[ibizathetort]

Hello everyone

For a while now the forum has been subjected to a lot of insult throwing, bullying and put downs (especially to new members) and the feeling I am getting from a lot of members is that it is now at breaking point and has caused a lot of long standing posters to leave.

The general feeling is that one person is allowed a free rein to insult and bully as they wish.

This all came to a head on friday evening when Jackie Stone was called a nazi for pointing out to the forum that a tortoise was being sold without its papers. She feels this was the tip of the iceberg in the bullying she was on the end of from this person.

The team did not do anything about this insult which seems to be the trend, until I kicked up a fuss and then all that happened was that his comments removed. It feels like insulting behaviour is being condoned by shelled warriors and is causing good people to leave. Lots of members are saying they are frightened to post anymore or have a differing opinion for fear of being on the end of it. My feeling is the team is not impartial enough anymore.

I myself was going to leave, especially after being treated like the trouble maker by the admin but it was such a great forum I felt i'd try and be constructive.

The problems I feel is that there seems to be no control over the people who insult or suitable punishments. We don't get told if infractions are handed out and this adds to the feeling of injustice. We were told after the latest incident that it was 'being monitored'.

My suggestion would be;

1. if anyone is reported for insulting behaviour and the admin team feel this is correct, then the person making the insults should be suspended until they apologise to the victim.

2. 3 strikes and you are out. Persistent insulting behaviour earns you a ban, 3 chances.

3. The victim gets told of the infractions therefore putting minds at ease that shelled warriors does not tolerate it.

I have been accused of having a problem with certain members by the team, I can clearly state and have said time and time again that i would hate to see anyone banned but it cant be at the cost of others. I respect everyones views and experience, but i really dont respect certain members way they makes others feel here.

Also would like to say I appreciate all the efforts everyone who runs the forum, this isnt an ungrateful moan! Its just such a good forum that is in serious danger of becoming a very unfriendly place to be

Thanks for listening
Chris (Ibizathetort)