The Official AS-R "I want my strike removed" thread PT II is NOW OPEN!

[Atilla]

so maybe you didn't get the "welcome" you were hoping for on AS-R, maybe you ran into one of the staff members on a bad day (probably me), or maybe you got a cool custom title that says "1 Strike" because you were posting openly about what an attention-starved jackboot-wearing sad little puppy i am... well as it turns out i happen to be in a decent mood today and i am not currently under the influence of any mind-altering internet powers which some members seem to think that i abuse on a regular basis. before the thread goes any further i want to say that this is an internet forum and i do not see what the big deal is the kinds of long-winded responses i've received to PMs make me wonder where those members would be if they'd just apply that energy to something positive. there are rules here just as there are rules offline and i know that can be troubling because a lot of times certain folks are never held accountable for their actions until they end up being disciplined on an internet forum. you don't like that? tough.

the primary job of the staff here is to enforce the rules; all the staff members here volunteer our free time for the forums and for the community--we do it for you. we try to keep the forums running and in good shape and that is not always easy and we recognize that we can't make everyone happy all the time. we have a great group of guys on the AS-R staff who are well connected in the community and have amassed a great deal of knowledge over the years. we want members to be comfortable here, interact positively with the other members, and to have a great spot to discuss all things airsoft-related.

with all that said the purpose of this thread is to give members an opportunity to hit the reset button on their account and have a strike removed from their account. let me be clear in that this thread is not open to members with more than one strike. you were already given a personal invitation to follow the rules via PM with the first stike and that just didn't quite do it so for now you are exempt from this thread. in the future we may work something out that may give you an opportunity to knock it back down to a single strike though.

it was brought to my attention that some folks were getting butt-hurt as they saw this thread as a way for me to force members to kowtow to the staff and i assure every member of AS-R that this is not the case and the ultimate goal of the thread is for everyone's enjoyment. if your delicate sensiblities are offended by this contest please feel free to NOT POST. we want everyone to be happy and to have fun both in this thread and on the rest of AS-R.

there will be varying themes in this thread but to start this off the way to get your strike removed is...

COMING SOON!

the haiku thread posts have been removed to make space for the new topic which we will announce soon.

[RLB]

If you hated haiku, it's guaranteed you'll hate

THE CONFESSIONAL

Curiosity getting the better of you? Dying to know more? Tired of feeling stalked by those nasty power hungry admns/mods who gave you a strike? Are you a likeable person but feel the staff has something personal against you?

THE CONFESSIONAL

COMING SOON

We Want the Truth

[RLB]

We Want the Truth

But can YOU handle the truth?

We live in a forum that has moderators & admin, and that forum has to be guarded by men with ban hammers. Whose gonna do it? You? You? I have a greater responsibility than you could possibly fathom. You weep for those who have strikes along with those we ban, and you curse the moderators and admin. You have that luxury. You have the luxury of not knowing what I know. That those we ban, while tragic, probably saved lives. And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, saves lives. You don't want the truth because deep down in places you don't talk about at parties, you want me on that forum, you need me on that forum. We use words like honor, code, loyalty. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent defending something. You use them as a punchline. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom that I provide in the forum, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said thank you, and went on your way, Otherwise, I suggest you start your own forum, and stand a post as a mod or admin. Either way, I don't give a damn what you think you are entitled to.
- RLB


Whoa ... wow, I don't know what came over me. For a minute there I felt crazy with power ... like this power was mine to abuse ... and no one could stop me ...

But that has passed now.

Still to Come

THE CONFESSIONAL

We Still Want the Truth

[Atilla]

i think it has to do with us being drunk on all this power

[RLB]

THE CONFESSIONAL

We Want the Truth

This particular theme is going to allow for those with 2 strikes an opportunity to participate also. In other words this is open to those who have ONE or TWO strikes.

This theme has two parts:

1) You will "confess" exactly what you got each of your strikes for and approximately how long ago they were given to you. Keep in mind that AS-R keeps a log of who has received strikes and why they were given.

2) You will then explain in detail how you have become a positive contributor to the AS-R community therefor demonstrating that you've learned from previous mistakes.

This theme will remain open for at least a week, and more than one individual may be chosen to have one strike removed from their account.

Just remember

We Want the Truth

- RLB

[DirtyDawg]

Here is my confessional:

Strike one:
I got strike for posting a topic with a vague title. I did this in March of 2009. Even though this is pretty late after my join date, I was new in posting on the forum. I quickly glanced at the rules and did not take it that seriously as other forums I belong don't enforce rules this strictly. I posted this topic being ignorant of the rules and unknowing of the "vague topic" rule.

Strike two:
I got my second strike for "useless posting". I received this strike in April of 2009. My useless post was a +1 post. I was agreeing with what was said before me. After being punished I understood that posts like these spam up the forums and have no use(hence the rule name). Again, I am able to do this in other forums so I was not thinking of the rule here.

What I have learned:
As some say, "you learn from your mistakes". This is true in my case. I have learned from what I have done. I have read the rules countless times over and over again. Now, I follow these rules on all forums I belong to because they are stuck in my head. I now understand that to run a good airsoft community, It requires a decent set of rules and those rules being enforced. I enjoy being on ASR because of how it is run.
In the past couple months, I have provided my opinions and helpful knowledge to other members on ASR. I have also learned a great deal and expanded my knowledge in the subject of airsoft.

Thank you,
Dirtydawg

[TremL96]

First strike: This one was a result of a large signature. First off, I had not read the rules, I will not lie about that. I glanced at it, but didn't really let it soak in so I could follow them. And I actually HAD read the signature rules, but not understood them properly, or read thorough enough. It states in there that it may not be more than 500x100 pixels INCLUDING text. I had thought that it was just pictures, and text was a seperate 500x100. So pretty much it was just because I didn't read the rules thorough enough. If I had done more than glance, I would have caught that part.

Second strike: This one was from a GBB thread I started, which fell under the "which gun" rules. And by this point in time, I HAD read the rules, but I guess I misunderstood them. I had two options listed, that I was thinking about getting, but I said that I was also open for other peoples opinions or suggestions to other guns. I had thought that if I listed the two I was most interested in at that point (and asked their opinion), that I might get by with that rule, since I heard one of you mention that as long as it isn't more than a few guns listed, that you didn't mind (because I believe if there is more than a few, chances are you just haven't done enough research).

I really have no clue when each of them happened. I would check the messages sent to me by the mods, but I forgot that I deleted all of my messages a few weeks ago.  

In the end I deserved both strikes. I've read the rules several times through now, and if I'm unsure about a thread that I'm about to make, I ask one of the mods (which is usually Atilla). Which I've had to do that on several occasions. I can't necessarily say that anything I've done has had a solid impact on this forum. I do my best and give an input to the best of my knowledge of experience, but that's only so much. However, I have broadened my knowledge to a good extent after reading through a good bit of the threads that go through here. After listening to several posts by you mods about what you have to go through, I have to say that I understand. It's actually rather kind of sad that you have to go through so much to keep this forum in order. If more of us abided by the rules, you guys would actually have more time to contribute to the discussions, rather than having to lock them, and hand out warnings. Something I've always thought interesting is people complain to those in charge about them abusing their power and how it's not fair, but if everyones doing their job like they're suppose to, then does it really matter who's in charge?

[aznriptide859]

Fun fun.

Got first strike for mock silencer discussion in the Custom Guns section - issued by XavierMace about a year ago (I think). The mention was accidental, but it was a violation of forum rules, so the strike was given.

Second strike received for inappropriate behavior towards staff - issued by XavierMace again a few months back. Some staff members had issues regarding posts I created, and XM gave me a strike to make sure I didn't cross the line again.

As a result of both strikes I've learned not only not to be open to other suggestions other members provide, but also that the rules on the forums are there for a reason. Forums operate well when all members communicate positively and follow the rules appropriately, and I believe that my time here has helped me understand that better. I have and am trying very hard to pass on the message to fellow ASR members and allow them to enjoy the forums more, as well as providing information and news to fellow airsofters. I feel that I now much better understand the community here, and definitely will encourage a more positive relationship among members.

Thanks .

[sgt.kicker]

Yippee Kiyay.

Strike One: I got this a long time ago, I'm not really sure when. I DO know it was back when I was infatuated with AirsoftGI (I'm more mature now). Anyways, it was a thread someone started about a really nice transaction he/she had with AirsoftGI. A lot of people were also stating how they liked AirsoftGI, and I mentioned that "If AirsoftGI was a girl, I would marry it!"
This was seen as post-whoring by one of the mods/admins, and I received my first strike!

Now, I try my hardest to make sure each and every post I make has substance and something to add to the discussion. I do my best to ask thoughtful questions and give thoughtful answers and comments.

I swear, upon my mother's grave, never to do this again.

I can has clean slate now?

[R3DOG]

Like TremL96, I do not remember when I got my first strike, as I deleted the message notifying me of it out of my depression. I do, however, remember what it was for.

Back in the day, when MarineSGT first started posting his U83R LEET!!11!!11 VSR-10 build, I was like, "Alright, if this guy can do this, I'm going to go for it to!"

Anyways, I decided I'd get rid of some of my guns to get some $$ to pay for my sick nasty upgrades.

Then it all happened....

I got an offer from this swindler, asking me if I wanted to trade my current KWA for his upgraded Maruzen L96. I did some research, but could not find any hard evidence or comparison stating that either BASR was superior when fully upgraded.

In all my anxiety, I decided to post a "which gun?" thread, thinking I could get away with it.

At the time, I did not know how aggravating it was when people posted threads like that, so I didn't think anything of it.

Obviously, I was wrong. I have read the rules, thoroughly, and would like to have that depressing, "1 strike" reminder of my mindless mistake removed.

I have also helped out many people on this forum on decisions and hope to be of more help in the future.

[Soilworker416]

Got my strike for having a signature just a little too big, but I removed it the second I got the PM from Atilla. I was experimenting with adding pictures to it but I guess it was just a little too big. Some words in the sig suffice.

[phoenix212]

1st strike was for a vague topic title, I was new to forums in general and didn't really know what I was doing, I titled it element? asking about there quality control and received it from Attila.

2nd strike was for a which gun post, I didn't realize mp5s and mp5k's were different guns internally also, and thought I was asking a generic question on externals but it ended up being a which gun, received from Attila.

I am 90% sure received both strikes in October of 2008, possibly the second in early November.




Since then I haven't had any trouble with the forums rules and policies. I'd like to think I have contributed to the forum, I know I have learned a lot, ASR is an amazing resource, whenever I am stuck with a gun I have had my question answered quickly and accurately. I try to return the favor within my knowledge but it is still growing and developing.

[starkweather]

First strike: Last August. I had known about airsoft for years, but finally really got interested in it. So obviously the first thing i wanted to do was do research on my first gun. I had looked all over the net, and came across this site. It was like the biggest wealth of knowledge I had found thus far, and spent weeks just lurking... reading posts about guns, the game, loadouts, etc. Finally joined. I had glanced over the forum rules, and just started asking about guns. I had settled on a few and immediately went for the "which gun" deal... stupid. Had I done my research properly on this site and learned more, I could have decided for myself what gun would have been right for me. Or if not, I could have PM'd those I deemed experts.

Strike two: Last February. I got my first gun, and wanted another. This time I tried being a smart ass picking my words carefully and it ended up, again, a "which gun" deal.

What I learned: Well, first of all, don't break the rules. Simple. Second, that you guys are extremely friendly and sending you PM's almost always gets my the answers I'm looking for. I now have a number of guns and am about to join a team in my neck of the woods. I have also have been able to give answers and help other new people here because I have learned about certain things the way all of you have... experience and just jumping in.

Second thing I learned... I understand that Atilla may come off as a hard ass sometimes, but take a look through this site... see how many topics are repeated in the different boards... It's sort of suprising he's not MORE strict. I have never run a website or had to pay for bandwidth, or whatever you call it. But it's important to keep a large board like this organized, and topics spiral out of control all too often. I was part of the problem when I joined because of not taking more time to FIND what I was looking for. Now I get it, and now I'm a contributor here as well, albeit to a lesser extent than a lot of you seasoned player. Now I feel I'm part of the solution.

[Blake22222]

First Strike: [don't remember when.]Did the common n00bish mistake of posting a which gun thread. I won't make any excuses, I know that I made a mistake.

Second Strike:[Sometime around Christmas]I got my second strike for a Vague Topic Title. Now, I know that I did wrong, but I think a simple, "This title is vague, please change it or it will be removed," could have fixed it, or rather the thread could have been deleted. However, I'm not the staff, thus, I can't choose what to do in these situations.

What I've learned: After my second strike, I have started to get involved in reviews. I have a total of 4 up right now, with 1 maybe 2 on the way. I have learned so much from this site, and most things I know about airsoft are because of this site. I truly respect the members and staff for everything that they have done for our community, and I hope that I can be forgiven for my sins strikes. 

[edesotelle]

My strike was for the discussion of making an actual barrel mounted sound dampening device.  I received a PM from XM soon after, simply stating that what I did was a violation of ASR's rules and a brief overview of what my punishment was and what future punishments would be (72 hour ban, permanent ban).  At first I was angry and felt I didn't deserve the strike.  I kept my opinions to myself.  Looking back though, I see that there really wasn't no need to be upset.  I just got a little "1 Strike" title noted under my name and a PM, which is nothing compared to being permanently banned from ASR.

What I've learned:
Type the word "mock" 20 times before you type the word "mock silencer" .  I also feel that I have become a better member because of that warning.  My posts are more carefully worded, I read over my posts before I hit the 'post' button, and I do my research.  I don't +1 post (not that I can remember) anymore, and I've been courteous to our new members.

I'm not asking for a removal of my strike, as it doesn't bother me anymore.  I'm just glad that we have mods that are diplomatic in their approach to discipline.

-edesotelle

[Jinmu]

First Strike: [So long ago, I don't remember when]  I had a picture that was too large in my signature.

What I learned: I've learned to read and reread all the rules, on every forum I join (now a member of four different forums). I was worried whether or not I was breaking other rules, and was afraid of getting three strikes and banned. This has helped me become a better communicator, and helped me aid and BE AIDED BY the airsoft community, as now others can read what I have to say rather than focusing on the rules I'm breaking, or complaining about how long it takes to load a page with my posts.

[Immortal]

I got my first strike on June 24, 2009, I will be honest at first the only reason i signed up was to ask a question about my p90 so i just took a real quick glance at the rules but then i got interested in gas sniper rifle so i made one of the famouse which gun topics and soon after got my strike from atilla. At first i was mad that i got the strike i thought All I was asking about was different gas guns but after awhile it sunk in that if i just read the rules none of this would have happened.

What I have learned: I have learned that even though I wouldn't have done things exactly like the Mods On Airsoft Reatreat have done its their website that they have built from the ground up not mine. I mean their are so many topics on here it would probly take over a month just to read them all and it seems like theirs a new post/thread up every second i remeber the other day i signed off for about 15 minutes and when i signed back on their was some like 60-70 posts in that short of a time. After i saw all of that it finally clicked you guys have so much to do that you cant take the time to explain to each one of us what we did wrong and you can't give us a break either because you did make the rules you told everyone to look at them if we didn't look at them or just disobayed we should be punished. Now I am not saying pick me pick me to take the strike off but it would be nice if eventually i could get that removed because even though I'm new i have read through the rules atleast 10 times and think before i post just so i know that i will never break the rules again.

[agentchaos4]

Confessions of Agentchaos4:
I confess that I failed to read the forum rules to anything more than a quick look over. I did not see the part on the "which gun" rules and failed to follow them. This happened approximately 2 weeks ago.

[Lee25]

Strike one came on August 20, 2008.  Someone had asked what gun to get for a sniper's role, and I gave him information about what I thought would be a good choice.  The thread was locked, for good reason (it was a "which gun" thread), but I posted in the "Forum Feedback and Abuse Reporting" thread about how I put effort into that post and didn't want the thread locked.  I received a strike.

Strike two came also on August 20, 2008.  My signature had the line in it "want: G&G Scar-L" and I was told that "want: whatever" was considered advertising.  All I meant was that I would soon buy a G&G Scar-L.  I could find no rational explanation in the rules for my strike, so I informed admins that this was unfair and claimed that Atilla was abusing his power, because he went after me for two things in the same day, the second of which was unwarranted.


From the first strike I learned that I should carefully read the rules in each subforum before I post.  I had read the general rules but not the subforum-specific ones, which was a mistake.

From the second strike I learned that "want: whatever" is considered advertising.  I still, however, hold my conviction that this strike was unfair, because it applied to a rule I couldn't have known.

I do a lot of reading on these forums and not much posting, posting only when I think I have something to contribute or a have a valid question to ask.

[RLB]

Here's the Truth

DirtyDawg  
TremL96
aznriptide859
sgt.kicker
Soilworker416
phoenix212
starkweather
Jinmu
edesotelle
Corporal Lee

... have had strikes removed from their account.

Thank you everyone for your participation.
- RLB