At it's core, it comes down to this: Draugnar got banned for his negative contributions. Surely his positive contributions compensate for that though? Surely Draugnar as a whole made the site(experience) better, not worse? Is it fair to not make that count?

Even several mods are sad to see Draugnar go. Why make him go if it's just worse for most, as it seems? Wouldn't it be best for all if he gets a 'disciplinary' sentence and can come back to the site under parole?
I just wonder how many people are, like me, just wrapping up their games before leaving now..

I think Draugnar really added something to the site, something more important than the money he gave, too.

For me, this just became just another bunch of pages on the internet, rather than a unique site. I might be the only one who feels this way, but if I'm not, it's not too late to do something about it.

Rules should apply equally to everyone.

so is this really about monetary contribution or your own personal feelings to Draugnar?

Agree with steephie.

I obviously think donors are important, and it's great that Draug was so happy to donate fairly liberally, but I don't see how that at all should change his punishment. I also don't think that being a frequent user of the forum should change anything; regardless of how you feel about Draugnar and his punishment, I really don't see how monetary contribution or popularity should allow for more lenient treatment.

I do actually think that Draug should be let back eventually (assuming much of what he said he did was bs), and I think it's just a case of him needing to get a handle on his rage, but that's a separate point.

"I might be the only one who feels this way"
You're not ;)

How about we impose some kind of restorative justice on draugnar. Say we get him to code another forum, a Wild West, anything goes, kind of forum that the mods wouldn't have to police. It would be linked to this forum but would only be accessed by members who understand that they could be insulted and can't cry to the mods if they are offended.

Most people can post in both forums but some will be restricted from the 'nice' forum if they can't play nice.

Thoughts?

all hail maniac lord of the forums and owner of diplomacy the game. your wisdom will forever triumph over that of simple mortals.

^ a +1 would have sufficed Disciple Byron

I've donated a fair amount but expect no leniency were I to break any rules. The rules apply equally to everyone. If all banned users (who express a desire to return) are periodically (let's say yearly) reviewed and then it's decided on a case by case basis, that's a good idea though. Sandgoose is an example of people who can reform. Not everyone can, though. Posted in the correct thread this time.

Hurl, ghug ,hurl.

I agree with HR. Nothing should be forever, especially for someone who has tried to do good for the site as well.

What I mean with his contributions is that he isn't like blankflag, some fool who has nothing to add to the site. Keeping him banned is just common sense. In Draugnar's case though, not so much.
Not neccessarily money contributions, but I think people who contribute in some sense are already treated better.
For example, someone who makes an account for the purpose of advertising gets banned, someone like me who has an account to play the game and have discussions on the forum and has contributed as well is allowed to do some advertising.

Doesn't it make sense to cut people like Draugnar some more slack than people like blankflag for example, because people like Draugnar have had an undeniable positive effect on the site?

except when they're crashing it and threatening an SQL inject

I agree with steephie...Draugnar still contributes to the forum in a lot of good...or at least uniquely "Draug" ways...

Monetary contribution should not matter at all.

Overall contribution to the site, including forum posting, should be a factor in ban decisions. I trust the mods/admins already took that into account before banning Draugnar. In fact, it sounds like they already put this off several times previously.

We did put it off several times. There were several who wanted to ban him last fall. Agent K and Sandvoose were considered to return after a while. I would venture Draug will be given this option in time as well.

Don't worry, I really doubt that Draug will be gone that long.

I'm sure heads will cool, he'll talk to Zultar/Kestas, and he'll be let back on the site within a couple of months. I wouldn't even be that surprised to see him back on within a couple of weeks.

Banning Draugnar is a bit of an irregularly scheduled tradition. Every now and then he gets stubbornly attached some idealistic struggle that he's willing to completely blow up over and get himself banned for stepping well over the line just to make a point. He's addicted to this site and participating with this community, so he's not just going to walk away. The mods are also a lot more sympathetic than the peanut gallery makes them out to be.

^

I agree that a panel should review banned members once every so often. Community service would be a good idea too, especially for Draug who can actually DO something for the site.

@ssorenn, what?

Let's turn it around, look at new contributions rather than old ones.
IRL, you can be bailed out. Can Draugnar be 'bailed in'?
I would perhaps take it one step further and say he paid for it in advance.

If Draugnar will indeed be let back soon as some suggest, I still think it's an interesting question in general.

I can't think of a single legitimate legal system where you can pay to get out of jail time... sounds like some sort of African Despotate.

Monopoly?

That's a genius idea... we should have high ranking GR games where anyone who solos gets a 'Get out of silence free' card which may be kept until needed or sold for BTC

Every year we could draw up a list of the banned from which the community may select one to pardon.

And tho, Draugnar was brought before the people alongside blankflag and Sargmacher. Who deserves your pardon, cryeth Maniac. Blankflag, blankflag, blankflag, screameth the mob, for obi had bribed them in his jealousy.