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#260284 07/11/2017 6:01 PM
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 104
Member
Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 104
All,
Do we have the right to ban whomever we choose from using our forums, legally?

I realize the participants of this UBB forum aren't prepared to give me legal advice, I'm just wondering if you've dealt with a similar situation, and what your opinion is.

Like any active forums there are times when a registered member becomes such a pain in the butt we have to give them
a time out. And if they continue, we ban them, which is to say they can still see the posts on our forums but they can no longer participate.

Every once in a while I get a member who threatens me (what they think is blackmail, or sometimes even physical threats).

The latest problem member has urged his friends to try to convince me to lift the ban (mind you this is the second time he's been banned, we did give him another chance). My reply was that the piano forums were like inviting someone into my home, and that I had the right to tell him to leave. The "friend" claims because we sell advertising on our forums it is a business, not my home, and we can't just throw anyone out because we want to.

It's true we do sell advertising, but membership in our forums is free.
I maintain I have the right to ban anyone I want for any reason, or even for no reason.

Thoughts, opinions, suggestions?

All the Best,
Frank B. / Piano World
http://forum.pianoworld.com




Founder/Host
Piano World
https://PianoWorld.com
Home of the world famous Piano Forums.
http://forum.PianoWorld.com
88,000+ registered members
Over 2.5 million posts, and growing...
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,057
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,057
I ban accounts not people.

If someone wants to register again under a new name and email its really difficult to know its them.

Sometimes it's better the devil you know.

I find increasing suspensions can work.
And after the second suspension invoke a permanent ban with out any opportunity to discuss.

I have a prepared permanent ban message to attach to the account.

If then they request there content to be removed I inform them, its not possible at this time as a complaint has been made and criminal proceedings may follow...

Eventually they will go away.

One crazy time I had one member caused world war 3.only to find out the member was 12yrs old...

You know your members best. Go with what you believe to be best for your forum.

I also, create a private topic with the member content, with examples and content, if im ever challenged, I can justify my actions.

Thats worked for me for many years.



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Your house your rules.

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Unless you're running a site as a government entity you have every right to do as you wish; same for "freedom of speech".

(I'm still on vacation, just stopping by)



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