To begin, you need to have some understanding of how the internet works and how a ban is set.
Computer Address: Each computer on the internet has two addresses: a name and a number. For example, www.politicschat.net is really xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx The NAME is how we, as humans, categorize and remember it. The NUMBER is how other computers can categorize and remember it.
Types of Bans:
There are two types of bans that we can use, one is for a Static address and the other is for a Dynamic address.
Static is a permanent address (number) assigned to the computer, which never changes.
Dynamic is an address which changes to a new number every time you make a new connection to the internet.
"I'm innocent, so why can't I participate in your discussion group?" Why was
I banned or permanently devoiced?
Now I will assume the ban was intended for you, and
you do not understand what you did to cause a ban. The first thing you should
do, is refer to our
Channel Rules
Here are some of the obvious reasons:
Proxy abuse: When you join our channel and you have not installed identd, there is a good chance you will not be allowed to stay. This is a result of users running BNC, bounce, and utilizing multiple false identities. Proxy brats will be permanently banned .. and yes, we will eventually get them all.
Illegal behavior:Most bans are because of channel flooding, or obscene and sometimes violent messages to Operators. Making illegal threats, stalking, or continuous harassment. In many cases, others in the channel never see the abuse, because it’s in private message to an Operator.
Trolling/Obnoxiousnous: Other bans are set because the user lacks the civility to debate in a mature manner or is intolerant of the expression of other points of view, if he or she does not agree with that view. Criticizing or insulting operators falls into this category. America bashing is considered deliberate rudeness and falls into this category.
Or the user is trolling (making outrageous statements for effect, in order to get attention). When *called*, trollers always follw-up with "But, what is a troll?" If you trolled, then that is why you were banned .. so spare us the innocent act.
Channel Hacking: Another major cause of a ban is an immature effort to haxor a channel (attempt a channel takeover). The haxor may either state it as a goal or by asking others to help takeover the channel,or help harass and/or undermine the channel leadership. This is accomplished using illegal methods such as “Denial of Service” attacks, subversion of people with Operator status, or messaging/harassing others in the channel.
We make no distinctionbetween someone who *associates* with these people and the haxors themselves. You will share the guilt with the person who initiated the desire to takeover the channel. Whether or not they have the ability to do so is irrelevant. It is the intent to commit the act, which brings about the punishment. We have a zero tolerance policy with them, and those who choose to associate with them.
One concern I never worry about, is the loyalty of our channel operators. Their loyalty is unquestionable. Even if we disagree on other topics, from time-to-time, we are united when it comes to the channel.
Do Operators ever ban someone for an opinion they disagree with and not a rule? Do they take out a bad mood on somebody who is pushing the rules, but not violating them? Of course. Operators are not perfect (Surprise!) We make mistakes; we loose our tempers, control, or our common sense. Such bans should not be permanent bans, and 99% of the time they aren't. If you come back the next day, you will probably find the ban has expired.
Recourse: If the ban remains, read the next session to request it be removed.
Ok, you screwed up .. you were drunk .. you were a fool. You are sorry for the time you flooded the channel with obscenities and called everyone names, before someone banned you. Or for the time you conspired with a certain individual user to try a channel takeover, because you were angry. Or you are sorry that you harassed everyone in the channel with private messages in an attempt to undermine the channel leadership. Or for whatever reason ..
NOW you are sincerely apologetic for these actions which lead to a legitimate ban on you … NOW CAN YOU BE UN-BANNED OR ONCE AGAIN OBTAIN VOICE???
What you need to do, if you fit into this category, is begin with some honesty.
* You need to email tmedia@politicschat.net * Explain in your own words, what you did to get banned, who besides you was involved in getting you banned.
* A log of the incident (copy the buffer – SHORT LOG). It should contain enough information to show the context of the ban and the ban itself. * You must sincerely express your remorse for your actions
If we believe you are sincere the odds are we will un-ban you. If you want to try to con us, or lie to us, forget it. Give up now, because it won’t work, or it won’t last. We have been around IRC for a long time, in a Management position, and we are very experienced at distinguishing who is sincere, and who is a con artist. Bottom line .. it’s up to you!
