This is a moderated forum and unfortunately it's occassionally necessary to deactivate accounts of posters who purposefully and/or repeatedly violate the simple & sensible posting guidelines, there to ensure that the forum is a welcoming and friendly place to visit.
Most deletions are not permanent however. We appreciate that some are the results of misunderstandings or personal circumstances coloring people's behavior. Often the people concerned return under a new account name and manage to post properly according to what is allowed on the site and other times they request that their original accounts are reactivated.
People who agree to abide by the forum rules can apply for re-admission if they want to make a fresh start.
Each case will be considered individually and obviously, how people behave will have a big bearing on the decision. Accounts will only be reactivated on the understanding that they agree to abide by the forum guidelines, cease and desist making personal attacks and genuinely want to make a fresh start, not harping on about the past.
Mistakes have been made on all sides and carrying on personal vendettas is not going to accomplish anything.
As a result, we would like to announce a modified approach to dealing with difficult situations. Effective immediately, if a user ignores the posted guidelines, or warnings from forum assistants, their account will be suspended. For a first time offense, the account will be suspended for a short period which increases for subsequent offenses. An account will normally only be permanently deactivated after multiple suspensions and multiples warnings and a wilful disregard for the ideals and behavior expected in order to participate here. In order to prevent the appearance of inconsistency or favoritism, no account will be permanently suspended by a single forum assistant and all decisions are shared with other assistants for review and correction if necessary.
Anyone whose account was permanently deactivated is welcome to reapply so long as it is understood and agreed that they will comply with this board's guidelines and do not engage in personal attacks, lying or otherwise violate the peace of this board. We are attempting to create a safe and welcoming environment for ex-Jehovah's Witnesses, so while on this board we respectfully request that all behave with consideration. When in doubt, the overriding guideline is to be civil.
We would like to move beyond whatever issues and problems led to the current acrimony between boards. In the current situation, no one benefits and all are being hurt. We must recognize the need to focus on the pain and suffering caused by the policies of Jehovah's Witnesses / The Watchtower Society. There are people who need a place to learn, some peer support and perhaps even find a way to escape. Other boards can serve other needs, but this is the focus of this board and this is why we want to maintain the guidelines we have in place.
Anyone interested should email the shared assistants mailbox: [email protected]
NOTE: This topic is not intended to be a discussion of the issue of moderation itself or to rehash previous decisions. Please do not try to turn it into a debate on either of these things. Expect any posts that ignore this request to be removed.