Returning Users

[sunny-dave]

There are (at least) three or four currently active users who claim to be "new", but are actually nothing of the sort.

I have no particular objection to this and the previous (I think) AB_ED said that (with a few particularly egregious exceptions) he/she had no objections to returnees slinking back, as long as they behaved themselves and stayed away from contentious subject matter - perhaps posting just in Q&P or Crosswords or similar areas.

The problem at the moment is that (after a period of being Mr/Ms Niceperson), the current batch of Lazarus figures are starting to pick fights and generally return to the habits which made them persona non grata, whilst being quite careful to do nothing quite bad enough to get them 'removed' again.

This is (patently) unfair and far from a level playing field. I've seen some long term posters get some quite nasty/subtle abuse over the last few days - from people whose previous history is not available, thus making any attempt to 'give as good as you get' virtually impossible.

I'd like to suggest that all users have to (initially at least) register from a non-mobile device - thus allowing their ID to be verified against the list (which I'm sure must exist) of MAC addresses known to be used by previously banned users then (if the Ed allows them back) their new username can be linked to the old one.

Yes, I know MAC addresses can be faked - but that's probably beyond most of the people that I'm referring to. It might even catch-out a few of the Spammers too.

[Mamyalynne]

You make some excellent points there Dave.

[tonyav]

They always return to form.

[Tilly2]

They are easily sussed. Leopards and spots and all that jazz. However it should not be so easy to get back.

[jackthehat]

Well, *minkeyme* has been reclaimed by the circus, it seems.....

[Captain2]

After witnessing some of tonight's posts, I see where you're coming from Dave.

[pastafreak]

But what if a legitimate potential new user does not have access to a non-mobil device? I'd not be able to join if that was the case.

[gness]

Thank the lord or whoever for that, Jack!

[pastafreak]

I'd thought we were dealing with a weird split personality....one person/several voices.

[Mamyalynne]

Some aspects of running the site are outwith the responsibilities given to Moderators Spath.

[sunny-dave]

Sorry pasta - I should have said 'device attached to a landline wifi' - I was sloppy in using 'non mobile device' as shorthand.

[choux]

"... nothing of the sort." Are you talking about those who have been banned, those who flounce and ask to be re-instated or those who merely choose to leave and come back at a later date?

I am not very tech savvy, but it it is not beyond me to suggest that anyone could use a relative's or friend's device to re-register.

You almost sounded condescending there.

[Togo]

It is also apparently against site regs to have more than one account? Yet we have posters even admitting to having at least two. These are not members that can hide an IP address or use onion ring servers to hide their "dual personalities". So how can it be countenanced?

[woofgang]

as I recall a previous Ed's comments, he said something to the effect that provided people behaved themselves then no action would be taken against suspected returning banned members...I don't recall any limitation being placed on where they could post, only that they should obey the rules....it does seem though that the leopard doesn't often change his or her shorts

[sunny-dave]

Choux - mainly about banned/suspended users, rather than people who just went inactive for some reason.

No attempt at condescension - given the number of times some people return, they'd run out of willing friends/family quite quickly I think.

[THECORBYLOON]

Who was MINKEYME?

[Spicerack]

Dodgy ground for a flouncer, imo.

[Rosetta]

Its not just banned users, but also where they have gone user inactive. I can think of one example who often snipes at certain ABers in both a past and present incarnation, and I am not around all that much. I agree we cant like everyones' personality or opinions but some seem to be stirrers. Why not come back under your original user name?

[Togo]

Lol Spice.( No BA there) :))

[choux]

sd, just because you don't like a poster you shouldn't presume they don't have many friends.