This question for the Unknown Sleeper, I think he’ll give the clearest answer for the community
I am in the midst of a three day suspension from Obey–upheld by Loki–for observing the rules as explained to me by Mark, by Obey, by Sully, and by yourself.
It’s a puzzler… and I’m inclined to think that the only thing that really underwrites it is “there’s one set of standard for Mods, when it comes to what they can say in the forums, and one for everyone else.”
But hopefully that’s not the case! Hopefully you’ll explain things, and there will be a new understanding going forward.
Sully has said–and you have concurred–about a month ago, that people’s feelings shouldn’t matter when it comes to the rules, and what can be said in the forum. So let’s keep that in mind.
Mark has ruled, and you have weighed in, in the past week that Obey’s comments that include the phrase “I can neither confirm nor deny…” cannot be construed as condoning, or support for a particular idea.
Obey has said, and you have weighed in, in the past week that suggesting someone supports “human trafficking” when it comes to children, can’t be construed as pedophilia.
And yet… when I posted… in a topic about human trafficking of children the following:
If anyone’s interested in a sexual encounter with an autistic teenager… I can neither confirm nor deny that Obey can hook you up.
He’s really knowledgable about human trafficking of teenagers. Knows his stuff. He’s happy to share with you.
I was banned by Obey, for three days–no warning, just a ban–a ban which was subsequently upheld by Loki when I brought it here for appeal, and the appeal was totally shut down, when I asked for clarification.
That seems unreasonable… what’s the point of asking me to report to the Den if you’re not prepared to be constructive in finding a resolution?
Loki said I implied Obey was a pedophile. Can I ask how this was the case? I didn’t use the word children in the comment. How does Loki know I wasn’t talking about 19 year olds? Anyway, I said I couldn’t confirm or deny it was the case. And I praised Obey for being knowledgeable on the subject of human trafficking of teenagers.
These are all phrases that Mark said… were just fine and board appropriate when Obey said them. Quite literally! And while Loki may feel that what I said implied Obey was a pedophile… I used the words Obey did when I complained he was calling, or at least endorsing, that others in the community were pedophiles.
I am genuinely sorry it had to come to this, but as I recall, I was the one who proposed that we had to put a stop to people calling Trump a pedophile when he was President because it wasn’t good for conversation. It’s too high an order to expect people to behave rationally when told they, or a group they belong to, are sexual predator of children.
And… I give you Obey’s reaction to… his own words being used against him… as “Case A” for the plaintiff.
Why was what Obey said okay, and defensible, but what I said was a problem?
I am also sorry that what also got clearly illustrated is an apparent interest in defending a thin blue line of moderators… no matter what they may have done wrong or hypocritically… instead of upholding consistency and moderation in this forum. It’s not a good look. It really looks like what I did wrong was say something mean to a mod… and mod feelings matter?
So: can I please get an explanation for what I did that merited a three day suspension with no warning? And can it please reference Mark’s prior ruling as to what choices of language did, and did not imply someone, or a group was a pedophile from about a week ago? It would be really helpful to be able to reconcile what Loki said with what Mark said, because it confuses me.
And Loki did say he trusts Mark because of his seniority… so that makes Loki upholding the suspension even more baffling.
Loki also said he was very disappointed that as a Mod I did this… I will only state, that I don’t see why I should work to uphold the dignity of your community, or consider the feelings of mods, when no such consideration is reflected by specific members of your staff… they may be volunteers, but “uphold our standards” is not an unreasonable expectation.
Nor is “live up to your own rules.”