You act like you expose some big secret about my having no choice but to ban Ease. It is no secret. I advised the board of my action in a post this morning. And when I saw Laurie's question posed, I immediately sent her a pm advising of what I did and why I was compelled to do it. There were solid reasons, multiple real violations.

Contrast the above with how banning was handled by another Hub Leader. The only way anyone found out who had done the banning was if another Hub Leader advised. I surmise that since you are accustomed to that approach, you were compelled to make your post.

Also contrast the fact that I cited multiple real violations in one post, while a certain other Hub Leader cited his reason for banning as the poster being "disruptive". Unfortunately, being "disruptive" is not a violation of any of the six rules. Go back and look, that's what you'll find as the reason for the ban of 5-10 recognized former forum members.

Also, as you KNOW (but failed to share), Ease had made a series of, let's say, poor judgment posts. Five had been reported, by five different users. All cited valid violations.

What the heck, here's what I pm'd to Laurie. It explains. I should note that I was in no way offended by Ease invoking my name/style - I actually found that part quite humorous, as intended.

"I banned ease this morning, and advised all in a post earlier today. Apparently you did not see the offending posts. Yes postS. Five of his posts in a row were reported as violations by five different users. All contained valid violations of the rules. Then I saw this one:

"Title:Re: badgerbooster ... fut
Post Content: Using SGE's writing style. YOU are a PTSC BOD apologist. YOU are continually there to apologize for Gloria.

And to take one out of your book: I will call you a BOD apologist whenever I want to, whereever I want to, with whomever I want to. And nooa-Bawdy izza gonna stoppa mea!!!! Badda Bing, Badda Boom...forgettabout it...lol

We're all having fun..."

Name-calling is forbidden, and I frankly didn't like his thumbing his nose at the entire board. Apparently he doesn't think the rules apply to him, at all. Of course you probably didn't see the other violating posts. If you are really interested, I can access them and share as above.

I too have a real problem with the idea of banning people. I believe this was the first time I've banned anyone but an obvious spammer. But when someone with a long history of being banned for violations just doesn't learn, makes a series of violating posts, and then says "I can do whatever I want", then it is time to bite the bullet and pull the trigger (was that a terrible mix of metaphors or what? LOL). Seriously, I don't like it, but in trying to be a responsible Hub Leader IMO he left me no choice.

Similarly, I don't like issuing warnings for violating posts. Fut had a violating post reported yesterday that contained profanity. He wasn't directing it at anyone, but was quoting an abusive pm he had received (from CertainVictory who, coincidently, I suspect is an Ease alias, but that's beside the point). None-the-less, and regardless of circumstance, it was profanity and it was a violation. I issued a warning to assure he got the message that such is not acceptable.

When a poster leaves no real choice in the matter, ya gotta do what ya gotta do.

A hope this alleviates your concern. And don't worry, I have no doubt that Ease will be back soon.

SGE/Rick"

Now BaNosser, have you or any other Hub Leader ever been that candid (with the exception of Tommeeek)? Have you, or any, ever come out and provided an explanation, even when not solicited, for your/their actions? Ever?

Does it appear, based on the above, that I'm playing favorites?

And isn't it interesting that YOU, if I recall correctly, have NEVER exposed the actions of other Hub Leaders, regardless of how outrageous their actions?

I feel so special! LOL

SGE