Far too often the sticky thread concerning this same topic appears to be ignored by members with concerns for warnings they may have received.
This post is to remind members of the procedures that have for some time been at the top of the thread list here.
Please take note before thinking about posting a thread asking about a warning received. It helps everyone to respect the rules rather than post that what can stir strife in the community.
Thank you all for your time in reading this. God Bless. ::smile:: ::groupprayer::
(highlights and larger font are my addition)
Before posting on this forum all members should read Da Rules. Seriously, if you haven't yet, go read them.
When moderators notice the rules being broken, they have many tools at their disposal. They can lock the thread until tempers cool, remove a thread that is in violation, issue a gentle (or a stern) reminder or they can increase the warning level for the offending user(s). A user's warning level affects how he or she can participate in this forum. At different levels, certain restrictions are put into place.
First, the user is placed on a watch list. Next, the user's posts are moderated. That is, they will not appear on the forum for all to see until a moderator approves the post. After that, a user will be muted. He or she will not be able to post at all. Finally, as a last resort, and after many, many chances (this is a grace-centered forum after all), the user will be completed banned.
While most of you will spend your entire time here without ever receiving one, if you do receive a warning, and you believe it to be unfair, here are some do's and don'ts:
DO: PM a moderator and privately ask for clarification about the warning.
DON'T: Make a post on this forum about how the moderators are being unfair to you.
DO: Show the moderator in a polite and respectful manner why you feel the warning is not warranted.
DON'T: Tell the moderators that they are not being fair because other people were violating the rules as well.
DO: Follow the rules and show the moderation team that you warrant having your warning level lowered through your actions.
DON'T: Publicly call out a moderator and claim you are being warned due to your beliefs instead of your actions.