We're going to start using vBulletin's infraction system to administer discipline on the forum. This should be easier on the moderators as well as provide more consistency in how it is administered. A quick overview follows:

Users committing a rule violation receive a certain number of points based on that violation and the number of previous offenses. If the number of points exceeds a certain threshold, they will be automatically suspended or banned based on the threshold exceeded. The basic numbers are as follows: 1 point for the first offense, 2 for the second, 7 for the third, and 12 for the fourth. Thresholds are 3 for a 3-day suspension, 5 for a 7-day suspension, 8 for a 14-day suspension, and 12 for a perma-ban. Points will be adjusted to some extent based on the seriousness of the offense and whether the poster has been here long enough to know better.

You are welcome to discuss and critique this new approach here.

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