@Robert Gentel,
Robert Gentel wrote:
Khethil wrote:I'd suggest/request that those folks be un-banned: 1) By this point in time they've gotten the message...
Nice try,
Khethil. But the repeated attempts to circumvent the bans continues to make clear their intentions of those working with you.
Robert,
Repeated disclaimer: I've never been, and likely never will be, a "regular" poster at any forum because of time constraints.
While I know nothing of the particulars of "what went down here" (and do not care to), I have come to consider Khethil a most reasonable and considerate forum poster, and IMO a person whose opinions are worthy of thoughtful consideration. All forums have their sophistic provocateurs and saboteurs and posts with clearly self-serving or covert motives, but I've seen nothing of that nature in Khethil. The same could be said, I must add, of a few of "the banned". (Note: I don't even know who all of "them" were -- and mentioning specific names would not be appropriate).
I understand that you have first-hand evidence of actions constituting blatent wrongdoing, acts for which there could be no other less malevolent motivation or intention. I've read posts from long-time A2K'rs who strongly vouch for your wisdom and integrity, and I have find no reason to doubt that.
Frankly, some (not all) of the opinions expressed and actions taken by a few old PF'rs seem ill-conceived, and I admit to being taken aback by the degree of emotionalism and vitriol expressed by some. I would initially presume, unless evidence indicated otherwise, this represented some kind of emotional knee-jerk reaction, since it was not consistent with their past normal demeanor or behavior.
But I still can't fully understand what provoked such seemingly irrational reactions from reasonable people. Nor do I care to. I'm staying STRICTLY AWAY from the particulars here, on both sides.
The purpose of this response to you is to serve as a kind of "character witness" for old friends, asking you to take their past behavior and reputation into consideration when ascribing intention or motivation to present actions. However, I understand that there are certain actions for which there can be no truly "good" explanation, just, perhaps, ill-conceived reactions based on misunderstandings. In some cases, like Khethil suggests, I, too, would appeal to the mercy of the court for a second chance, an "unbanning" -- on a case by case basis -- negotiated strictly by you on a one to one basis. In the end, of course, we must all realize that only you know all relevant details, and, therefore, only you are in a position to make a final judgment. Based on your reputation at A2K, I find no reason to mistrust that judgment.
Sorry for the rambling length of this post. I probably should just delete it, but I put so much time into it, what the heck? What's the worst that can happen? (Rhetorical Question -- please, no one offer an answer!)
rebecca
This boggles the mind, Pepijn! You are one of the last people either of us can imagine ever being banned from the old homesite. Was it, well, you know... 
??? Were you caught in the chat room with the owner's consort 
??? We understand that certain "street drugs" have been legalized in Holland; do you recall making any posts while in a condition of transcendental biochemical immoderation 
??? Inquiring people want to know. 
Seriously, it's your private business if you wish it to remain so. We were just wanting to remark that you seem like too nice a guy ever to be banned from anywhere. 
