Actually, if you re-read this thread, you'll find that the word suspensions was not the topic of the thread nor in the OP and was only introduced by an off-topic comment by a member who posted an unwelcome comment. As well, i can't find where suspensions is actually being specifically commented on, though you indicate it has.

I'm not sure what pages you and nytango are on but we seem to be reading different things. But, let me see if i can address your question though your parting comment seems a little twisted for me. I'm of the mind that "chaos often leads to process with measure." In the scenario I might be referring to, chaos can and will lead to the process of suspensions, which is what your questions seems to be all about. The measure of the suspension could be in hours, days, weeks, months, years, lifetimes and even the measure of privileges on FlyerTalk. For example, for some members who think it great sport to carry on using the PM privilege on FlyerTalk, I am comfortable suspending that privilege if I suspect they are using that privilege to demean and harm the reputations of other members. That's certainly not what FlyerTalk is all about and I really can't support that type of juvenile and petty behavior on FlyerTalk.

In appealing a suspension, and i think i have commented on this in the past, it's sometimes a long and lengthy process. I know some members who have had their appeal addressed in the same day, others within a single day. And then others, months on end. There is no single answer as it relates to the priorities of FlyerTalk and the complexity of the suspension and the appeal. For instance, if the appeal is for a seven-day suspension and that suspension is come and gone, then the best case is that the suspension is simply erased from that member's file. The timing of this appeal might take a very low priority since it really becomes just a paperwork issue and it is assumed that the member learned from the suspension and that their next one, a possible 30-day suspension would not be an immediate threat, though it could.

You know, we really did not set FlyerTalk up with a whole judicial department and as such, the priorities of things on FlyerTalk are geared toward assisting members and moving FlyerTalk forward.

The idea of a full blown appellate process seems so out of touch with reality. If every single member simply read the Guidelines and appreciated that we live on FlyerTalk with people from many different cultures, professions and backgrounds, we really would not need any appeals process. It has been mentioned before and you might have missed it, FlyerTalk is actually one of the very rare Web sites with an appeals process to begin with, though it sounds like it does not meet your immediate needs.

As for the unfair part. Well, from what I know in reading various newspapers, the legal system here in the U.S. which is funded and has a full blown appellate process often does not grant an appeal to stave off serving the sentence and appeals oftentimes take years to be heard.

I'll offer you the very same advice i offer anyone else in this same frame of mind - simply stay with contributing to FlyerTalk is the manner in which it was designed - post and learn from information about frequent flyer miles and points and you should never have to worry about the appeals process.

But in closing, I'll try and determine what has help up your appeal.

It was probably based upon prior posts on FlyerTalk. I'm pretty sure i have posted on FlyerTalk in the past that there have been severals instances where
Moderators have been reassigned or have had their volunteer positions rescinded based upon reviews of their contributions in the role as a Moderator. This really isn't that important as issue as members have as well lost their posting privileges upon reviews of their contributions in the role as a member. At least five that i can think of off the top of my head. But again, it's really not anything worthy of a discussion since the situations, whether member or Moderator are personal in nature.

At the end of the day, it really was not that necessary to challenge the other member. S/he gives an accurate statement and it really wasn't something that required a defense.

Given the number of members who it seems are not all that aware of what is in the Guidelines and Rules, I hope the original question and answer are of value to all members.

As well, subsequent off-topic comments and questions have been addressed so it's probably time to return you all to the purpose of FlyerTalk - talking about miles and points.

Thank you.