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            1. maxoxam41 profile image65
              maxoxam41posted 10 years agoin reply to this

              Isn't it an abuse of power and who will overlook the abuse if not Hubpages but apparently no power is exerted otherwise they would have brought you the evidence.

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              1. Cgenaea profile image61
                Cgenaeaposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                Yep! But this is their show. They may ban at will.
                Ours is not to reason why... wink
                No petty bickering with someone who will not be banned for arguing with you; and most often starting the crap.

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                1. maxoxam41 profile image65
                  maxoxam41posted 10 years agoin reply to this

                  Yes. I agree. If we are several people to agree upon a dysfunction doesn't it mean that the dysfunction exist? I'm not talking to Hubpages's defenders since their judgment is blinded by their interests. They wouldn't want their image to be broken.

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                  1. MelissaBarrett profile image59
                    MelissaBarrettposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                    No, it means that a few people share an opinion. If all my friends agree that unicorns are real, it doesn't prove they exist.

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                  2. wilderness profile image94
                    wildernessposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                    Hmm.  I haven't seen any HP defenders here, just people trying to explain the facts of internet sites to you.  While you continue to exclaim that you have rights to do whatever you wish on someone else's site.

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          2. maxoxam41 profile image65
            maxoxam41posted 10 years agoin reply to this

            What about the "report" button? Now that one of their employee does the job, it has to be proven! And in your profile page isn't there a function in the "accolades" window that congratulates delations?

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      3. maxoxam41 profile image65
        maxoxam41posted 10 years agoin reply to this

        I know which they are, I just want the proof. I can denounce whoever would disagree with me and they will be ban, on which ground do they ban? If it is justified I want them to prove me I did wrong.

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    3. Cgenaea profile image61
      Cgenaeaposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Heck no. I got a response one time that generally explained. But ok, the emperor gave me a thought just now. I do try...keep on getting banned. And I never know the exact comment that did it.

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      1. maxoxam41 profile image65
        maxoxam41posted 10 years agoin reply to this

        Exactly it is evasive.

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    4. gmwilliams profile image83
      gmwilliamsposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      In many cases, bans are extreme.  I suggest that bans should be for extreme personal attacks, cyberbullying, and trolling.  If a person elects to engage in some intense banter which could include strong emphasis, a ban is unnecessary.   If a person's temperament is overly sensitive, then h/she should not be in the forums in the first place.   Strong opinions including emphasis should be encouraged and not penalized.  This is political correctness taken to an extreme level.  Bans should be for extreme personal attacks using profanity, cyberbullying, and trolling, that's IT!

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      1. John Holden profile image61
        John Holdenposted 10 years agoin reply to this

        Overly sensitive!

        Remind me Grace, who threw a major wobble when I told them they were being obtuse (i.e.. missing the point)?

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      2. EncephaloiDead profile image55
        EncephaloiDeadposted 10 years agoin reply to this

        That would be reasonable if indeed there was consistent moderation on these forums, but there is little if no moderation at all here.

        Usually, moderators are visible members who engage and generate discussions. They will rarely ban anyone unless it is extreme. Banning is not a solution, it only serves to create more problems, especially when the invisible person doing the banning never explains or even points out what was said.

        Good moderators get involved by talking to those who may be pushing the boundaries of the TOS, explaining why their comments could lead them to eventually getting banned if their actions become extreme.

        Moderation here appears to consist of someone at Hubpages being saddled with dealing with the "Report" button emails in their inbox, clearing them out by simply hitting the ban button whenever the reports come in, most likely never actually reading any of the posts. The person who was banned often has no clue as to what happened, hence they can never understand what it is they did and will most likely repeat the action again. That is why it is very important for a moderator to explain themselves, to get involved with the community, rather than being an invisible entity with a big stick.

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        1. Prodio profile image59
          Prodioposted 10 years agoin reply to this

          I just reported this one!

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          1. AshtonFirefly profile image71
            AshtonFireflyposted 10 years agoin reply to this

            I'm not sure if this is a joke or you're serious...

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            1. Prodio profile image59
              Prodioposted 10 years agoin reply to this

              Serious!

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              1. AshtonFirefly profile image71
                AshtonFireflyposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                Why did you report it?

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                1. Prodio profile image59
                  Prodioposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                  The reasons are quite apparent.

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                  1. AshtonFirefly profile image71
                    AshtonFireflyposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                    He was saying that he thought a HP mod was not doing the monitoring correctly....I'm not sure how that is banworthy unless he was degrading them or personally attacking them. Imo But you know. I may be wrong.

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        2. profile image0
          Motown2Chitownposted 10 years agoin reply to this

          I think I skipped over this post. And unfairly, because you make some good points.  It has long been my opinion that the forum modrator(s) should have a much more visible presence at HP.  It's a vital component of the site and I think it deserves more concentrated attention than it receives from staff. It wouldn't hurt for things like warnings and maybe the occasional cautionary message to get thrown out there.

          That being said, there are a couple of things that I think we forget sometimes.  We're all adults and should be able to police ourselves AND most importantly, being banned from forum participation is not equivalent to being censored. Usually, a hubber is still free to write hubs to their heart's content, which get published without censorship unless they are poor quality or in clear violation of rules.

          That's just my take on it.

          smile

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      3. maxoxam41 profile image65
        maxoxam41posted 10 years agoin reply to this

        I agree.

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    5. rhamson profile image69
      rhamsonposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I was temporarily banned for 24 hours. I deserved it.

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      1. maxoxam41 profile image65
        maxoxam41posted 10 years agoin reply to this

        At least you knew why, didn't you?

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        1. rhamson profile image69
          rhamsonposted 10 years agoin reply to this

          I was not told why. I just figured it was due to the last post that was part of a string of posts that got pretty heated. Anyway I try to cool my jets now before I get so sharp tongued.

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          1. maxoxam41 profile image65
            maxoxam41posted 10 years agoin reply to this

            You see. A dictatorship. No one can express oneself without fearing the consequences. Was it yesterday that I read a post praising Hubpages that underlined our freedom of speech, the "harmony" reigning in the debates. An harmonious debate, by extension doesn't exist since a platform will automatically gather several political, social, cultural backgrounds. Either we have an open debate and the hypersensitive is, like in Darwin's natural selection, eliminated, either maccarthyism is the rule. Yesterday's communists are today's conspirationists (I like this word).

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          2. maxoxam41 profile image65
            maxoxam41posted 10 years agoin reply to this

            It would be interesting to know that since it was a heated debate if you were the only one sanctioned? Now do you think that it is fair that someone reported (probably because she/he was losing the argumentation) you and that your opponent could keep on expressing herself/himself without fearing Damocles's sword from you or from a superior authority?

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  2. AshtonFirefly profile image71
    AshtonFireflyposted 10 years ago

    Have you contacted the big people of Hubpages about it?

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    1. maxoxam41 profile image65
      maxoxam41posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      No point, they always refuge themselves behind their ivory towers. I just want them to copy/paste my offence so that I can defend myself without ostracizing me for a long limited period.

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      1. profile image0
        Rad Manposted 10 years agoin reply to this

        Strange, they've done just that for me on more than one occasion?

        Give it a try.

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        1. maxoxam41 profile image65
          maxoxam41posted 10 years agoin reply to this

          I believe you.

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  3. Kathryn L Hill profile image80
    Kathryn L Hillposted 10 years ago

    Well, I know one thing for sure… if you accuse someone of saying the king's new clothes are really exquisite and join in to explain the clothes he was wearing in great detail, (when in all actuality the king was naked,) you will be banned. Happened twice.  Then I realized any personal attack against another is a ban-able offense, as it should be.

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    1. maxoxam41 profile image65
      maxoxam41posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      What is a personal attack because your opinion will differ?

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      1. Prodio profile image59
        Prodioposted 10 years agoin reply to this

        Now that is a tricky question: What is a personal attack? If you visit the 'Forum rules' section of this website - you will find that they mention it - but don't define it.

        Perhaps they have left it to users to use their intuition to define what constitutes a personal attack.





        "What are we not allowed to do in the Forums?

        Making Personal Attacks: Debate and disagreements on points of substance are all right, but personal attacks, petty bickering, extreme profanity, and thread hijacking will be dealt with swiftly."

        http://hubpages.com/faq/#forums-violations

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        1. Cgenaea profile image61
          Cgenaeaposted 10 years agoin reply to this

          Right! The definition is foggy. Intuition, I guess. But it can be a bit "left to interpretation" as to what constitutes what.
          I have been raked over hot coals for hours with insult upon insult. And THEN banned.
          I always have to ask myself,  "What in the world did I say???"

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          1. Prodio profile image59
            Prodioposted 10 years agoin reply to this

            Then you must ask Red Man!

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            1. profile image0
              Motown2Chitownposted 10 years agoin reply to this

              Has he recently become responsible for deciding who gets banned here at HP?

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              1. Prodio profile image59
                Prodioposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                Red Men are always quite intuitive, you know.

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                1. profile image0
                  Rad Manposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                  Please tell me the error in my name was not purposeful?

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                  1. Prodio profile image59
                    Prodioposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                    'Is your intuition right about God?'

                    http://hubpages.com/forum/topic/122318

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            2. Cgenaea profile image61
              Cgenaeaposted 10 years agoin reply to this

              Aaahhh... I see.
              Ya know... I could've sworn that some of my forum mates are 16 posing... wink

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              1. Prodio profile image59
                Prodioposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                16 posing?

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                1. Cgenaea profile image61
                  Cgenaeaposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                  16 years old; posing as adults. smile

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                  1. Prodio profile image59
                    Prodioposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                    Oh ok. smile

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            3. profile image0
              Rad Manposted 10 years agoin reply to this

              Sorry, I've only ever hit the report button once or twice and that was a while back. But I can tell you I've had numerous bans however the moderators are very reasonable. Recently I was coming off a month long ban when I was suddenly given a three month ban. I asked the moderators what I had said that prompted the ban and was presented with 3 things that had I guess been reported. I showed the moderator the context of the posts and indicated that none of them were personal attacks or petty bickering and they must have agreed and lifted the ban.

              I try to never make anything personal. Calling someone obtuse is personal, while telling them that there idea is full of holes is not.

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              1. Prodio profile image59
                Prodioposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                That sounded quite Christlike.

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              2. maxoxam41 profile image65
                maxoxam41posted 10 years agoin reply to this

                Your example reflects the reigning insanity. It is obvious that people abuse of this report button. And it is clear that objectivity isn't the driving force. Obtuse also means "rounded at the extremity" why would we automatically assume that you meant the worst? In that case, is it your fault or the offended?

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                1. profile image0
                  Rad Manposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                  What dictionary do you have? Mine says obtuse means annoyingly insensitive or slow to understand.

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        2. maxoxam41 profile image65
          maxoxam41posted 10 years agoin reply to this

          "...petty bickering, extreme profanity, and thread hijacking will be dealt with swiftly", I understand VERY well, now I want them to present the evidence.

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  4. bBerean profile image61
    bBereanposted 10 years ago

    Although HP may just be following their ToS, unable to monitor every post their reliance on the report button results in disproportionate enforcement.  Certain folks here have proven prolific reporters, and only against those opposing their views.  Since the other side rarely engages in this petty practice, one side of some arguments suffers the wrath of HP for questionable comments, while the other side continues on their merry way, frequently making the same violations they complain of, but doing so with impunity.  Sadly, I have seen many good hubbers grow weary of the nonsense and move on.  I have learned to be very careful, particularly when posting anything I know may offend the vigilantes.

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    1. psycheskinner profile image77
      psycheskinnerposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I report posts. I do this because I agree with the policy that personal insults should not be used. And because while I have many faults, I am not a hypocrite. I think calling people a $%%&&@# is not a good thing for the forums.  But anyone and toward anyone. This is not the school yard where I have to put up with crap I dislike out of fear of my peers.

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      1. John Holden profile image61
        John Holdenposted 10 years agoin reply to this

        I quite agree but all too often it is used to stifle disagreement,

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        1. profile image0
          Motown2Chitownposted 10 years agoin reply to this

          I agree with psyche completely. There is a lot of speculation in this thread that report=ban.  I don't believe that at all.  HP makes the decision to ban or not, and I do NOT believe they make those decisions based on the number of reports.  I've seen folks banned for remarks that were entirely innocuous in my opinion, and have seen others use downright cruel and inflammatory language repeatedly and seem to never miss a minute of posting.  It is useless in stifling disagreements.  I also fine it amusing that a select few on all sides of issues seem to feel unfairly targeted.  Short answer - if you know you shouldn't say it, don't.  If you choose to say it anyway while being fully aware of the consequences, don't whine about being banned.

          *No "you" is intended personally, just a universal "you."

          smile

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          1. John Holden profile image61
            John Holdenposted 10 years agoin reply to this

            "I've seen folks banned for remarks that were entirely innocuous in my opinion, and have seen others use downright cruel and inflammatory language repeatedly and seem to never miss a minute of posting."

            Thus backing the idea that banning are indiscriminate. Some get banned for trifles, others don't get banned for flagrant abuse.

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            1. profile image0
              Motown2Chitownposted 10 years agoin reply to this

              I don't disagree with that, but I do vehemently maintain that just because one gets reported doesn't mean they will be banned. My point is that people are often reported (and told such) by many people and not banned. If all it took to get banned was to be reported, that wouldn't be the case.

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          2. EncephaloiDead profile image55
            EncephaloiDeadposted 10 years agoin reply to this

            That would certainly support the fact there is very poor moderation here.

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          3. bBerean profile image61
            bBereanposted 10 years agoin reply to this

            Report does not = ban.  I never said it did.  Report = "please review and scrutinize".  Political correctness is all about censorship, so not surprisingly it seems the PC folks tend to be the ones embracing this process.  If their view comes through in who gets reported, while they themselves are not reported for the same or worse behavior, the result is disproportionate enforcement of the ToS.



            Yes, HP does...but their scrutiny is largely, if not almost completely, based on reports.  I never said the people didn't technically violate the ToS, (even if it is a bit of a stretch).  I am saying violating ToS doesn't seem to get you banned unless reporting is included.  If someone targets another, they will probably be successful in getting them banned eventually. 



            Your statement supports my assertions.  What do you think the difference is?  Perhaps who hits the report button and who doesn't?  Some good hubbers are now gone because of this, so I would say it can be quite effective in stifling disagreements, at least in the bigger picture.



            Considering I know you are familiar with the same instances I am, over the years, I am bit surprised you can say this.  I am aware of your alliances, so perhaps that is a factor in your not seeing the discrepancies.  Just wondering, have you ever seen anyone repeatedly banned, (or even banned once), for telling believers they personally are ignorant, uneducated, delusional, etc?  That is probably the most prolific personal attack in the religious forums, but it goes unchecked because those on the receiving end are not thin skinned enough to turn to that report button.  Of course, every time this topic comes up, everyone is on good behavior for a short time, but you have been around so I suspect you know exactly what I am talking about.



            Good advice, and all the more so when dealing with certain folks, or speaking against certain topics.  Be vague, and general and perhaps you can still make your point.  I am not complaining, by the way about my own banning.  So far it has only happened once.  Since then I have been aware of the active dynamic in play and framed my responses accordingly.  Sad to have to be so careful, but that seems to be what it has come to.  Worrying about any possible way your words could be misrepresented or misunderstood for fear of banning.  Know what I mean?  Based on this comment, I suspect you do:


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            1. profile image0
              Motown2Chitownposted 10 years agoin reply to this

              Oh, bBerean, I've no problem with anything you said here except the whole thing about knowing where my alliances lay. Frankly, there are posters I am friends with and others I am not. I've indeed seen two atheist posters banned (one permanently) for making such statements - and rightfully so.  I've also seen Christians banned for similar behavior who broke the rules and created new accounts to get back in the game. I've also been around HP for a longer period of time than I realize sometimes and when I first began in the forum, things that result in bans now were considered completely irrelevant and unimportant and rarely merited even a glance from mods, reported or not.

              I, for one, take a LOT of things quite personally, especially repeatedly having my faith mocked (by those who have none) and questioned (by others who do). I've been told more than once that I'm delusional, irrational, follow Satan, and water down my faith to tickle the ears of folks I want to like me. I have never reported one word spoken against me.

              I feel that the rules are enforced a bit abitrarily on occasion and I feel that they're enforced too harshly on others.  But, unless one takes their grievances to the people responsible for the enforcement of the rules, they will always feel that they've been treated unfairly.

              And, yeah, not to be contrary, but saying that people report others to get them banned to squash disagreements is essentially saying that reports will get people banned, which I just don't believe to be the case. People get banned when a moderator (however they may come across it) finds that a post has violated an HP rule. It is what it is. If you are unable to speak passionately without being banned, and wish not to be banned, then either the passion needs to be reined in for some semblance of neutrality or the passion needs to be expressed in a way that isn't offensive to others.  At the end of the day, if you wouldn't want someone to say something to you in a certain way, then you need to set the example and not use that way of expressing yourself to them.

              *Edit: I am rarely, if ever, careful about how I word something and I never feel a need to shrink from passionately acknowledging or defending my thoughts and beliefs. I've not been banned yet, though, and it certainly isn't because I've encountered a ton of friendly supporters. Some of the time, offense comes from the person hearing the words and not the one speaking them. I don't think it's right to say that people who don't encounter bans are just towing the PC line.  I'm not particularly PC about much of anything.

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              1. bBerean profile image61
                bBereanposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                Mo, my point has been that someone who gets their posts repeatedly reported for scrutiny by HP is likely to eventually, if not immediately get banned, (if there is even remote merit to the complaint), while folks who never get reported will likely never be banned.

                Perhaps where we disagree is in my contention that the reports are disproportionately against certain views, ideologies and in some case hubbers.  It seems people predisposed to the PC sensitivity and who are likely to act on it, hold particular views.  Not exactly a shock.

                Like you said, just be careful and you will be fine, so I am not disregarding the role people play in their own banning.  In spite of this knowledge, and over time being able to get a good picture of where the reports most certainly must be originating, (based on many factors), I have not taken to retaliation by reporting those folks for constant review, (even though their comments often technically warrant it per ToS).  If someone were to employ their tactics against them, however, I do suspect they too would be banned, (again making clear I do not consider it discrimination by HP in any way).

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                1. profile image0
                  Motown2Chitownposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                  My point is...how do WE know where any of the reports are coming from, IF things are even being reported, and IF some things ARE reported and not deemed to have broken any rules? Are you privy to the HP Secret Book of Knowledge? wink I'm sure not!

                  I think in many cases, we are too sensitive and maybe just experiencing our own bit of personal paranoia.

                  Please excuse the caps...LOL I'm typing from my phone and caps are an easier way of emphasizing than HTML. smile

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                  1. bBerean profile image61
                    bBereanposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                    Many reasons.  Can I prove it in court?  Of course not.  Can I notice the same players involved when these things take place?  Can I recognize themes and patterns?  Can I make a mental note when they directly or indirectly take credit and or celebrate the bannings?  Yes, I can do all this. 

                    I am talking about several hubbers affected over a couple years...all with these common factors.  Don't ask me to pretend I don't notice.  These same folks have in the past become quite defensive whenever this topic has come up, particularly if associated to a specific hubber they may have reported.  I am a bit surprised we haven't seen them chime in here yet, but of course I can't point it out if they do, right? 

                    So call it what you want.  I am sure some will view it as just my imagination influenced by that uneducated, ignorant, delusional aspect I keep hearing about.  (Don't worry, I won't tell).  wink

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          4. maxoxam41 profile image65
            maxoxam41posted 10 years agoin reply to this

            What makes you believe that Hubpages check every report? If it is so why don't they send a detailed answer to the prejudiced one?

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            1. profile image0
              Motown2Chitownposted 10 years agoin reply to this

              I believe they check each report. I may be wrong.  I've not been banned yet, so I suppose my opinions aren't really of any relevance.  Have you asked them for a detailed report? If they've told you what you said, and you disagree, what more would you like to see happen?  How do you know the person who reported you was the person you supposedly insulted? How do you know that person wasn't banned as well? Bringing it to the forum will do you no good, sadly. Take it to then and be sure you're fighting the right enemy.

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              1. maxoxam41 profile image65
                maxoxam41posted 10 years agoin reply to this

                It will do me good to expose injustice.
                Why would you assume that I insulted someone? If I did it I will gladly pay the price but they have to bring me the evidence. And if there isn't why was I banned for a month with no due defense?

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                1. JMcFarland profile image68
                  JMcFarlandposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                  but it's not really injustice.  You think it is.  You believe it is.  But you have yet to demonstrate any kind of hub conspiracy, here, and starting a forum thread against the moderators is not likely to win you any points for bannable offenses in the future.  If you want an explanation, email them.  They may answer you, they may not.  Complaining about it after the fact isn't going to do anyone any good.  Learn from whatever mistake you might have made, and avoid making the same one going forward.

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                  1. maxoxam41 profile image65
                    maxoxam41posted 10 years agoin reply to this

                    "they may not"? It is their duty. They are the supreme authority.
                    So what if it is my fourth offense and I got no lesson from it, do I seem so unreasonable?
                    Hub conspiracy? I'm talking about a fact. I'm asking the supreme authority to bring me the reason why I was banned? And again, if we believe that they are the ones that censor, at the last resort, why is it that Superkev (an example among others) has a free pass?

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                2. profile image0
                  Motown2Chitownposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                  I'm going by A-what you say thy told you and B-what you say you said.  I also said supposedly insulted.  Again, my opinion is irrelevant.  Carry on.  Perhaps you'll win the battle and take down the tyrannical HP overlords, or shut the forum down so none of us can "ban" you.

                  big_smile

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                  1. maxoxam41 profile image65
                    maxoxam41posted 10 years agoin reply to this

                    Is it a supposed sense of humor or are you trying indirectly to ridicule me? You see people like you envenom consciously the debate hoping that I will lose myself and lower who I am, don't bother, you can't measure up and you can't toy with me either.

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                3. Cgenaea profile image61
                  Cgenaeaposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                  I am really surprised that these posters are not waving the "more evidence" flag now. They usually do... oh well...

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                  1. maxoxam41 profile image65
                    maxoxam41posted 10 years agoin reply to this

                    I guess they didn't reach their level of saturation.

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        2. maxoxam41 profile image65
          maxoxam41posted 10 years agoin reply to this

          But you can insult people in a more subtler way, can't you psycheskinner? You tend to diminish people's opinion, couldn't someone else or me for the matter report you since you're a quick trigger? I could see it as a personal insult in what way wouldn't I be right? It is subjective. Is subjectivity objective? Everybody will agree on the negation.
          Answer destined to psycheskinner.

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      2. bBerean profile image61
        bBereanposted 10 years agoin reply to this

        I have no problem with there being standards all must abide by, but until HP has people watching every post and impartially enforcing that standard, it will remain disproportionate in favor of the views held by those embracing this as a means of silencing opposition.  Perhaps this does not apply to you, but the complaint is relevant. 

        Such selective enforcement, even if unintentional by HP, is exactly what happened with one of the most beloved contributors to the forums, (assuming that can be determined by being named "forum queen").  Based on what I have seen happen to hubbers before her, I do believe she was targeted with each post scrutinized, looking for reasons to report her.  After taking enough hits of the report button, the banning becomes more severe.  Facing a year ban, this extremely popular hubber acquiesced to the pressure, decided life's too short, closed her hubs and moved on.  Bravo.

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        1. maxoxam41 profile image65
          maxoxam41posted 10 years agoin reply to this

          PERFECT EXAMPLE of what shouldn't happen!

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          1. JMcFarland profile image68
            JMcFarlandposted 10 years agoin reply to this

            Except what he stated DIDN'T happen.   It's a gross misrepresentation of what actually occurred.

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            1. maxoxam41 profile image65
              maxoxam41posted 10 years agoin reply to this

              Didn't he say that she was banned for a year? But still what could justify a year ban?
              It was pending and she was banned ulteriorly...
              By the way, what do you understand while reading "...Such selective enforcement, even if unintentional by HP, is exactly what happened with one of the most beloved contributors to the forums, (assuming that can be determined by being named "forum queen")..."?

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              1. JMcFarland profile image68
                JMcFarlandposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                Repeated undeniable vehement personal attacks,  insults and emotional outbursts,  blatant falsehoods and inaccurate representations of actual events.   She was notorious for it, despite it being pointed out to her by numerous others.   It's no secret.

                The more you are banned,  the longer your banning becomes.   When you repeatedly break the same rules, the consequences grow exponentially.   She refused to change or even recognize her errors,  and choose to leave entirely of her own accord, rather than to not be allowed to participate in the forums.   Several users have been banned from the forums permanently.

                As for being beloved,  we can argue that.   She was mocked a lot for her repeated behavior.   I might even speculate that being forum Queen was a bit of a joke that she took seriously.   The only people who loved her seemed to be the ones she constantly was in agreement with - a relatively small number.   She seemed to like arguing and insulting far more than agreeing.

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                1. EncephaloiDead profile image55
                  EncephaloiDeadposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                  That would be the point I was trying to make, that if the HP mod who doles out the bans takes a quick moment to actually point out the offending remark specifically with the TOS rule being broken, there would be a lot less people repeatedly breaking the same rules or being banned permanently.

                  We even have folks here who have been banned and took the time to explain to HP their case, with the result being the ban was lifted. Does that mean the HP mod made a mistake? How are we ever going to know if they make a mistake if they don't explain their reason for banning someone?

                  It would appear Beth may be a very good example of this phenomena, whereas she never got an explanation as to why she was banned, hence she continued to break the same rules. This could be why she left in a huff after being banned for a month. She simply was not made aware of her transgressions. In that case, I actually feel sympathetic for her case, regardless of whether her latest ban was valid or not.

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                  1. Cgenaea profile image61
                    Cgenaeaposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                    I agree with all of what you say here, Ed!!!
                    Break out the bubbly smile

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                  2. maxoxam41 profile image65
                    maxoxam41posted 10 years agoin reply to this

                    Now what if someone was banned once, asked for an explanation and was given a generality. The second time, the same.
                    Not everybody has time to deal with HP or to hunt them down for the truth, after many bans and dismissals, he won't refer to HP anymore. He won't see HP as the supreme authority but as an automatized dismissal page.
                    What does assure us that the data is fairly treated? Because A, B, C say so? If Descartes QUESTIONED what he learned maybe it corresponded to the rise of doubt.

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    2. John Holden profile image61
      John Holdenposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Yes.

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    3. maxoxam41 profile image65
      maxoxam41posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Exactly, then what will be our weapon against them. Should they keep the power to abuse? Or shall it be reformed? Why not banning an "overuse" of the report button? I don't see why we should pay the consequence? Or after all, why not behaving accordingly? Each time one or several of the debaters I know that would be likely to report me will be automatically reported? If crime pays, why not? Or Hubpages, DO YOUR JOB!

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  5. rhamson profile image69
    rhamsonposted 10 years ago

    I think it builds up for some. I know of times when a troll just followed me around and posted retorts to my posts that were just disagreeable in nature. I think that is the intent in some cases. And sometimes I need to be reeled in as my inability to describe through writing what my thoughts are. I step out of line and maybe a little time out in the corner is needed. Just think if you were in a person to person debate and your demeanor was just not what the moderator felt was germane to the topic. You would be cut off and lose ground in the process.

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  6. JMcFarland profile image68
    JMcFarlandposted 10 years ago

    In my experience,  only having been banned once,  despite numerous people telling me that they're reporting me for something,  it comes down to understanding the difference between criticizing and challenging a belief rather than a believer.   You are not your beliefs,  and beliefs have no feelings by which to be offended.  There is a difference between saying your belief is stupid verses a believer is stupid.   Additionally,  several posters have had no qualms about calling me,  the person,  stupid,  telling me I'm possessed by demons,  speaking of my violent and abusive fathers love for me without knowing me,  etc.   If you're going to take criticism of any type personally,  the forums are probably not the place for you until you gain some maturity.   (Universal "you")

    I cannot Tolerate anyone who refuses to take responsibility for their own words and behavior,  who turns around and wines about persecution or how unfairly they're being treated because they were banned for personally attacking another hubber - not once,  not accidentally,  but repeatedly,  despite having it explained to them multiple times by multiple people.   No one forced then to insult others.   Get over it.   It's a forum.   You either have to abide by the rules or face the consequences. There is no conspiracy against one group.   The atheists that I know who got banned usually just don't publicly whine about it and write posts about how unfairly they're being treated by the moderators.

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  7. bBerean profile image61
    bBereanposted 10 years ago

    Oh dear.  I can't find my invitation to the grave dance, and now it appears the banwagon has left without me.  sad

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    1. JMcFarland profile image68
      JMcFarlandposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      No worries.   You seem to have found the conspiracy persecution train which travels concurrently. Keep it up,  and you may catch the banwagon before too long.

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    2. MelissaBarrett profile image59
      MelissaBarrettposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Yes, I am happy. Thrilled actually. I was apathetic at first, but conversations have been much more pleasant lately.

      So yep. Dancing shoes on. I'm thinking about dusting off the Atomic Dog for this one.

      Everyone sing:

      Why must I be like that... Why must I chase the cat? Ain't nothing but the dog in me smile

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuyS9M8 … feature=kp

      Bow wow wow yippee yo yippee yay!

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  8. bBerean profile image61
    bBereanposted 10 years ago

    I'm so embarrassed, what with true colors flying making my assertions of an agenda appear soooo unlikely.  I am sure everyone will be putting forth their best efforts.  I would expect no less.  Sad, but expected.

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    1. MelissaBarrett profile image59
      MelissaBarrettposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Nothing to do with her faith, mate smile.

      *Moves on to Soulja Boy*

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  9. maxoxam41 profile image65
    maxoxam41posted 10 years ago

    Superkev in one of my post answered : "I am getting tired of answering your posts in Pidgin English and your idiotic assertions. As my mother used to say, "You're just talking to hear your brains rattle". "

    Personally any insult never reach me, I know myself too well. Now I won't report him because it is his opinion of me. Now what do you think does he deserve a report?
    But I still wonder why can he still express himself and why was I banned? Is it fair? Shall this power belong to us or Hubpages? But again what will ensure me that Hubpages will be objective and fair?

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  10. bBerean profile image61
    bBereanposted 10 years ago

    It was certainly never my intention to help establish a platform on which the grave dancing would take place.  I simply didn't see that coming, let alone how low the dancers could dip.  My apologies to the party not able to be present to defend themselves for my role in unwittingly helping to set that stage.

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    1. JMcFarland profile image68
      JMcFarlandposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      *pats on the head* I'm not dancing on anyone's grave.  Just pointing out that the way you explained the situation is not at ALL what happened, and that a bias may be showing a teensy bit in your posts.

      Its okay.  We don't all have to take things quite so personally or seriously all of the time.  Sometimes jokes are...ya know...jokes.

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    2. MelissaBarrett profile image59
      MelissaBarrettposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      smile

      Harlem Shake Time!!!!

      Again, not feeling a bit of guilt or sympathy. Not one iota. Not even a smidgen or a pinch. I am enjoying all the conversations that I have where no one blames my dead son every time I disagree with them. It's a wonderful experience.

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  11. maxoxam41 profile image65
    maxoxam41posted 10 years ago

    As I was scrolling down the page, my attention was caught by Ryan Kett's statement : "I would quite like one, but why should I contact the hubpages team if they cannot give me the courtesy of letting me know why.

    94 hubs in less than 3 months, and for what? To get banned for losing my rag with religious nuts after one told me to kill myself?

    I'm going to work on my blog and take all of my hubs with me. Every one of them, shove your page rank up your arse.

    Im sure that a few of you can be testimony to how I go out of my way to answer the questions of newbies on here. f*** you, I'm off.

    It's damn rude. " " is confirming my suspicions.

    4 years ago the injustice existed. So much for the paranoia, right? As they forgive many (right-winged most likely), they banned him for reacting. I can't but ignore that the opponents started the conflict. It is as if the provocation was created for one purpose, his quitting.

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    1. wilderness profile image94
      wildernessposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Remember when you were in first grade?  Caught fighting, you were sent home and it didn't matter WHO started it. 

      When my little grandkids fight (usually as a result of one tormenting another until suddenly it's on and the screams and tears flow) they are separated and it doesn't matter who started it - violence is not allowed.

      When the children of HP attack each other, it doesn't matter who started it - it is not allowed.  Whether you think a personal attack is a reasonable response or not.  Whether you think all right wingers get off free or not.  Whether you think the religious or the atheist gets away with murder or not.

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      1. maxoxam41 profile image65
        maxoxam41posted 10 years agoin reply to this

        Sorry I can't relate, I am not a CHILD! If you are it is your problem but don't reduce me to the erroneous image that you have from the majority. Maybe the majority needs your 'GRANDPATERNAL" authority, I don't.
        You said nothing about an existing trend though, why? Is it conscientiously that you diverted the subject?

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        1. wilderness profile image94
          wildernessposted 10 years agoin reply to this

          An "existing trend" is it?  Because Kett also attacked someone and was banned?  Our country has an "existing trend" against murder (and a whole lot of other things as well); should be excuse the crime because of that "existing trend?  Don't be silly; "trends" like this are there for a reason; because some people refuse to control themselves and, like unruly children (there are 4 grandkids living in my home at this time), misbehave and attack each other.  And then claim "They started it!" or "I didn't do nuttin!".

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          1. maxoxam41 profile image65
            maxoxam41posted 10 years agoin reply to this

            Apparently you did not read it therefore I won't answer you. If you are selective so will I.

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  12. AshtonFirefly profile image71
    AshtonFireflyposted 10 years ago

    I think the rules are interpreted differently by different people. Perhaps whoever chose the ban felt that in the context, something was possibly offensive or harmful. Perhaps they did not see the whole context. Without knowing the context, how can we tell?

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    1. maxoxam41 profile image65
      maxoxam41posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      But don't you think that it is problematic since whoever will be at risk? What does guarantee the hubber that any report, therefore a ban is justified? So far, the ones that also experienced a ban didn't know why, in those conditions how a debater will debate freely if A, B or C hypersensitive, uninformed (since this adjective isn't synonymous with uneducated and ignorant for the majority of hubbers) has the power to censor you?

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      1. AshtonFirefly profile image71
        AshtonFireflyposted 10 years agoin reply to this

        I agree that it would not only be fair but beneficial to explain specifically what caused the ban. (e.g. the specific post, etc.) However, I understand also that they may be attempting to prevent further riot, in being vague. The more vague they are and the less you (in a GENERAL sense, not you specifically) know about specifics, the fewer HP members you will suspect as a potential "reporter" and the less chance the person banned will attempt to confront the person suspected. If this were the case, however, I'm not sure it would be for the overall good of the members. If you have no idea what you did, how can you know not to do it again? However, we do have rules available to us. The tricky part is how those rules are interpreted. It is my opinion that the HP Admins interpret them VERY strictly, just to make sure that they aren't seen as playing favorites. i could be totally wrong. I personally have never been banned.
        To summarize, I think that the rules are VERY strictly defined to make sure that ALL people are protected. Whether or not this is a good idea, well, we're all going to disagree.

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        1. maxoxam41 profile image65
          maxoxam41posted 10 years agoin reply to this

          If HP has strict rules, it obeys to a strict behavior, then transparency and the detail of my offense should be available to me or whoever will require it otherwise I can only admit or acknowledge laxism.

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    2. maxoxam41 profile image65
      maxoxam41posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Exactly how can we tell? Hypersensitivity or reason?

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  13. Sed-me profile image79
    Sed-meposted 10 years ago

    Hi this is Beth, I am now a puppy. You're welcome.
    I could reply to so much, lol. But instead I will just say, I'm gonna have one acct for speaking in the forums, and one for writing. Not so I can switch it up if I get banned, but b/c I would like to be able to write without having ppl use my personal life against me. Those words are not meant to instigate ill will, but to be forthright. Thas'about it. smile

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    1. profile image0
      Rad Manposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Beth/Sed-me, did you serve your ban? If not this will get you banned again.

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      1. Sed-me profile image79
        Sed-meposted 10 years agoin reply to this

        You can just call me Beth, Redman. lol
        Thank you for your concern. I did not serve my ban at all, but chose to leave HP's. wink It has however, been over a month since the ban was issued. (bBerean thought I'd said a year, but it was only a month.) Good to see you again. Hope you're well.

        replyreport
        1. profile image0
          Rad Manposted 10 years agoin reply to this

          Okay Good. Yes I'm well.

          I do hope that Redman thing was a honest error.

          replyreport
      2. maxoxam41 profile image65
        maxoxam41posted 10 years agoin reply to this

        What is so offending in what sed me wrote?

        replyreport
        1. profile image0
          Rad Manposted 10 years agoin reply to this

          I have no idea what she said that got her banned.

          replyreport
          1. maxoxam41 profile image65
            maxoxam41posted 10 years agoin reply to this

            I noticed that people's definitions were limited and I knew that it had others definitions. I found it in dictionary.com. It reasserted my belief.

            replyreport
    2. gmwilliams profile image83
      gmwilliamsposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      SO GLAD to see you again.

      replyreport
      1. Sed-me profile image79
        Sed-meposted 10 years agoin reply to this

        Thank you GM. You never run out of steam. smile

        replyreport
    3. oceansnsunsets profile image82
      oceansnsunsetsposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Welcome back, Beth smile

      replyreport
      1. GA Anderson profile image84
        GA Andersonposted 10 years agoin reply to this

        What the hell! Is this an "I Love Beth" love fest? while I disagree vehemently with HP's  "Politically Correct" banning policies, I don't think "Beth" deserves adoration! Her toes are crooked!

        Maximan, Sassyman, (or whatever), and other similar "questionable" perspectives, (just as susceptible to banning), and "personalities" are subject to ridicule and banning too - what makes Beth special?

        GA

        replyreport
        1. bBerean profile image61
          bBereanposted 10 years agoin reply to this

          Look at her.  She's a puppy!

          replyreport
          1. GA Anderson profile image84
            GA Andersonposted 10 years agoin reply to this

            And we all know what cute puppies do - poop on the carpet!

            On a serious note... I always enjoyed Beth's comments, and regardless of who we are speaking of... I think HP has gone too far to the "Politically Correct" side in their banning judgements.

            If you are so thin-skinned as to be offended by any comments that aren't coming from the chior - then maybe you are in the wrong place,

            GA

            replyreport
        2. Sed-me profile image79
          Sed-meposted 10 years agoin reply to this

          My toes aren't crooked. lol
          I think ppl are just being nice. It only sticks out 'cause we might not see as much of it as we could.
          If you left, I would be glad if you returned. Leave for a month and I'll start a thread just for you.

          BE

          replyreport
          1. GA Anderson profile image84
            GA Andersonposted 10 years agoin reply to this

            Ha! You say that now, but what if I could prove your toes are crooked? HP is still too ready to ban folks. If I wanted to attend an Amen meeting I would not be commenting here,

            But thanks for the thoughts. I may need that "thread" - at the rate I am going, there are a lot of "Chuckleheads" that still need my attention.

            GA

            replyreport
            1. AshtonFirefly profile image71
              AshtonFireflyposted 10 years agoin reply to this

              Chuckleheads??? hahaha!

              replyreport
        3. oceansnsunsets profile image82
          oceansnsunsetsposted 10 years agoin reply to this

          I'm not sure how you got all that from me saying welcome back Beth.  Just being nice.

          replyreport
          1. Sed-me profile image79
            Sed-meposted 10 years agoin reply to this

            Dudes got a lot on his mind... it had to come out...

            replyreport
            1. GA Anderson profile image84
              GA Andersonposted 10 years agoin reply to this

              This is off-topic, but it has to be said... Sed-me and the puppy just don't cut it. If you can't get beth37, (or whatever the number), try Beth38, or something. But Beth has to come back to be you. So dump Sed-me now! That's an order!

              GA

              replyreport
              1. Sed-me profile image79
                Sed-meposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                Men are so bossy.

                Apparently English to Latin translation, "It's me" becomes "sed me", but latin to English is actually "but me"... so maybe we can translate it as "It's me, but me is a puppy now."

                replyreport
                1. profile image0
                  Motown2Chitownposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                  big_smile I like that!

                  replyreport
                  1. Sed-me profile image79
                    Sed-meposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                    Thank you ma'am. smile

                    replyreport
        4. maxoxam41 profile image65
          maxoxam41posted 10 years agoin reply to this

          " "Politically Correct" banning policies" where does it start, where does it stop? I am surprised how people accept their fate without insisting upon HP's transparency!

          replyreport
          1. GA Anderson profile image84
            GA Andersonposted 10 years agoin reply to this

            Max, as I stated in another response, after five years here, (although I generally only see Politics and Social Issues threads), I have yet to see a post I would consider offensive enough to warrant a ban.

            But, it is not my ballgame.

            I have no idea what got you banned, but I do agree HP should offer at least a categorization of your offense. Which puts me in a quandary, because I don't think you would have pursued this thread so vigorously if you had an explanation - but on the other hand - five years of HP interactions have shown them, (at least in my dealings), to be more than cooperative and open when dealing with members, (meaning me).

            ps. I must point out that, (contrary to your frequent assertions), hitting the "report" button does not get you banned. HP members cannot ban you. It must be HP staff. So even though a "report" may have brought you to their attention - it was their determination, and not another forum member, that got you banned.

            GA

            replyreport
            1. maxoxam41 profile image65
              maxoxam41posted 10 years agoin reply to this

              I understand very well the process. Reporting leads to banning. How many reports lead to banning? What kind of reports lead to banning? Is it justified or not?
              Not to say the reason why will lead to questioning without answering my problem. I accepted their vague reason but now I think that I am entitled to transparency or am I doomed to be played with? I find it despising when "we" provide a source of income for the platform, a status and value on the marketplace and the only answer is an anonymous and formatted answer.

              replyreport
              1. psycheskinner profile image77
                psycheskinnerposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                You are making it unnecessarily complicated-seeming. The moderators determine whether the post is against HP policy.  Whether they look at it because they just happen to be reading the thread, or because it was reported, is completely unimportant. Maybe some people get away with things because they are not noticed or reported, that is also irrelevant to what the rules actually are.

                replyreport
                1. Sed-me profile image79
                  Sed-meposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                  It would be nice if they would consider the context as opposed to one lone post... or maybe they do? It doesn't appear that way to me. There are times when one poster will ride another poster from thread to thread and for pages within threads before the person with the saddle on, so to speak, tells the rider what they think of their constant negativity. l understand in a perfect world, we should walk away, but we're all flawed.

                  I got banned once for actually trying to avoid an argument. I was making lighthearted jokes and actually felt kind of good about the person who was on the attack b/c joking and laughing with someone makes me feel like something positive can still happen. Out of the blue I was banned. I'm sure I deserved it at other times, but that time I was literally doing everything in my power to avoid being unkind. When I asked HP why, they said I had been banned for bickering. Kind of a bummer.

                  replyreport
                  1. psycheskinner profile image77
                    psycheskinnerposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                    I think it is far more fair to simply say what you cannot do, and apply it to every post.  IMHO it is basically 1) don't disclose your income and 2) don't call people names.

                    replyreport
                  2. maxoxam41 profile image65
                    maxoxam41posted 10 years agoin reply to this

                    It seems that whatever line of defense the offended has, he will be the loser rightly or wrongly. In your case "bickering" in what way was it justified? Where was the relevance of their accusation? It only shows the absence of ethics.
                    Are we condemned to pleasantly agree with everybody even if we don't? When I read answers related to hubs, it is funny to see the discrepancy and the hypocrisy between people who clearly disagree. When one questions the veracity of a "fact" and the other thanks the reader peremptorily without opening the debate.

                    replyreport
                2. maxoxam41 profile image65
                  maxoxam41posted 10 years agoin reply to this

                  And you are making it unnecessarily simple. If everybody was like you compliant and complaisant every corporation could get away with murder. Although with the Trans-Pacific Partnership we are heading to people's demise. You just underlined their unprofessionalism, their bias, their inefficiency, according to you was it subconscious?

                  replyreport
            2. maxoxam41 profile image65
              maxoxam41posted 10 years agoin reply to this

              I got it. To me, it seems that HP is a microcosm of the US society. Where free and objective speeches are gagged and independent journalists are laid off or killed.

              replyreport
              1. GA Anderson profile image84
                GA Andersonposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                Geez, trying to have a discussion with you is like trying to hug a porcupine.

                You really need to get this  "the U.S. is The Devil' chip off your shoulder. It really hurts your credibility.

                Just sayin'

                GA

                replyreport
                1. maxoxam41 profile image65
                  maxoxam41posted 10 years agoin reply to this

                  Did you read CENSORED 2014? If you didn't as I will rightly presume it, your credibility will be damaged. Don't assume that I am uninformed, misinformed, you'll be disappointed.

                  replyreport
      2. Sed-me profile image79
        Sed-meposted 10 years agoin reply to this

        Thank you Oceans! I missed you all. smile

        replyreport
        1. oceansnsunsets profile image82
          oceansnsunsetsposted 10 years agoin reply to this

          Sure thing, and you were missed. smile

          replyreport
          1. Sed-me profile image79
            Sed-meposted 10 years agoin reply to this

            I was lonely. lol It was a bad time to depart, my kids are out of town. One can only play so much scrabble.

            replyreport
            1. oceansnsunsets profile image82
              oceansnsunsetsposted 10 years agoin reply to this

              Sorry to hear that. 

              I'm waiting for another to be done with a ban, though theirs is much longer.  There's a lot about human behavior I don't totally understand, not logically anyway.  OTHER things describe a lot I see though.  Oh well. 

              On a side note, Scrabble can be fun! smile

              replyreport
              1. Sed-me profile image79
                Sed-meposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                Someone else has been banned for a while? I didn't know... I spose one of us is always banned at some time.

                replyreport
              2. Cgenaea profile image61
                Cgenaeaposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                Somebody say Scrabble???
                You people are so me. Goodness! Do you like oatmeal too?

                replyreport
  14. Cgenaea profile image61
    Cgenaeaposted 10 years ago

    Can't hold a good woman down... smile

    replyreport
  15. Cgenaea profile image61
    Cgenaeaposted 10 years ago

    Hi cute little teddy bear. smile Same for me. Your humility and humor and solidity are appealing and I think it forces people to listen. Right path-like.
    Ok, I aint one for the fuzzy-wuzzy focus Spotlight either. But since they brought it up...
    Welcome back and see you around. If I can evade the banning.

    replyreport
    1. Sed-me profile image79
      Sed-meposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I'm a puppy! lol

      replyreport
      1. bBerean profile image61
        bBereanposted 10 years agoin reply to this

        Heh, heh.  Don't know if that will save you, but it's worth a try.  Pretty hard to ban anyone while looking at that avatar.  What a great puppy!

        replyreport
        1. Sed-me profile image79
          Sed-meposted 10 years agoin reply to this

          It was the cutest of all the puppies.

          replyreport
      2. Cgenaea profile image61
        Cgenaeaposted 10 years agoin reply to this

        Oops. You are right. smile as usual...
        I shall be more careful.

        replyreport
        1. Sed-me profile image79
          Sed-meposted 10 years agoin reply to this

          I forgive you. wink

          replyreport
          1. Cgenaea profile image61
            Cgenaeaposted 10 years agoin reply to this

            I am more than grateful. smile
            Now run!!! You wear the most exquisite "shoes"... I will back you; if only in spirit.

            replyreport
  16. Quilligrapher profile image71
    Quilligrapherposted 10 years ago

    http://s1.hubimg.com/u/9068894_f248.jpg

    replyreport
    1. maxoxam41 profile image65
      maxoxam41posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      What are you SUBTLY insinuating?

      replyreport
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