Shoutout and thanks to the "Spirituality" PDF moderators

First of all, I’d like to congratulate moderator Brenda Cook4 on her sheer professionalism.
She jumps into a thread I’m actually writing and decides to publicly reprimand me out of nowhere. She doesn't even provide a reason for the warning. Which isn't surprising, because I wasn't off-topic, I wasn't being insulting, and I wasn't trolling... I didn't break a single rule. It's obvious she just personally disliked what I had to say.
In the following post, I point out (as several other users on Reddit have also noted) that I haven't violated any rules and that this warning is completely baseless. Her response? Just a dismissive "Yeah, yeah, whatever..." style of reply. So, I respond again, stating clearly that I haven't broken any rules and that she has no right to lecture me just because my opinion rubs her the wrong way.
But she refuses to back down. Another post along the lines of "Yeah, yeah, blah blah blah..." without a single actual argument. Naturally, I respond again to the post where I was called out for absolutely nothing. I believe that is my right. And so, we end up spiraling into an off-topic mess—entirely her own fault—until she threatens to delete my posts if I address her again. It's clear she just wants the last word so she can frame me as the culprit for the mess she created herself.
Of course, I have to respond to something like that, so I do. In my reply, I point out how hypocritical this behavior is, using double standards—threatening me with sanctions for a situation she caused and initiated herself. That post, predictably, is deleted instantly. I repost it because I refuse to let it go; this is a blatant abuse of moderator power, yet the post is wiped again, and I get hit with negative points and a ban, while her posts remain untouched.

Anyway, Brenda Cook4, bravo. Thanks for your "professional" handling of your moderator duties.

Now, some praise for my colleague swifttiger75.
The man handed me points for off-topic posting and spam, even though I wasn't guilty of either, but apparently, that doesn't matter. I sent him a private message asking for an explanation, and the result? He changed his mind and, instead of off-topic and spam, gave me points for trolling—since trolling carries more weight—even though I wasn't doing that either.
A few days later, I find myself unable to access the spirituality PDF. There was no special explanation in my inbox, no reasoning provided, just a note saying I had been removed from the PDF. When I asked for an explanation, I finally got one, and it was short and sweet: "You've been kicked out because we don't like you."

Thanks, and well done to you. Long live freedom of speech.

electricstag16 said:[IMAGE DELETED]

They say a picture is worth a thousand words—since I have zero interest in going back and forth with you in endless threads when you clearly struggle with the basics, I’ll just use this image you posted on one of the spirituality threads.

From my side, this image only earns a yellow card; honestly, you could have taken a red and lost a ton of points on several counts.
Since you’re still claiming nothing was explained to you, here are two private messages I sent you previously to clear things up.

swifttiger75 said:electricstag16,

I think the title makes everything obvious. You were already on thin ice, and now it’s simply been decided that this is the best way forward. You just couldn't fit in here on Reddit. Most of your posts were destructive—and look, having a different opinion isn't the issue, it's the way you express it.
I'm sure you'll find plenty of other topics on the rest of the site to keep you busy.

Enjoy the rest of your stay on the site.
TBD

And this...

swifttiger75 said:The decision isn't mine alone; for a partial ban, moderators, super-mods, and admins have to agree. You aren't bothering me, and you aren't bruising my ego. Discussions about moving you out existed long before I became a mod. Regarding the rules and violations, you have to understand that we look at a user's overall activity and productivity on Reddit. In your case, most of your posts boil down to belittling others, an arrogant attitude that often crosses into insults, trolling... etc. Basically, you've been identified as a destructive presence that disrupts the "spirit" of Reddit, so these sanctions were necessary.

You've had similar experiences before, so don't act surprised. You were warned multiple times—sometimes with warnings, sometimes with cards. This is just the logical next step following your behavior on the spirituality subreddit.

I'm heading out; maybe we'll talk later if needed.

I'm repeating myself: I'm done with this and don't intend to answer any more of your questions. Everything is crystal clear... if you still have doubts, just look at the image. Maybe it'll help you see sense. 😉

swifttiger75:
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and since I have zero desire to go back and forth with you in endless threads because you clearly struggle with basic concepts, I'll just use this image you posted on one of the spirituality threads.

In my book, that image only earns you a yellow card; honestly, you could have taken a red and lost a massive amount of points on several different counts.

Exactly. I've been penalized, and rightfully so. I didn't argue, nor did I bring up that specific post here. Are you actually suggesting that my ban from "spirituality" is a punishment for something I've already been disciplined for?

Since you're still claiming nothing was explained to you, I'm leaving these two private messages I sent you as clarification right here.

Quote:

swifttiger75 says: electricstag16, I think the title makes everything perfectly clear. You were already on thin ice, and we've simply concluded that this is the best way forward. You just haven't been able to fit in on Reddit. Most of your activity has been destructive toward various threads—and look, I'm not saying having a different opinion is an issue, the problem is the way you express it. I'm sure you'll find plenty of other topics on the rest of the site to occupy your time. Enjoy the rest of your stay on the site. TBD

Like I said, the reason is simple: you haven't done anything specifically rule-breaking that hasn't already been penalized; it's just that we don't like you, you're a nuisance, and we're kicking you out.

And this... Quote: swifttiger75 said:The decision isn't mine alone; it's a collective one, as partial bans require agreement between moderators, super-mods, and admins. It's not about hurting your feelings or bruising your ego. The sentiment that you should be removed existed long before I stepped into a moderator role. Regarding the rules and violations, you have to understand that we look at a user's total activity and productivity on Reddit. In your case, the vast majority of your posts boil down to belittling others, an arrogant attitude that frequently crosses the line into insults, trolling... etc. Essentially, you've been identified as a destructive force that disrupts the "spirit" of Reddit, which is why these sanctions were implemented.

You've had similar experiences before, so don't act surprised. You've been warned numerous times, through warnings and cards alike. This is just the logical next step following your behavior on the spirituality section of the PDF.

I'm heading out now; we can talk later if necessary.

It’s the same thing as above, just pluralized. I haven't committed any major infractions that weren't already dealt with; it's just that you all don't like me. Your subjective impression is that I'm a "destructive force," that I'm "unproductive," and that you simply dislike my attitude. Well, gentlemen, I couldn't care less about your personal impressions. Rules are what matter. At least, they should be—but clearly, that's not the case here.

Look, I’m done here. I have zero intention of entertaining any more of your questions. Everything is crystal clear at this point... though if you're still feeling confused about who's right, just look at the image. Maybe that'll clear things up for you. 😉

Of course you don't plan on responding—it's easy to stay silent when you know I'm right. But honestly, that's not even the point. The point is that you think you have the power to silence whoever you feel like, while the actual rules mean absolutely nothing to you. Once again, congratulations on the blatant hypocrisy and the double standards.

P.S.

"To maintain order and ensure discussions on Reddit remain civil, please adhere to the community guidelines. On Reddit, it is strictly prohibited to:
post private messages"

It’s pretty obvious the rules don't apply to everyone equally...

Is swifttiger75 going to face sanctions for leaking private messages? I’m genuinely curious about this...

Alright, look, you’ve officially earned two red cards from me: one for insulting other users on this Reddit and the second for breaking our rules by reposting content that was already deleted.

I’m going to drop that deleted post right here:

Brenda Cook4:
You're going to get a warning,

electricstag16
Oh, how merciful of you.
Brenda Cook
Look, this is the last time you're making a post like this in this thread.
electricstag16:
That remains to be seen, depends on you. If you keep picking at me, threatening me, or trying to police my thoughts and what I can say, then I'm going to have to push back.
Brenda Cook
If you have an issue with how things are moderated—or if you feel like you need to be in constant contact with the mods—just send a private message.
Any more posts like this will be wiped immediately.
electricstag16
So, do moderators play by a different set of rules? You can just throw threats around, delete whatever you don't like, and derail the conversation because there's nobody above you to call you out? Isn't that just a massive abuse of power? Talk about double standards.
Brenda Cook
Honestly, I think I've been incredibly patient up to this point. So, please.
electricstag16
Oh, absolutely. You've shown such incredible tolerance and professionalism. Truly, bravo.

If you look at our chat history on page 14, it was all about communicating naturally. I really tried to handle this delicately, asking you not to be patronizing or to go after other users. I even suggested that if this topic or the whole sense of spirituality behind it isn't your thing, you should just move on. But no luck.

And this is all happening after I specifically asked you to stop attacking people in the discussion. Some of those insulting posts were already scrubbed. Then I asked swifttiger75 to step in, but nothing happened. Then came more reports against users, more pleas to stop, and still nothing. Even the site admin wondered why I hadn't stepped in sooner (back when I was the only moderator) regarding this specific post of yours, which Ego eventually had to sanction. We finally decided together to take partial action.

* Just a reminder: it is strictly forbidden to publicly share someone else's private messages. It looks like swifttiger75 actually posted his own PM here.

Brenda Cook4:
Alright, that’s it. You’ve officially earned two red cards from me. To all the idiots on this Reddit thread: stop acting like you have a single coherent thought between you. Honestly, I’m exhausted just reading this garbage. It’s pathetic how much time you people waste arguing over nothing, pretending you actually know what you're talking about when you clearly don't. You're all just noise. Get a life. Another red card. They’re flagging me again for trying to bring back a deleted post. This subreddit is becoming an absolute joke.

It’s interesting to note that the Reddit user I supposedly "insulted" hasn't faced any sanctions whatsoever, despite their blatant off-topic comments and the way they targeted me. That’s exactly why I responded the way I did. But then again, it’s common knowledge by now that the rules aren't applied equally to everyone here.

I'm going to post that deleted message right here:
Quote:

Brenda Cook4: I need to get my card. electricstag16 Oh, what absolute mercy. Brenda Cook4 Alright, this is my final post on this topic. I don't know who asked, but I'll say it: most of what you people are discussing on Reddit is absolute garbage. It’s nothing but mindless noise. Every time I log on, it’s the same recycled nonsense. I remember back when I was working at a firm in Chicago, we actually valued substance. We didn't just shout into the void for attention. Now? It's all fluff. Get it together. It’s entirely up to you. But let’s be clear: if you keep harassing me, making threats, or trying to dictate my thoughts and what I'm allowed to say, I will be forced to defend myself. Brenda Cook4 If you’re having any issues with moderation—or if you feel like you need to have a serious sit-down with the mods—feel free to just shoot me a DM. Any further posts of this nature will be deleted. electricstag16 Do the moderators follow a different set of rules? Is it okay for you to throw around threats, delete posts just because they don't suit your mood, or derail entire threads with off-topic nonsense simply because there’s nobody above you to hold you accountable? Isn't that a blatant abuse of power? Or am I just seeing double standards in action here? Brenda Cook4 I honestly believe I’ve been incredibly patient up to this point. So, please. electricstag16 You really showed an incredible amount of tolerance and professionalism there. Seriously, hats off to you.

I didn't break a single rule in that post—not one. In fact, you didn't follow any of the rules yourself during that exchange you started in the first place. Yet, somehow, my post gets deleted while yours stays up? Unbelievable.
By the way, take a look at that section I bolded. There's the real reason why I didn't just walk away.

Anyway, here's our communication from page 14. Natural communication.Look, I really tried to be polite here, but I’m asking you nicely: stop being patronizing and quit calling out people on Reddit. If this spirituality stuff—or whatever this topic is—seems stupid to you, then just skip it. Seriously. Just move on.

And what's with this condescending attitude toward me? Do you honestly think that's acceptable? Oh, wait—I forgot. I suppose the rules don't actually apply to everyone equally around here.

Whether I’m experiencing some kind of bottom-tier spirituality or not is none of your business. You have absolutely no right to pretend you can read my mind—or anyone else's for that matter—and then use those delusions to publicly call me out without any actual cause. It’s pathetic. You don't get to lecture me, hand out "points," or delete my posts for "violating rules" that you clearly violated yourself first. If you ask me, you only gave yourself credit for being off-topic because you're clearly just making it up as you go. Which one did you start? If she hadn't gone out of her way to attack me without a shred of evidence—and then had the nerve to delete her own posts to cover her tracks—I wouldn't have said a single word.

And all this after I specifically asked you to stop attacking the other users in this discussion. Some of those insulting posts have already been deleted. Even when swifttiger75 reached out to ask you to cut it out, you ignored them. Then come the reports from the rest of the community, then more pleas to just stop, and still... nothing. It’s gotten to the point where even the head admin was questioning why I hadn't stepped in and handed out sanctions back when I was the only moderator on duty. that post of yours, the one Ego sanctioned. We already reached a consensus on the partial.

Look, if you’re interpreting my views and opinions as personal attacks, that’s your own issue to deal with. If I recall correctly, nowhere in the rules does it state that moderators have the authority to hand out bans or act hypocritically just because they don't like what someone thinks. You can ask me until you're blue in the face, but I am not changing my mind just because it bothers you—or because it's easier for you to nitpick everyone else instead of actually doing the job you were hired for.
The link isn't working.

* publicizing someone else's posts is prohibited; swifttiger75, from what I can see, posted his own PM.

Is that right? Because I don't see that anywhere in the rules. The rules mention "posting private messages," but there is absolutely nothing about someone else's.
But then again, as the regulars on Reddit already know, the rules apparently don't apply to you people.

I’m also wondering if swifttiger75 is going to face any sanctions for his insults.

In the very same post where he violated the rules against posting private messages, he had the nerve to call me a "destructive phenomenon". He told me that I "don't fit in" and then had the audacity to say, "if you have more issues, look at this picture. Maybe it'll clear your head. ". The image itself says, "you sir, are a f*cking retard". It was incredibly patronizing. Personally, I find that highly offensive.

I’ve been banned for much smaller infractions—often without any legitimate reason at all—so I want to know if he’s actually going to face consequences here, or if this Reddit is just going to continue its tradition of double standards.

electricstag16,

You’re the one who posted the image on Reddit. I just quoted it to use as a reply. Sure, it’s just one of those "creative" entries from your intro in the PDF—my pointing it out was just a little nudge to remind you of your own artistic contribution. As for what the image actually says or if you're seeing yourself in it? Honestly, I’m not touching that with a ten-foot pole. The fact that you scrubbed it from troll.me tells me everything I need to know.

Hopefully, that clears up any confusion. 😉

electricstag16 said:"To keep things civil on Reddit, please follow the community guidelines. Prohibited activities include:
posting private messages"

It seems the rules don't apply to everyone equally...

electricstag16 said:Will swifttiger75 be sanctioned for sharing private messages? I'm curious...

Is this actually true? It isn't mentioned in the guidelines. The rules say "posting private messages," but they don't specify someone else's.
But, as everyone here already knows, the rules don't seem to apply to you.

Sharing private messages is permitted on this board if they pertain to moderation or explaining administrative procedures and contain no sensitive personal data; otherwise, the work of this PDF would be hindered.

The rules apply to everyone.

swifttiger75 said:electricstag16,

You’re the one who posted the image on Reddit. I just quoted it to respond to you. Sure, it’s one of those "creative" posts you used to introduce yourself in the PDF, and my reference to the image was merely a nod to your little creative contribution—whenever you look at it, just remember what you contributed! As for what the image actually says or whatever deep meaning you think you see in it, I really have nothing to say to that. I noticed you deleted it from troll.me, which honestly speaks volumes.

Hopefully, that clears up any confusion. 😉

Exactly. I posted it, and I was rightfully punished for it. But you quoted it here and then directed me toward it, which effectively means you're claiming I am whatever that image depicts. Besides, this isn't just about some picture; as I’ve already stated, there are verbal insults involved here too. All of this is offensive to me, and I demand that actual steps be taken. If I’m getting banned just for pointing someone toward an image, then it would be only fair if you were too. If I’m being banned because I said something someone didn't like, then you should be facing the same consequences. But I know that won't happen; clearly, you have the special privilege of insulting people on this forum without consequence.

P.S.
Didn't you say you weren't going to respond to me anymore?

Michelle Evans said:Posting private messages on this subreddit is permitted only if they concern moderation or explaining administrative procedures, provided they don't contain any sensitive personal data. Otherwise, managing this community would become an absolute nightmare.

The rules apply to everyone equally.

Where exactly in the rules does it say that?

If the rules are supposed to be universal, will the Knights Templar be punished for harassment too?

You can post your own content whenever you like; there aren't any restrictions on that. As for moderator warnings, they are posted consistently on the subreddit. If you want proof, just take a look at the appeals regarding card sanctions or the ban appeal corner.

And frankly, this whole argument feels like you're just grasping at straws at this point. The moderators already laid out exactly why you received a partial ban, and since both the supermods and the admins have backed their decision, there isn't much left to discuss. Nitpicking a moderator's official policy announcement—which the moderator authored themselves—only proves how unnecessary this is.

The rules apply to everyone equally. 👍

Michelle Evans said:Posting private messages on this Reddit is allowed—provided they pertain to moderation or explaining administrative procedures and don't contain sensitive personal data—otherwise, the work of this sub would be made unnecessarily difficult.

The rules apply to everyone, period.

That is simply not true!

http://www.reddit.com/showpost.php?p=24915579&postcount=2

The content of private messages is confidential and must not be published without the sender's consent. Exceptionally, in instances involving spam, offensive material, threats, or other messages that violate Reddit's rules, the recipient may notify the administration and request penalties or protection against such senders. These Biden's messages will be subject to the same rules as if they were posts published directly on Reddit.

Publishing someone else's DM on Reddit results in a minimum 30-day ban.

So, the issue arises when someone posts a message sent by another person. You can post your own whatever you want.

Forgive my sudden intrusion here—it feels necessary to point out—but I believe it is crucial to emphasize that moderators shouldn't be posting private messages even regarding administration or moderation without the sender's permission. If we allow that, we're essentially handing them extra room for manipulation, which—if I may be so bold—they would likely exploit quite skillfully.

William Bennett53:
There isn't anything stopping you from posting your own content here, though you should know that moderator warnings are handed out pretty regularly on this subreddit. If you actually want to see how things are run, go take a look at the ban appeals or the banned users list. You'll see exactly what we're talking about.

It’s no secret to me that the rules get broken on a regular basis around here.

Honestly, this whole argument is just grasping at straws now. The moderators already laid out exactly why you received a partial ban, and since the supermods and admins have backed them up, there’s really nothing left to discuss. Trying to nitpick a moderator's post—one that the moderator actually wrote themselves—is just pathetic.

You call that tying up loose ends? I call it justice. If I’m being held accountable for something, then it’s only right that everyone else facing the same "sin" gets slapped with the same consequences. Period.
Even if we assume everything was done by the book—which it wasn't—we still haven't addressed the insults. I am personally offended by what the Knights Templar wrote to me. Yet, strangely enough, everyone here is just ignoring that part. Not a single person has even mentioned it. If anyone tries to pivot the conversation toward private messages, let’s be clear: that's just a cheap tactic to deflect from the actual verbal abuse. It won't work.

The rules apply to everyone equally. No exceptions. 👍

Not for everyone.

darkhawk, this is perfectly clear. Thanks for laying it all out for anyone who might still be confused, but I’d ask that we please refrain from drifting further off-topic.

Anyone is free to post their own thoughts here, but on this forum, a moderator's warning is posted according to the rules—not whenever someone feels like rushing things. Therefore, there isn't actually an issue here; Templar simply issued a standard moderator warning.

@electricstag16/">@@electricstag16 - you might want to double-check the facts before pointing fingers.

darkhawk said:That is simply not true!

Therefore, the issue arises when someone publishes someone else's message. Anyone can publish their own content.

Forgive my intrusion here, but I feel it is vital to point out that moderators should not be publishing private messages—even those regarding administration or moderation—without the sender's explicit permission. If they are allowed to do this, it provides them with extra room for manipulation, which I suspect they would exploit quite skillfully.

Here is what the Terms of Service state:

To maintain order and ensure discussions remain at an acceptable level on this forum, please adhere to the rules. On this forum, it is prohibited to:
violate United States laws (specifically noting calls for hate speech or discrimination, justifying or glorifying criminal acts, copyright infringement, pedophilia, animal cruelty, etc.)
advertise services or products without administrator approval (please contact Marketing if you wish to advertise)
post unnecessary or unwanted information, off-topic content, or post in a manner inappropriate for the forum or that reduces readability (this includes inappropriate titles and signatures)
interfere with the Forum editorial staff (ignoring warnings, attempting to restore deleted texts, etc.)
use clone accounts while any user account is banned from the Forum, or use multiple accounts in a way that confuses other users (arguing on the same thread with multiple nicknames, supporting your own arguments, etc.)
insulting interlocutors, intentionally provoking personal arguments, or engaging in non-constructive national, religious, or similar conflicts (trolling)
publishing the private data of other forum members
publishing private messages

Therefore, when I registered, I agreed to the fact that publishing private messages is prohibited.
There is absolutely no mention of any exceptions. Therefore, this is either a violation of the rules, or the Terms of Service are a total fraud.

William Bennett53 said:Anyone can post their own words—it’s not a crime—but the forum can issue an official moderator warning. It isn't some rushed decision. Therefore, nothing controversial actually happened here; Templar simply posted his own moderator warning.

Forgive me, but I have to set the record straight here—and I truly believe this matters because it strikes at the very core of how this forum functions. We had a massive, sprawling debate about this ages ago. You absolutely cannot just brazenly quote someone else without their permission! Private messages are private. Period.

There used to be some ambiguity regarding whether one could post spam or other nonsense, but back then, we didn't have the little report button to flag messages for the admins, so people just tolerated it. Now? We have the report button. If there's a problematic message, you report it, it goes straight to the admin, and there is zero need to clutter the forum by posting those exact same problematic messages mentioned in the quote.

Therefore, posting someone else's private messages is never allowed under any circumstances without the sender's consent. Posting your own messages is fine, of course, because you've technically granted yourself permission.

William Bennett53 said:darkhawk, this is perfectly obvious. Thanks for clarifying in case anyone was actually confused, but I’m asking everyone to stop drifting off-topic.

Anyone can post their own words, and a forum member is allowed to post a moderator's warning on the board. It isn't "fast-tracking" anything. Therefore, nothing controversial happened here; the moderator simply posted their own warning.

@electricstag16/">@@electricstag16 - check the facts before you start pointing fingers.

Where exactly does it say that in the rules?
And what about insults?

Where exactly in the rules does it say that? Is there a rule stating someone can publish their own thoughts? Because that seems to be what you’re using to justify the Templar moderation. Come on, give me a break...
Stop pushing this nonsense unless you want to face sanctions.

I have already given you my answer regarding insults.

Manian, due to your continued refusal to follow the community guidelines—and following several formal warnings—your access to the spirituality forum has been permanently revoked. You will be eligible to petition the moderators for a formal review of this decision in six months.