Please note that this thread pertains only to the forum, and that the main site is not affected by this.
There has been some confusion about our block system's functionality, our protocol when it comes to handling these issues, and how the rules are laid out for the forum. This thread's purpose is to clarify these points and establish a public guideline for the purposes of transparency and understanding.
Before I distinguish the difference in the forum and main site block systems, I want to remind everyone that there is no tolerance for those who are blocked contacting those who are blocking them and vice versa. A block is a definitive way to establish that you want no contact, and either party breaching this will be acted upon.
"Block evasion", as we call it, is encompassed into Code of Conduct, Section 2.4 - Do not harass anyone.
When you block a user on the forum, neither they or you are able to view the other's content. We are aware of some loopholes but will not be publishing them here so that they are not abused. Unfortunately, these loopholes are not something that we have any control over as the block system that XenForo (our forum software) uses was not made with our specific needs in mind.
There has been some (understandable) upset that users are able to access threads created by people who have them blocked. Here is the protocol that we are going to enforce from now on:
If a user is caught accessing a thread created by someone that is blocking them or that they have blocked, they will face necessary action and be locked from the thread. This also goes for any personal contact made, mirroring the main site's protocol.
The only exception here is on topics of general interest. Due to the forum's nature of communication, it's not fair to bar certain individuals from topics, seeing that we only typically allow one to focus on major events. For example, if user A created a topic about a world event, and they have user B blocked, user B would miss out on that participation. In these situations, we will not punish user B for participation in the thread unless they make any attempt to respond to the person that has them/they have blocked. This includes implications, allusions, or otherwise hinting at the user as well.
Personal topics will, of course, be treated with zero tolerance as journals are on the main site.
TL;DR - The block system will be enforced as usual unless it is in a topic of general interest, such as one discussing a world event, as long as the blocked user does not attempt to contact or reply to the person blocking them, vice versa.
Please let us know if you have any questions regarding this protocol. You may PM a staff member or reply here.
Thank you for your understanding.
There has been some confusion about our block system's functionality, our protocol when it comes to handling these issues, and how the rules are laid out for the forum. This thread's purpose is to clarify these points and establish a public guideline for the purposes of transparency and understanding.
Before I distinguish the difference in the forum and main site block systems, I want to remind everyone that there is no tolerance for those who are blocked contacting those who are blocking them and vice versa. A block is a definitive way to establish that you want no contact, and either party breaching this will be acted upon.
"Block evasion", as we call it, is encompassed into Code of Conduct, Section 2.4 - Do not harass anyone.
In this context, harassment includes creating an account with an offensive name, impersonation of another user, and remarks which discuss personal grievances, quarrels, malicious rumors, or negative statements about other individuals. This does not include civil discussions about topics of public interest such as celebrities or government officials, but does include 'bewares' and similar content.
Any attempt to address a user who has blocked you or whom you have blocked is considered a form of deliberate harassment. This also includes soliciting other users to pass on messages or otherwise make contact on your behalf.
If a particular type of content does not appeal to you, then do not seek it out to make disparaging comments. Users with a pattern of this behavior may be cited for harassment.
When you block a user on the forum, neither they or you are able to view the other's content. We are aware of some loopholes but will not be publishing them here so that they are not abused. Unfortunately, these loopholes are not something that we have any control over as the block system that XenForo (our forum software) uses was not made with our specific needs in mind.
There has been some (understandable) upset that users are able to access threads created by people who have them blocked. Here is the protocol that we are going to enforce from now on:
If a user is caught accessing a thread created by someone that is blocking them or that they have blocked, they will face necessary action and be locked from the thread. This also goes for any personal contact made, mirroring the main site's protocol.
The only exception here is on topics of general interest. Due to the forum's nature of communication, it's not fair to bar certain individuals from topics, seeing that we only typically allow one to focus on major events. For example, if user A created a topic about a world event, and they have user B blocked, user B would miss out on that participation. In these situations, we will not punish user B for participation in the thread unless they make any attempt to respond to the person that has them/they have blocked. This includes implications, allusions, or otherwise hinting at the user as well.
Personal topics will, of course, be treated with zero tolerance as journals are on the main site.
TL;DR - The block system will be enforced as usual unless it is in a topic of general interest, such as one discussing a world event, as long as the blocked user does not attempt to contact or reply to the person blocking them, vice versa.
Please let us know if you have any questions regarding this protocol. You may PM a staff member or reply here.
Thank you for your understanding.