I wish to appeal my ban from Warseer. I had not initially intended to do so, but the response from many on both Warseer and BoLS has changed my mind.
The ban itself was completely unwarranted. The reason cited is as follows: 'Ignoring Staff Requests/Guidelines/Trolling'.
This in itself is highly unclear as no specific posts were cited. Poor form to say the least. I can only assume it was the brief, polite discussion I engaged in with one or two others in the White Dwarf revamp topic.
I was not trolling. I was engaged in a polite discussion over people’s perception of White Dwarf and how it would impact upon a supposed revamp of that magazine and vice versa. I was not rude to anyone, I explained my position and each post I made had a point. At the time of banning I had ceased engaging in the discussion as I felt it had run its course and ran the risk of going off topic and becoming an argument between the pro and anti GW crowds.
I breached no guidelines, the discussion was not offensive nor was it off topic, people’s attitudes towards White Dwarf are entirely relevant to a discussion of its future. No staff requests were issued to me. I do acknowledge that an exceedingly old general staff request has been cited to me before but it was in no way relevant as I was on topic and within the posting guidelines.
I object strongly to the idea that I had done anything that warranted banning. It is simply not the case. At the very most an unofficial warning could have been issued to those involved. I am willing to accept it was over-zealous moderation and not malice that led to my being banned.
I would also like to appeal one of my warnings that ultimately facilitated my ban. Some months ago I received a warning for trolling over the following comment (paraphrased slightly as I can’t check the precise wording due to my ban):
"Have you seen the types of boys who play 40k? Beggars can't be choosers"
It was a light, flippant response to someone who made a comment that could have been seen as deriding female gamers. I made the comment to try and diffuse the situation, as a joke. It was embraced as such by at least two other forum members who engaged in some light banter over it. Yet I was warned for 'trolling' and being offensive. I protested at the time, briefly, before ultimately letting it rest. I now regret doing so and appeal it again. It was a light hearted joke based on the stereotype of the anti-social, unhygienic gamer, nothing more. At the time I posted it there was an entire thread devoted to discussing the stereotype of the stinky gamer which was left unhindered. I fail to accept that my comment was anymore offensive than that thread. By which I mean, not at all offensive.
In summary, I believe both my ban and an earlier warning that facilitated the ban were unwarranted and I ask that they be reversed. I believe that my contribution to Warseer has, on the whole, been a positive one as evidenced by many people, privately and publically, registering their dismay at my banning.