<sigh>

Since we're so into accuracy, a few more clarifying points:

First, I did not time anyone out alone. jfe and I, or jfe, Scottc, and I have always agreed on any suspensions of posting privileges together. Three different people, three different styles, three different perspectives.

Second, Randy is informed when we act, and always has the ability to override or question our decisions. We welcome it. As Scott has already mentioned: the few times Randy has commented, he's found our "punishments" too lenient.

Third, the OMNI moderators do not read every thread. The volume is simply too heavy. We largely act like any big city cop: someone typically has to complain before we act. Sure we see something ourselves every now and then, but we’re not omni-present. As far as the “smoking gun” is concerned, you may be right about the "fascist" comment, but the insulted in this case (to my knowledge) did not complain to the moderation team.

Fourth, most timeouts from OMNI have been handed out in pairs. For the case of one of our most valuable posters, the party of the second part came back after a week, and we’ve not had a single issue since. The party of the first part chose not to come back. That was his decision. If any of the “self banished” elect to come back, they will be welcomed with open arms, as long as they stick to the TOS.

Lastly, the fact remains in that case and every other since, the “punished” simply did not follow the moderator’s only instruction: “Abide by the TOS at all times”.