A Case on Banishment

I write this as a sequel, of sorts, to my latest blog. Unlike the last one, however, this is not an assortment of topics but rather unisubjectal (new word alert). But I’m getting off track here, let’s begin.

Ban.

A word that sparks fear in the heart of most JetPunkers. For many, JetPunk is a large part of their life and to be banned would be like losing a family heirloom. Even I used to feel this way, back when I was more active. The terror of potentially being banned drives users to extremes. Some try to salvage themselves by groveling, begging, and pleading. Others will try to report another user in hopes they will get a pass because they "helped out". Some users will post aged jokes about their fears of getting banned. None of these I see as very positive.

Though I must concede I’m no saint, I’ve walked on eggshells and the past and probably still do now. But if recall correctly I think I just accepted it, maybe threw in an apology or two. I’m not sure. I do remember that l started to venture onto other quiz sites in case I got banned. I spent a lot of time on Ian Fisher and Hugequiz (is that what’s it called?) and I think, I may have to check again, I got some high score on the world grid map, the one where you have to guess the cities in the grid. I believe I posted a question on the Russia quiz, or was it an answer to a question, about why some oblasts and other administrative subdivisions were split. The owner of the site even responded. Real nice guy. I haven’t checked on the site in a while, I wonder how it’s doing.

Good cats, I’ve gotten off track. I suppose this would be a good time to talk about the next phase of banishment: the immediate post-ban period. This one I’ve fallen victim to, posting not one but two blogs about banned users. Someone, I think it was Stewart, reminded me that everybody knows when someone is banned, but somewhat ironically nobody cares. It’s just a fact of life that people will get banned, so don’t spam crying emojis on the fifteen word memorial blog.

Sometimes, a user will get banned and come back. This part has never made sense to me. They got banned for a reason, yet they somehow come back multiple times? YakosaysBotswana would be a good example. He got banned some six times, yet always came back. Currently he still has an active account, which boggles my mind. But coming back isn’t limited to him. Plenty of users will get banned and then immediately defy this and create a new account. We really need to crack down on this sort of thing.

I’m not sure where I was going (if anywhere) with this, and it may just be a short ramble, but I just needed to get my thoughts out. I hope you enjoyed the read.