I’ve removed content from this thread because baiting is a violation of the Code of Conduct. You can review the Code of Conduct here: http://www.bloomilk.com/Forums/Default.aspx?g=posts&t=3540

Please keep your posts polite, respectful, and refrain from making personal attacks.

I am going to piggy-back on this thread for something that needs SPOKEN OUT:
FYI...the CoC rules DO also apply to squad names, squad creator comments, and all comments left on the squad by other members. If any of these are in violation of the CoC rules, then please bring it to the attention of a moderator. It will be dealt with by them and with the appropriate action.

Thank you.

Very well said Dean.

And I'll repeat what others have said previously in regards to the impression you have that you are not wanted around here. A few rabble rousers bashing you on here doesn't (or at least shouldn't) speak for the rest of us. Post as little or as often as you like, but I hope you don't continue to feel unwelcome because of a few bad apples out of a truckload.

I'll give Shinja props for setting the site up. I think it is the best SW miniatures website out there. I disagree that moderators were necessary in the beginning, though, mainly because people were pretty good about policing themselves. This has changed recently, and shinja has been doing all he can to fix it. This resulted in the establishment of moderators, which have now been thrust into the same situation of patching up a fractured community. I think these are all unfortunate growing pains in a developing website. The problem now, I think occurs in the CoC. I think they need to be more expansive and define the roles of users and moderators clearly. Hopefully, that will fix many of the problems by allowing users to know exactly how everything works.

I understand completely that Shinja made an informed decision, and I will not criticise him for it. It is his website and I trust in his ability to run it. I have never disagreed with anything he has done before, and I still haven't. However, from the perspective of a user that did not see everything play out ,it is a little disheartening to all of the sudden see two longtime members suspended and one banned. The fault for this lack of communication does not fall on anybody, it is just an unfortunate situation for the community that needs to be addressed. I think the extent of the privacy pertaining to moderation needs to be established. Of course the moderators need their own private forum to discuss away from the public, but I see no reason why the public should not know the general details of why action has been taken against another member. In a different forum this might not be true, but Bloomilk is pretty tight knit. In such close communities, communication is key. I do not see how our moderators can act as both contributing members and hidden moderators. As such, I would like to see this addition to the CoC that will hopefully nip any issues in the bud (it is a toned down version of my other one):


"Members should avoid attacking personally other members, unless it's between friends and you know you aren't causing unnecessary offence. People come here to get some rest. Not to be threatened or feel uncomfortable for any reason.
Members who will make other people's lives difficult will be banned (the admins and mods of the forum will take the decision collectively).
Also, please do not make the mod's life difficult by demanding his interference in public. Do not contibute to the flamewar by accusing anyone of anything. If you have a problem with another member's behaviour, stand back and just alert a mod in private. Go to a neutral corner and wait. Understand that mods do this because they care for the game and for the community. It's a thankless job that we should not make even more difficult.

Mods should always try to help their forum's members. Never leave a question unanswered, and always be polite. Use your privileges only when necessary. If uncertain ask an online admin. Never use your privileges without adding a public note in the topic explaining your decision. Patience and politeness are vital. People may make mistakes, have a bad day and be aggressive. No reason to stop being polite to them. Mods are here to help, not to police. Also, please don't show preferential behavior. Judge based on the post, not on your feelings or on the track record of the members. If you can't be neutral, you can't be mods."


I truly hope that Bloomilk can make it past this phase relatively unscathed.

PS: Dean, please don't leave. Things will improve.

This will be updated in the very near future. Hopefully it will help remove a lot of the confusion.

I just want to say, thanx to Aaron and the mods.

You don't state speaking out will get someone banned/suspended, it is not a fact.... we are mods and we are the judge of that. But if it turns into a form of a bait, then it's an issue that will get to those things.

why did you edit your message?
i thought you got the point across perfectly.

My sentiments exacltly Dean......well written post, and I also do not think you are unwelcome here. I might not always agree with you or with Bill, but I have to respect you as players and adults. You have proven your worth to the community over and over. Please frequent this site and give input as you see fit, but don't think you are not welcome because of a couple bad apples as swinefeld said. Keep up the good work Dean, and keep your chin up!!!