Sometimes only one word or phrase is enough. If I were to take the time to type out another multi-paragraph response trying to logically explain to you why the moderators did what they did, but I ended it with some blistering insult about your mother's honor and a Shetland pony, I would -- rightfully -- be in some trouble, wouldn't I? You called someone a rules whore, man. Not even just a rules lawyer, but a rules whore.
You don't see how it's possible for other users to maybe, just maybe, genuinely find that offensive? You don't see how it's pretty much the job of the moderators to, then, politely ask you to not use the term again?
Within the questioned thread, I did state I meant no offense. It's on page 2 or 3 of that thread. But using the said term, I did not feel it was derogatory/insulting, hence why I posted it within a humorous context. I did not think it would be over-exaggerated into something that would be considered demeaning.
Seriously, dude. It's only a big deal because you're making it one. Complaining about it in public isn't the way to endear yourself to the mods and show them you've learned that you accidentally crossed the line you didn't realize was there. Complaining about it in public isn't the way to get back into the community-at-large's good graces, to drag your reputation score (since it seems to matter to you) out of the gutter. Complaining about it in public and blaming everyone but you isn't the way to get over it and move on. Complaining about it in public and insulting people (with your hyperbolic cries of Orwellian oppression) isn't the way to make friends, influence people, and enjoy the forum.
First, could you relax a bit? I posted this discussion on the "Off-topic" section so it doesn't interfere with other threads since it is off-topic. Besides I didn't know exactly where to state my concern. I understand that posting a question/issue/concern may seem a melodramatic cry of complaints, but it's actually not. Seeing your quoted response comes off as "anyone that has concerns/issues/complaints can keep their mouth shut, 'cause we're not here to coddle melodramatic cry-babies". That's not a very inviting statement. Aside from my initial post on the concern from my Reputation, which has been confirmed that it is meaningless, I really have no care about it. Also, what's this "blaming everyone but you" bit? And the emphasis in italics? And you call me melodramatic? The only person(s) I am blaming is/are the "Report to moderator" button masher(s) that took my post, blew out of proportion, and now because I have a concern about the warning I received because I find it unnecessary and biased, I'm receiving flak for it. What am I just supposed to keep my mouth shut over a legitimate concern I have? No!
Regarding the rep, ou have to establish yourself with your peers to generate the positives (and outweigh the negatives). This is done by bringing something more to the conversations than personal opinions.
Eh, what? The entire approach, the entire basis of a community forum/message board is about its members' opinions. It's a culmination of theories, ideas, thought-processes, beliefs, and reasoning that outputs some meaningful and digestible result. What do you think, I as a member, doing here? Loitering about, starting fights? I've asked questions, I've gave advice, I cracked some jokes, while looking for support on a product I purchased (ie: Shadowrun material), and I'm supposed to go above and beyond in appeasing members' view of me, all because I have a legitimate concern over why I received a public warning? I'm gobsmacked by the absurdity.
Really, man. Just move on. This is you, shooting yourself in the foot right now.
And I agree with Critias. You're complaining about your negative rep, about the heavy-handedness of the mods, but you've only yourself to blame. The Rep score is set by your peers and (so far) we haven't banned anyone from posting here (except spammers, but they're lower than insect spirits, so they don't count). Regarding the rep, ou have to establish yourself with your peers to generate the positives (and outweigh the negatives).
And my personal opinion is that complaining about getting reported is at least 35.4 times more melodramatic and overblown than the actual report.
You guys are doing a great job in validating my theory that anyone that has a concern, needs to keep it locked away, not complain, and just continue to smile like nothing is wrong. Just sweep it under the rug, right?
Since any Tom, Dick, and Harry, can just slam that "Report to moderator" button like a contestant on Jeopardy, and just doll out judgement/warning without the receiving party having a say in it? So there's nothing wrong with how one-sided, one-dimensional, and one-way the process is? Also, mind you, with a public warning from a mod/admin, you just created a perfect tool for branding a social stigma on any member (in this particular case me) resulting in other members psychologically disqualifying the accused member's validity. Basically, by allowing overly-sensitive reaction to a post meant in jest and good-will, I'm the bad guy with no say. And as it seems by this thread, even if I do say something, I need to move on 'cause I'm close to digging my grave.
Are you guys serious? I did not curse anyone out, I did not cause a flame war, I do not intentionally insult anyone. I offered advice in a humorous way. I even said I meant no offense! And I'm supposed to sweep it underneath the rug, move on, 'cause if I rock the boat, I'll be digging my grave? That's real stellar support there.
You are Charlie-Sheen winning the longer you drag this out and draw attention to it.
By the way, I believe Charlie Sheen is badass, and deserves respect. The dude going through a divorce, is going to lose his kids, and is coping with it by doing crazy stuff like drugs, sexfests, and sticking to his guns with his viewpoints and strong opinions, is alright with me. As long as he doesn't do something stupid like go on a killing spree, he can continue winning.
