Margaret, as Louise has said there are alternatives to banning, and indeed we only ban when we have no alternative.

Our preferred option is not to take formal action against a member. In the majority of cases a member has not deliberately broken a rule, either they were genuinely unaware of it or they broke it in an atypical emotional out burst. We do our best to resolve such issues behind the scenes, with what we hope is effective communication.

We also have a system of infraction points. An mod or admin can give infraction points, but they have to post the reason they have done so, and are potentially called to account for their actions.

the infraction point system breaks down like this:
5 points within 30 days is a 10 day ban
10 points within 30 days is a permanent ban
Spamming is an automatic 10 points

to date the infractions are as listed below. Please note that this could be subject to change in the future.

Underage 10 points = auto ban
Posting Spammed Advertisements 10 points = auto ban
Flaming Other Member(s) 5 points = auto 10 day ban
Hot Linking Pictures to other sites 2 points
Posting Pic w/ web address or copyright 2 points

If someone is awarded infraction points, unless they care to tell other people about it, it is a private affair between that member and the moderation staff. We do not often give infraction points, but margaret it is a tool which we do use, but unless you are ever a 'guilty' party it is one of which you will be unaware.

cariad