... but when you make a howler, do you fess up once it's obvious you've been taken in by a fake news site, suffered a memory malfunction, or just got the wrong end of the stick?
I try to - it seems better in the long run to say "Sorry, I'm a Prat" than to try to bluff it out, or claim you were 'only joking', or blame increasing senility, or (as is at least one serial offender's modus operandi) just walk away from the thread with no further comment.
Actually my real pet hates are several repeat offenders in the PBM brigade - whenever they take a step too far across the line of civility (or accuracy) they are quick to post a thread asking for advice on their serious medical conditions ... just in case anyone has a finger hovering over the "you are a Previously Banned Member, goodbye" button ...
I will now wait for the grammar/spelling police to dissect this post and will prostrate myself at their feet ,whilst begging forgiveness ...
Trouble is dave......if you "fezz up" and admit you are a prat......then they will believe you.;-)
One should always "fezz up" but i never do without using up several excuses.
Not really sure it depends on the situation but as for the finger on the previous banned button - there is always a witch waiting in the background to grass on you anyway!
Should also point out that not all banned users are banned for doing bad stuff but perhaps bad stuff was done to them!!