Mod notice - swords hoopster

After a review of the complaint and evidence highlighted, it has been decided that a three month ban is the most suitable punishment. This was done me and Nines with some guidance from NUTS but, at the behest of Brix, excluded him (as the complainant) from any part of the process.

In the grand scheme of things, this isn't Swords worst offence insofar as it was so overblown in its outrage that Brit saw through it and pulled apart the grandiose wording (put in for nothing more than a heightened affect).

That said, there is a clear breach of the rules, directly contravening those defined specifically for wumming, baiting and trolling (highlighted in its success by 300+ responses). These coupled with the very recent return from a ban have made a heavy punishment unavoidable.

To those calling for a permanent ban, this was always unlikely given our relatively new status as mods - we're not hell bent on dishing out such things while we're new to this. Rest assured though, firstly you will have the entire pre-season without Swords and, secondly, you will have our assurance that the behaviour will not continue.

To those calling for a light ban or no punishment at all, what do you expect - you ask for mods, you agree to the rules, you see the people that are directly affected by Swords' aggressive manner and his long history of bans and yet you expect us to do nothing more than watch idly as the board descends into a state of anarchy at the hands of one poster.

As mods, we (more so those preceding Nines and I) have done everything except a full and permanent ban in an attempt to accommodate the man. Now, the friends/allies/supporters of Swords have to take the responsibility of keeping him within the rules*(as you all do yourselves)*- if you can't manage that then expect the inevitable and don't expect any right to discourse on the subject.

Any threads that appear as a result of this notice will be moved to the 400 post, dirge of an effigy to this whole sordid affair.

Any comments/complaints about the modding of this issue can be raised by PM to both me and Nines as per the procedure in Brix's signature.

Thanks for your attention,

Matt & Nines