Tim?

It does seem a shame to lose such a good forum member over something like that. I enjoyed Tim's photos, his contributions, sense of humour and straightforward views. RIP virtual Tim.

It is very sad indeed to ban a long standing member of this forum on the drop of a hat. I would be very interested to hear your side of the story, John, as it is highly relevant for my decision to stay or go (not that it makes a big difference to the forum at large).

I have very fond memories of this forum but have moved my focus of activities to other things. Still like to lurk around or post the odd thing now and then.

I do know Tim from this forum (and other occasions) quite a while and cannot imagine him doing anything so silly warranting a ban (apart from now logging in as a new user; but he had no other way of opposing what you wrote in any other way). It would be good if you could review your decision in a couple of days. For me it seems quite likely that you misjudged this case. If I'm right then I hope you have the balls to admit to it.

It's easy to say there's more to things than meets the eye but I don't want to talk about it, let's move on.
No, it's too serious (at least to me) to move on. I want to know why Tim was banned, preferably publicly but if you are not prepared to do so send me a private message, please.

Best regards,
Prieni

I understand what you feel, and agree with DrOrloff that it's a great pity, but don't you think it would be most unfair to break confidentiality?

Looking at it another way, you have no real idea of any background or history so are making judgements based on no information, or just a little bit of information.

My opinion is that it would be unethical to reveal all the information that I would need to reveal, but it doesn't happen in a vacuum so rest assured that the the team are looking at all things as a team.

This does not relate specifically to one situation, but generally to all situations where warnings and/or bannings are considered.

Entirely agree.

From what I can gather was posted I find it very strange that Tim was banned. In instances like this we have to take the mods word. However, given Tim's character - as demonstrated by his many constructive contributions to PUF over the past few years - I can't help feeling that the action taken in this case was heavy handed. I hope that common sense prevails and that any differences are made up and Tim is invited back now. It is the input of people like Tim that makes PUF what it is - alongside the judicious management of the forum by the mods.

I also agree.

I am moving on simply because of John's over zealous response and warning resulting from another member's complaint, all without first contacting me for clarification.

Whilst I can appreciate warnings and bannings being done by PP, it esentually creates a sense of being unaccountable.

As has clearly been stated, Tim is considered by members to be a valuable and appreciated member.

John! You can hide behind your decision under the guise of confidentiality but this clearly is causing some consternation from members.

In the best interest of the Forum and members, please wipe the slate clean and restore Tim to the fold.

Now I suppose I shall be banned. So be it!!!

You might be able to ban him from the forum but you can't ban him from using Pentax!

Three cheers for Tim!!!

The decision to be confidential is not mine thoramay - the T&Cs clearly say that e-mails (and PMs) are intended for the recipient only and are not to be shared publicly.

Everybody, including yourself, needs to be confident that anything said to a moderator will never be repeated in public.

This does not stop people being disingenuous if they decide to though, which we cannot respond to unfortunately.

Cayman, I have no desire whatsoever to ban anybody from the forum. There is always a reason, what would be the point otherwise?

Maybe. Maybe it's unfair to ban him. And we have no way of telling.

Do I read into that that the post removed was only the opportunity you were already waiting for? Surely not, that would be unethical.
From what I have seen before threads were removed certainly doesn't justify any bans. And I somehow doubt that Tim would act so out of character. That's why it is so hard to believe you. To me you appeared overzealous in other situations (admittedly very far and few between) and it would appear more plausible to me that this was another such situation.

From what I read and Tim's reply in this thread it appears that no warning was issued but a thread removed and a ban carried out.

Very sad story.

Prieni

And we cannot decide who the disingenuous ones are. That is the horses mouth.

Prieni

It's very easy to jump to conclusions Prieni, all I can tell you is that the thread itself has nothing at all to do with a ban. That was a very minor matter that could have been easily sorted and no more need have been said.

I can also tell you that nobody here is poised waiting for someone to fall foul of something, we really do have better things on our minds than pettiness.

A curious thread indeed.
Do not care to go into the rights and wrongs of specific cases, but it does seem odd, and sad that established forum members end up being banned.
Clearly things must have gotten quite heated to end up in this manner, why I ask myself? For most people this is a friendly relaxed forum, which most of us enjoy as part of our hobby, it is not a matter of life and death, so why do some people treat it so.
Forums like this are interesting places, Moderators literally have the power of life and death in the virtual world. We expect Mods to demonstrate the highest standards of integrity for the benefit of the community, but as far as I am aware do not pay them.
As a member of the forum I expect to be moderated, once or twice in the past I have sailed close to the wind, and have been asked to delete post`s. I accept the decisions and requests of Mods, it`s part of being a member. Without the Mods it would be chaos. Possibly sometimes the wrong decision is made, presumably though banning a member is not a decision taken lightly. Without wishing to sound subservient in any way I will always back a Moderators decision.
If the day comes when I do not I shall retire my membership. After all it is only a virtual retirement.
Davex.

No, it's not easy. We are left in limbo.

Ever wondered why trials are held in the public?

Prieni

John. You have been both angel and devil to me. I would always support authority providing it is transparent

Banning and warning members via PP is not transparent. In my case only three people were aware of my warning and the reasons for this. There is no right of reply or the ability of fellow members to express concern to you regarding your decision. Claiming confidentiality just does not wear.

None of us, knowing you, are doubting your word that there are issues here that you cannot discuss. That does not diminish our concern and support for Tim.

Tim has, sensibly, highlighted his concern. Surely the almost unanmimous support for Tim must be of some concern to you.

Mediation is an obvious path. I am sure there is a member that you can trust to share the reasons for your decision and, hopefully reasure us.

Continuous justification will only eat at our regard for you. Please settle your differences.