Have you ever mistakenly banned a member?

[Shawn Gossman]

Mistakes happen. Sometimes, they're dire and result in a bad outcome such as people boycotting a community.

One mistake that could make that happen is banning someone by mistake.

Have you ever done this? If yes, how did you recover from it? Do you issue a public apology?

If this hasn't happened - how would you deal with it if it did happen?

 

[Mike30]

I don't remember it happening, but if I make such mistake, and I owe a public apology, I have no problem with that.

 

[Shawn Gossman]

I would apologize to the member and make a public apology if needed.

That's why I do try to investigate before I ban someone unless they deserve it.

 

[~ True Legend ~]

This is why you have a Contact Us link, right

 

[Bawse]

I've never banned a member by mistake. I'm cautious before I hit the ban button.

 

[Shawn Gossman]

This is why you have a Contact Us link, right

I'm guessing a banned member wouldn't be able to use the link, would they?

It's been a long time since I have been banned from a forum. I'm not sure what it looks like.

 

[~ True Legend ~]

I'm guessing a banned member wouldn't be able to use the link, would they?

It's been a long time since I have been banned from a forum. I'm not sure what it looks like.

Guests can use the link. You do not have to be logged in to do so.
Banned members only view a ban message when logged in on any page.

Alternatively they may message you on a new account but of course only for legitimate appeals you don’t want members coming back to attack you lol

 

[Shawn Gossman]

Guests can use the link. You do not have to be logged in to do so.
Banned members only view a ban message when logged in on any page.

Alternatively they may message you on a new account but of course only for legitimate appeals you don’t want members coming back to attack you lol

True.

I forget about that.

 

[Cpvr]

This is why you have a Contact Us link, right

Right. You can also include an email in the ban message for users to contact staff directly, along with the reason for the ban.

 

[JoelR]

This is one of those situations where you should exercise a little more control and thought before hitting the back button.

From a design perspective, no forum software should actually make the ban button super easy. It should be a part of a menu, there could be a confirmation, etc. but something to make you pause and consciously think if you want to ban.

 

[Cedric]

This is one of those situations where you should exercise a little more control and thought before hitting the back button.

From a design perspective, no forum software should actually make the ban button super easy. It should be a part of a menu, there could be a confirmation, etc. but something to make you pause and consciously think if you want to ban.

It's nothing life threatening. It's just a ban. People can lift the ban if they have second thoughts. Personally I'd be annoyed as hell if I had to go to multiple clicks to ban someone.