Ask a mod

[Balschoiw 0]

Quote[/b] ]Was the poster even aware that rules were being broken?

It´s like in real life.

If you don´t know that something is illegal and you do it , the lack of knowledge on your side does not save you from punishment.

Forum rules say:

Quote[/b] ]§5)No posting of explicit images

No posting of pictures containing porn, real killing, mutilations, wounds, carnage, and other disgusting/explicit images. This also includes links to pages that contain such images. There have been a number of incidents where people have linked to news sites which unbeknownst to them contains obscene images a few mouse clicks away, while we can't expect people to check every link on a site it is strongly suggested that whenever making a post about a news item the post is structured in a way that provides the information without risk of breaching the rules. A good example of how to do this can be seen below. If you're ever unsure as to whether or not a link should be posted on the forum feel free to PM a moderator for guidance.

It´s all in there. If you are not sure if an image is in violation with rules, ask a mod first.

I tend to send people who are either new or known to me a PM if they post some images colliding with rules, but the guy has been here quite a while and should have known better.

Anyway, I guess with ArAs there will be some kind of amnesty maybe and Omicron may get a 2nd chance.

[Messiah 2]

Quote[/b] ]Was the poster even aware that rules were being broken?

It´s like in real life.

If you don´t know that something is illegal and you do it , the lack of knowledge on your side does not save you from punishment.

ignorance is no excuse

but i wouldnt call it ignorance, if he genuinely felt that those pictures didnt fall into that category as listed in the rather vague descriptiong of explicit images (it says images of real killing, where as they were already dead and not human form, and one can only argue whether its a distgusting or not) then why would he pm a moderator?

It seems like an innocent mistake rather than anything, but yes, ignorance is no excuse.

[Balschoiw 0]

Quote[/b] ]it says images of real killing, where as they were already dead and not human form, and one can only argue whether its a distgusting or not

That caught me aswell when I got banned for a picture of a dead person. While I thought "real killing" would mean the process of killing, it´s interpreted differently.

Fortunally there are things like amnesties.

[Messiah 2]

Personally I'd say a dead body (i.e. flesh as well as bone) is alot more 'graphic' for a forum than a skeleton (given that a skeleton seems to hold less 'gore' value in most minds, even though obviously both are a dead person)

this is why I like not not having to make such decisions. Ex-Ronin had to make a call on the rules and his own moderating experience... guess we not all going to agree with it, but that kinda comes with the job i suspect

and i've probably just waffled off topic and dangerously into the realm of publicly discussion moderating decisions

[Ex-RoNiN 0]

Quote[/b] ]This got me thinking too. (about the rules and not moderating decisions), someone could post pictures of ancient mummies or bone fragments found in archeological dig sites without realising that they could be breaking the forum rules, an old skull or some other bone fragments with no blood or flesh in it?

The context is as important as the content. For example, do we just see a mummy case, or do we see the actual skeleton? Are these pictures from National Geographic finding a new burial site, or is it the Sun showing chavs playing with the bones?

The general message here is - dead/injured bodies should stay off the forums. If you think there's a borderline case here, ASK before posting.

Quote[/b] ]Stuff that can be found in movies with a low gore/violence rating i guess, shouldnt be enough reason to give a user the ultimate punishment (ban)?

How publically available a picture is, is of no relevance. If it is deemed to break the rules, the posting of such an image will result in an instant ban, regardless of who the poster is.

Quote[/b] ]Is this a banning offence in itself or does it depend on a posters history/past warnings? Clarification would be useful for all those now hesitating about posting other material!

Posting of pictures that violate that particular rule about offensive/graphic images will always result in an instant ban. This has happened in the past, and will happen again. The poster's past history will certainly play a role, however, when the amnesty period comes around. Bear in mind that amnesty is not a get out of jail card, it is the possibility of your posting rights being returned.

Quote[/b] ]You can never really tell whether someone is: A. Unaware of the existence of the rules, B. Unaware of violating a rule (if the rules were to be fully written down it would more resemble/weigh the laws of any developed country), C. Doesn't care about the rules

A: This is not possible. When you register for this forum, you are presented with the full text of the forum rules. By registering, you also automatically declare that you agree to abide by the rules.

B: The rules are written down, if you get punished its because of something that has been written down. However, as we're only human beings (rumours that we're blood sucking vampires are unfounded, even if I like fletching my teeth ) we may interpret these rules differently.

C: Usually we can weed those characters out rather quickly.

[Journeyman 0]

Quote[/b] ]Stuff that can be found in movies with a low gore/violence rating i guess, shouldnt be enough reason to give a user the ultimate punishment (ban)?

How publically available a picture is, is of no relevance. If it is deemed to break the rules, the posting of such an image will result in an instant ban, regardless of who the poster is.

Quote[/b] ]No posting of pictures containing porn, real killing, mutilations, wounds, carnage,  and other disgusting/explicit images.

OK this I think is where the grey area/contradictions may be! Stuff that can be found in movies is not real but still can be disgusting/explicit. So what about footage from video games? OFP/ArmA we know has/will have a low gore rating, but could easily be modded up to a higher gore level! And what if I was to post a typical shot up body scene from Soldier of Fortune2 with all the virtual blood etc.?

The fact that it is not real then isn't the dividing line between OK and not OK but somewhere in a moderators interpretation of disgusting/explicit.

I am not arguing the rules, but just wondering, that in cases like this more leniency should be given where the violation is clearly within this grey area of disgusting/explicit! Surely a warning here would be sufficient?

[Ex-RoNiN 0]

Quote[/b] ]Stuff that can be found in movies with a low gore/violence rating i guess, shouldnt be enough reason to give a user the ultimate punishment (ban)?

How publically available a picture is, is of no relevance. If it is deemed to break the rules, the posting of such an image will result in an instant ban, regardless of who the poster is.

Quote[/b] ]No posting of pictures containing porn, real killing, mutilations, wounds, carnage, and other disgusting/explicit images.

OK this I think is where the grey area/contradictions may be! Stuff that can be found in movies is not real but still can be disgusting/explicit. So what about footage from video games? OFP/ArmA we know has/will have a low gore rating, but could easily be modded up to a higher gore level! And what if I was to post a typical shot up body scene from Soldier of Fortune2 with all the virtual blood etc.?

The fact that it is not real then isn't the dividing line between OK and not OK but somewhere in a moderators interpretation of disgusting/explicit.

I am not arguing the rules, but just wondering, that in cases like this more leniency should be given where the violation is clearly within this grey area of disgusting/explicit! Surely a warning here would be sufficient?

No, if the poster thinks the images may infringe the rules, always ask before posting, or risk having the book thrown at you.

Borderline cases may result in an early amnesty, but this is not guaranteed.

[j w 0]

Quote[/b] ]A quote from "Usage of this forum"-topic in A&M: C:

If you have a question specific to a released addon use the already posted thread if it is within the frames of the board rules §3.5. If the original thread is older, start a new one in the A&M Discussion forum - not here.

3.5 says that you shouldn't dig up threads older then 4 months.

So if I have a question concerning a mod/addon, but the original thread is older then 4 months, should I refrain from digging it up, or doesn't it really matter?

Or should I refrain from starting a new thread, since that statement is old (2003), and dig the old thread up anyways.

Just qurious

[Placebo 28]

Threads can be dug up if the contribution is significant enough, for example discussions about a game that's in progress can be dug up if it finally has a demo released, a new movie or something, if in doubt best is to ask a mod.

If a addon/mod thread hasn't been posted to for a long time and you're wanting to ask "are you still alive?" then it's not significant enough to dig it up, if an addon/mod is being worked on then the members will post about it, eventually

[Espectro (DayZ) 0]

Why did I get another ban-o-meter?

Also, Ive had the two others have been there for 9 months now... Weren't they supposed to go away after 2 months each?

I have tried PM'ing both Placebo and Ex-ronin with no result, so I assume it is someone else from the mod-staff? (I don't wanna spam all moderators with the same question since that will only lead to confusion).

Cheers

[ralphwiggum 6]

ask Placebo.

usually, you'd have to ask for reduction after each two month period.

[CameronMcDonald 146]

...where is Major Fubar? He hasn't been around for yonks! Is it his six monthly rotation or something?

[Espectro (DayZ) 0]

ask Placebo.

usually, you'd have to ask for reduction after each two month period.

I already did - no response.

[Journeyman 0]

Espectro, was this thread anything to do with it?  

[Espectro (DayZ) 0]

Espectro, was this thread anything to do with it?

lol, I doubtit - since its a perfectly legal program.

It is normally used for legal reason, but can of course be used ilegal... Same way with software like Windows, Firefox, Internet Explorer and others - Can't believe that would have anything to do with it.

[Journeyman 0]

I was refering to your post in that thread and I noted the words of Ex-RoNiNs edit:

Quote[/b] ]Link Removed, Warning Added

You must have linked to something naughty me thinks!  

[Sennacherib 0]

someone could close this topic: http://www.flashpoint1985.com/cgi-bin....;st=165

thx in advance.

[Espectro (DayZ) 0]

I was refering to your post in that thread and I noted the words of Ex-RoNiNs edit:

Quote[/b] ]Link Removed, Warning Added

You must have linked to something naughty me thinks!  

Hehe...

Yea, I linked to a software program that can find a lost password for a .rar file. Perfectly legal program - that is why I cannot imagine why that would cause a new bar in the ban'o'meter - but then again, Ex-ronin never liked me and have banned me before for no reason and been unable to tell me the reason... I guess that's how it works. I don't know who to complain, since no Admin will respond in PM - so I assume this is the right place?

The admins are awfully quiet atm. though.

[Ex-RoNiN 0]

I was refering to your post in that thread and I noted the words of Ex-RoNiNs edit:

Quote[/b] ]Link Removed, Warning Added

You must have linked to something naughty me thinks!

Hehe...

Yea, I linked to a software program that can find a lost password for a .rar file. Perfectly legal program - that is why I cannot imagine why that would cause a new bar in the ban'o'meter - but then again, Ex-ronin never liked me and have banned me before for no reason and been unable to tell me the reason... I guess that's how it works. I don't know who to complain, since no Admin will respond in PM - so I assume this is the right place?

The admins are awfully quiet atm. though.

Selective memory and unfounded accusations, eh?

Let's have a look at your track record:

07/09/2002 - Personal attack against a moderator

28/09/2002 - Banned for unacceptable remarks regarding the rape of women

11/10/2002 - Sneaked back in under false username - banned again

*at various times other times coming back with various usernames*

04/04/2006 - Spamming in this very Mod Thread

31/10/2006 - Discussing piracy and cracks on the forum

On top of that, numerous occasions where you were flaming, spamming and whenever you got caught, you would lie to get yourself out of the situation (which you never managed to do).

I suggest you drop it, as you're not doing yourself any favours - quite frankly, I am astounded that you are still around and posting, with that kind of track record.

[Espectro (DayZ) 0]

I was refering to your post in that thread and I noted the words of Ex-RoNiNs edit:

Quote[/b] ]Link Removed, Warning Added

You must have linked to something naughty me thinks!  

Hehe...

Yea, I linked to a software program that can find a lost password for a .rar file. Perfectly legal program - that is why I cannot imagine why that would cause a new bar in the ban'o'meter - but then again, Ex-ronin never liked me and have banned me before for no reason and been unable to tell me the reason... I guess that's how it works. I don't know who to complain, since no Admin will respond in PM - so I assume this is the right place?

The admins are awfully quiet atm. though.

Selective memory and unfounded accusations, eh?

Let's have a look at your track record:

07/09/2002 - Personal attack against a moderator

28/09/2002 - Banned for unacceptable remarks regarding the rape of women

11/10/2002 - Sneaked back in under false username - banned again

*at various times other times coming back with various usernames*

04/04/2006 - Spamming in this very Mod Thread

31/10/2006 - Discussing piracy and cracks on the forum

On top of that, numerous occasions where you were flaming, spamming and whenever you got caught, you would lie to get yourself out of the situation (which you never managed to do).

I suggest you drop it, as you're not doing yourself any favours - quite frankly, I am astounded that you are still around and posting, with that kind of track record.

Quote[/b] ]07/09/2002 - Personal attack against a moderator

11/10/2002 - Sneaked back in under false username - banned again

*at various times other times coming back with various usernames*

The two above this is true, but the rest is bull. But there is no reason to discuss this... But you must admit it is a little weird that I have to post this in this thread just to get your attention? If you look in your inbox, you would see multiple messages asking for clearness. Any contact to other moderators have simply been 'I don't wanna get involved in that, sort it out with ex-ronin himself'.

Not too easy as you simply ignore any kind of contact (except this, which is a very low form of communication - I don't think a public thread like this should be used, but it is simply not my decision).

But now that I have your attention - this 'cracks and ilegal software' - is that the bruteforce program you are reffering to?

The reason I ask is well.. Is programs for finding a lost password for windows etc. also ilegal here? The reason I ask is, that the program I linked to isn't a crack. It is simply a program that tries various of combinations to find the correct password in a .rar file.

I have tried myself in numerois occasions to need it, either because I password protected it myself and simply forgot the password, or that I had forgotten where I had downloaded the archive from (which is where the password normally is public available from). I must admit that I have never seen a software developer use .rar password protection as their way of protecting the software they have copyright on.

Last - does the bars never go down?

Cheers and hopefully the end of this discussion.

[Ex-RoNiN 0]

Quote[/b] ]The two above this is true, but the rest is bull. But there is no reason to discuss this..

The rest is bull? Cobblers. Not only is it true, but extensive records exist, detailing all of your infractions, the decisions made amongst us and you are more than welcome to have them posted here to show you that I am not talking from my behind. The records that prove your less than impressive track record exist - since they are your record, it is up to you whether you want them plastered here in public, for everyone to see and for your embarrassment, or whether you want to take it on the chin like a man and face up to your behaviour.

Quote[/b] ]But you must admit it is a little weird that I have to post this in this thread just to get your attention? If you look in your inbox, you would see multiple messages asking for clearness

I have 1 PM from you, dated 12/04/2006, containing no content but a little moan, to which I replied. Your accusation is unfounded.

Quote[/b] ]Any contact to other moderators have simply been 'I don't wanna get involved in that, sort it out with ex-ronin himself'.

Quite rightly so, however, there's nothing to sort out if I hear nothing from you stating your case.

Quote[/b] ]

Not too easy as you simply ignore any kind of contact

I am not aware of any PMs I may have missed.

Quote[/b] ]I don't think a public thread like this should be used, but it is simply not my decision

Whose decision is it then? It is nothing but your own decision, you decided to accuse me and other moderators of ignoring you and victimising you, I merely responded to those charges. Yet again you show that you can't own up to your own behaviour.

Quote[/b] ]But now that I have your attention - this 'cracks and ilegal software' - is that the bruteforce program you are reffering to?

The reason I ask is well.. Is programs for finding a lost password for windows etc. also ilegal here? The reason I ask is, that the program I linked to isn't a crack. It is simply a program that tries various of combinations to find the correct password in a .rar file.

I refer you to the rules:

Quote[/b] ]§3)No discussion about cracks

This includes request for cracks, links to cracks or sites that host cracks, also not acceptable are requests for CD Keys/serials, again such threads will be closed and could result in a permanent ban.

A Warning Level was therefore very lenient. Whilst password crackers are not explicitly stated in the rules, they nevertheless pose a violation of the quoted article (in spirit, if not in word) and I deem them unacceptable for these forums. Circumventing somebody else's password seems very questionable at best, at worst it is illegal and in order to avoid any repercussions, I choose to follow a hard line towards these tools. The fact that you got a lenient treatment, instead of what's stated in the article, reflects the ambiguous nature of that particular nature and considering your past track record, this is very lenient indeed.

Quote[/b] ]Last - does the bars never go down?

This depends entirely on your behaviour on the forums over several months. Your posting, and especially the tone of your postings, has been noted btw.

Let me make one thing clear to you Espectro. You have been a constant irritation for the past 4 years. You are very very lucky to be allowed to post here, a lot of your former troublemaker friends are not so lucky and are still banned. Your behaviour has not improved over the last 4 years, you have constantly been argumentative, breaking the rules and then not facing up to it. You continued to spam and then decided to level public accusations against me and the other moderators in this thread here. A lot of people have been permanently removed from this forum for a lot less. You are walking a fine line and I urge you to rethink your behaviour on these forums, esp. considering your past behaviour.

You are not being victimised, but your past track record will come up when you next break a rule. Repeat offenders are an endangered species on these forums. I suggest you have a good read through the rules yet again, and don't break them in the future.

[shinRaiden 0]

Can the ArmA photography thread be split into a bunch of threads, for pics, commentary, and system performance? It got cluttered real fast.

[shadow 6]

Can the ArmA photography thread be split into a bunch of threads, for pics, commentary, and system performance? It got cluttered real fast.

This is just temporary. Everyone will want to discuss every single screen that is posted so its easier to keep things tidy the way it is now.

Later on we'll split it up like it is with OFP.

[Espectro (DayZ) 0]

Quote[/b] ]The two above this is true, but the rest is bull. But there is no reason to discuss this..

The rest is bull? Cobblers. Not only is it true, but extensive records exist, detailing all of your infractions, the decisions made amongst us and you are more than welcome to have them posted here to show you that I am not talking from my behind. The records that prove your less than impressive track record exist - since they are your record, it is up to you whether you want them plastered here in public, for everyone to see and for your embarrassment, or whether you want to take it on the chin like a man and face up to your behaviour.

Quote[/b] ]But you must admit it is a little weird that I have to post this in this thread just to get your attention? If you look in your inbox, you would see multiple messages asking for clearness

I have 1 PM from you, dated 12/04/2006, containing no content but a little moan, to which I replied. Your accusation is unfounded.

Quote[/b] ]Any contact to other moderators have simply been 'I don't wanna get involved in that, sort it out with ex-ronin himself'.

Quite rightly so, however, there's nothing to sort out if I hear nothing from you stating your case.

Quote[/b] ]

Not too easy as you simply ignore any kind of contact

I am not aware of any PMs I may have missed.

Quote[/b] ]I don't think a public thread like this should be used, but it is simply not my decision

Whose decision is it then? It is nothing but your own decision, you decided to accuse me and other moderators of ignoring you and victimising you, I merely responded to those charges. Yet again you show that you can't own up to your own behaviour.

Quote[/b] ]But now that I have your attention - this 'cracks and ilegal software' - is that the bruteforce program you are reffering to?

The reason I ask is well.. Is programs for finding a lost password for windows etc. also ilegal here? The reason I ask is, that the program I linked to isn't a crack. It is simply a program that tries various of combinations to find the correct password in a .rar file.

I refer you to the rules:

Quote[/b] ]§3)No discussion about cracks

This includes request for cracks, links to cracks or sites that host cracks, also not acceptable are requests for CD Keys/serials, again such threads will be closed and could result in a permanent ban.

A Warning Level was therefore very lenient. Whilst password crackers are not explicitly stated in the rules, they nevertheless pose a violation of the quoted article (in spirit, if not in word) and I deem them unacceptable for these forums. Circumventing somebody else's password seems very questionable at best, at worst it is illegal and in order to avoid any repercussions, I choose to follow a hard line towards these tools. The fact that you got a lenient treatment, instead of what's stated in the article, reflects the ambiguous nature of that particular nature and considering your past track record, this is very lenient indeed.

Quote[/b] ]Last - does the bars never go down?

This depends entirely on your behaviour on the forums over several months. Your posting, and especially the tone of your postings, has been noted btw.

Let me make one thing clear to you Espectro. You have been a constant irritation for the past 4 years. You are very very lucky to be allowed to post here, a lot of your former troublemaker friends are not so lucky and are still banned. Your behaviour has not improved over the last 4 years, you have constantly been argumentative, breaking the rules and then not facing up to it. You continued to spam and then decided to level public accusations against me and the other moderators in this thread here. A lot of people have been permanently removed from this forum for a lot less. You are walking a fine line and I urge you to rethink your behaviour on these forums, esp. considering your past behaviour.

You are not being victimised, but your past track record will come up when you next break a rule. Repeat offenders are an endangered species on these forums. I suggest you have a good read through the rules yet again, and don't break them in the future.

All you say is true, but is so highly exagerated. You are the moderator, though, so I will not point things out for you as it will most likely result in yet another perm ban on my behalf. You just seem to turn and bend all the posts I make into so blatantly negative I could almost laugh if it wasn't so terrible sad.

Cheers

[Ironsight 1]

Quote[/b] ]Ikonboard CGI Error Ikonboard has exited with the following error:

Can't connect to mySQL database. Too many connections

This error was reported at: Sources/iDatabase/Driver/mySQL.pm line 55, line 64.

Please note that your 'real' paths have been removed to protect your information.

Getting this error message frequently since yesterday. Any problems?