I've noticed recently a increase in discussion around "multis" (Multiple accounts). There seems to be some confusion around what our moderating stance is towards multis - probably because, approaching 10 years, we've never actually had any reference to multis in our rules/guidelines.
So I'll attempt to clarify, before updating our rules.
Wait. Yeah, I know... Hang on. Wait a moment....
As with every rule we have, we should apply common sense as best as we can and 9/10, that common sense will allow multi accounts. Mainly because 9/10 they're fair enough and typically;
On occasion, we will suspend a member for a set duration. It's rare that we will permanently ban a member.
Now, a member who has been suspended may attempt to re-register. If we note a very similar posting style, the same IP or a proxy server being used (and other ways...) - we'll ban this person. If we didn't, it would make a mockery of our moderating.
However, on occasion - we'll not be able to confirm a multi account is indeed, a banned multi. It's quite difficult to detect multis with confidence. You'll be surprised how many of you share an IP with another poster, you'd also be surprised how often multi allegations are well wide of the mark. For this reason, we can't blanket ban multis.
If this previously suspended member posts for a long time, adheres to the forums expectations then we'll not suspend them solely because they were suspended in the past. If we did that, there wouldn't be many members on here at all.... Granted, previously suspended members might have a mark against their name for "having form" if push come to shove, but it would be poor on our side to be so proactive in preventing fans access to a fan platform.
So to conclude, there is no blanket ban on multis but play the game. Treat multis as you would some one being 'banned' from the local ale house. If they pop their head in later, in disguise and don't bottle anyone. They'll be left as is. If they try an walk in all brazen the night after being banned, they'll be lashed.
So I'll attempt to clarify, before updating our rules.
- Multis are allowed.
Wait. Yeah, I know... Hang on. Wait a moment....
As with every rule we have, we should apply common sense as best as we can and 9/10, that common sense will allow multi accounts. Mainly because 9/10 they're fair enough and typically;
- Username change.
- Lost login details.
- Protecting identity.
On occasion, we will suspend a member for a set duration. It's rare that we will permanently ban a member.
Now, a member who has been suspended may attempt to re-register. If we note a very similar posting style, the same IP or a proxy server being used (and other ways...) - we'll ban this person. If we didn't, it would make a mockery of our moderating.
However, on occasion - we'll not be able to confirm a multi account is indeed, a banned multi. It's quite difficult to detect multis with confidence. You'll be surprised how many of you share an IP with another poster, you'd also be surprised how often multi allegations are well wide of the mark. For this reason, we can't blanket ban multis.
If this previously suspended member posts for a long time, adheres to the forums expectations then we'll not suspend them solely because they were suspended in the past. If we did that, there wouldn't be many members on here at all.... Granted, previously suspended members might have a mark against their name for "having form" if push come to shove, but it would be poor on our side to be so proactive in preventing fans access to a fan platform.
So to conclude, there is no blanket ban on multis but play the game. Treat multis as you would some one being 'banned' from the local ale house. If they pop their head in later, in disguise and don't bottle anyone. They'll be left as is. If they try an walk in all brazen the night after being banned, they'll be lashed.
