At what point do we ban people from Rally Point?

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 09:38:16 -0400

I understand that RP is an open forum to all veterans to express their opinion and share their knowledge. But there is a fine line between expressing your opinion and being blatantly disrespectful. We are all veterans in here and all deserve a level of respect regardless if we still serve or not. The level of ignorance displayed by some is just ridiculous.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Sep 29 at 2016 9:40 AM

SrA Edward Vong — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 09:40:14 -0400

Agreed, I think the ban would be the result of muple offenses after several warnings. Care to back me up SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" and SSG Carlos Madden?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2016 9:44 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 09:44:56 -0400

We report people when down-votes and directly telling someone to un-ass themselves multiple times doesn't seem to be enough.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2016 10:04 AM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 10:04:34 -0400

Good point, 1SG Private RallyPoint Member. If you think someone has crossed the line, be sure to flag them so the RallyPoint staff can look into the matter. Also, member admins may be able to help with getting the train back on the tracks.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2016 10:20 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 10:20:49 -0400

I got kicked off the site once for a disagreement with a admin, just got invited back this month

Response by SrA Chris "Shadow" McGee made Sep 29 at 2016 10:22 AM

SrA Chris "Shadow" McGee — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 10:22:11 -0400

I agree. At what point do some disrespectful clowns get punished for being stupid? Just because you don't agree with someone there is no reason to start name calling and belittling that person. Simply say thank you for your opinion and move on. Or better yet, just skip that response altogether. We have all earned respect by serving our country, don't cheapen the RP experience by acting like a jackass.Thanks for the discussion 1SG Private RallyPoint Member

Response by Col Rebecca Lorraine made Sep 29 at 2016 10:27 AM

Col Rebecca Lorraine — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 10:27:30 -0400

https://youtu.be/Bev4NZEFsCQ

Tecate | #TecateBeerWall

There’s been a lot of talk about building a wall, but no action. Until now! #tecatebeerwall

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Sep 29 at 2016 10:42 AM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 10:42:29 -0400

1SG Private RallyPoint Member Great post and question. If you have a link to any response or discussion that you feel has crossed the line here on RP you can send that information privately in a message (along with a link to show the actual infraction) to any of the Volunteer Admins here on RP. We take this stuff seriously and we review it right away and make decisions to send warning notices, remove comments, maybe suspend a member for a certain period, or if it's a common occurance even possibly removal of the member (only in extreme) cases! BLUF 1SG Private RallyPoint Member bad behavior and spiteful comments that aren't in line with the RallyPoint Code of Ethics will be dealt with promptly. I can tell you that every message I've received has been taken care of immeidately with follow-up and prompt handling. That's what the Admins are there to assist with.

SSG Carlos Madden or SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" would you like to add to what I posted, change, correct, or clarify the above? Thanks

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2016 10:45 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 10:45:59 -0400

It difficult to define offensive behavior. It's very easy for military SMs but not so much for retirees, vets and civilians. They have different rules/regs or none at all. Who is the judge of kicking someone off the island and what criteria should/will they use?

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Sep 29 at 2016 10:47 AM

SPC Erich Guenther — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 10:47:02 -0400

I would recommend the following course of action:

1. Attempt to work it out with the individual one on one.
2. Speak with a RP Moderator and ask for intervention or tracking of their posts.
3. Call RP Customer Service and see what other actions you can or they can do.

There are a couple of actions beyond the ability of the website. Yes they can suspend a member but it is impossible to ban a member forever. Most you can hope for there is 6 months if the Moderators are vigilant because the person can register as another individual and they cannot block a list of IP addresses forever.

What you should not do:

1. Track the person down and call his Chain of Command or Place of Work (that has happened on other websites) to complain to a second party in an attempt to get them in trouble.

2. Allow the person to know what specifically aggravates you over other items because if they are dimented enough to register as a new user they will use that information to torment.

3. Argue with the guy over several posts online and victimize the rest of us by doing so.

4. Issue threats online of any kind.

Response by CSM Thomas McGarry made Sep 29 at 2016 10:53 AM

CSM Thomas McGarry — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 10:53:15 -0400

I agree! One thing that I see often enough on Rallypoint is those of a superior rank denigrating and ridiculing those of a lesser rank who they do not necessarily agree with. I feel we are all equals on here regardless of rank held or once held and/or experience so I guess if you have thin skin maybe you should look elsewhere.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2016 10:53 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 10:53:08 -0400

What do you do to a mod that consistently posts links to sites with misleading websites with information that he/she knows is utterly false?

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Sep 29 at 2016 10:59 AM

MCPO Roger Collins — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 10:59:18 -0400

I am against the banning of anyone. If someone is erratic or just plain dumb, ignore them or if you don't like what they are saying block them yourself. The last military social network did this with abandon and lost some good people, a few came over here. Many options available for the member other than starting up something that will undoubtedly lead to a loss of membership. Great site, leave it as is.

Response by SSG Wally Lawver made Sep 29 at 2016 11:00 AM

SSG Wally Lawver — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 11:00:25 -0400

who decides this level? you?

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Sep 29 at 2016 11:09 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 11:09:06 -0400

Coe's corollary to Murphy's Law: Every person has a purpose in life; for some it's being a bad example.
I sometimes disagree with RP members and post my opinions. I like that part of RP and try to be respectful when I disagree. If they come back with personal insults or a clear unwillingness to actually read and consider what I wrote, then I apply Coe's corollary and ignore them. This tactic usually lowers my blood pressure and they go away because I'm no fun.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Sep 29 at 2016 11:15 AM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 11:15:24 -0400

This is probably the 3rd time I've heard something along those lines and personally I have never seen or dealt with anything to that effect. Am I missing some really hot button conversations/debates because typically all the posts I've seen have been fairly respectful.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Sep 29 at 2016 11:16 AM

SFC J Fullerton — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 11:16:32 -0400

The only topics where things go overboard are the political ones. Notice its usually the same people who engage in those topics. I try to limit responding in those topics as it is easy to get baited into an argument that can get nasty quick. I find the professional topics to be more interesting, and I don't mind helping with advice to those who are asking. Rarely is there anything said that would warrant banishment there. Unless you really want to interject into political debates, you likely won't encounter any issues. But if you do, stay on the high ground or back yourself out of the discussion. Let the other one make an ass of themselves.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2016 11:22 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 11:22:42 -0400

I believe that's what the block option is for...but the danger in that is excising opposing viewpoints (no matter how ignorant, or belligerently delivered) results in group-think or tunnel concepts. I agree, it's very uncomfortable being on the receiving end, and for some, common courtesy just isn't a practice (which is unfortunate), but life has these moments regardless. I try not to be the belligerent one, but I can admit to my own faults. I've been lucky enough to be around people kind enough to redirect me or point out my failing there rather than rising to the occasion and escalating the situation. A bit of a dilemma, but hopefully we can all get to voicing disparate viewpoints without resorting to base action. If we can do it, there's hope that eventually, governments and societies can as well.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Sep 29 at 2016 11:31 AM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 11:31:10 -0400

Once I don't mind, I figure they lost their cool a bit, but when it becomes a pattern, here, I just block them out so they can't respond. Is the easiest way to handle the internet I think. If people can't control themselves, maintain military bearing, then I just turn my back. No sense to make a big issue of of someone who want to always try to pick a fight. Not worth it.

Also if one gets so thin skinned here on the internet, go to another site. These people just want to pick a fight, get your goat, just don't satisfy them.

Response by Candy Alkaabi made Sep 29 at 2016 11:35 AM

Candy Alkaabi — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 11:35:07 -0400

I am not a veteran but the child of one, who is the child of one, who is the child of one...etc etc etc I came here to have meaningful conversations with yall, but there are some on here that love to attack people, not only for having a different opinion, but for having a different faith or ethnicity. It is easy to block them but not so easy to stop them from attacking you by mentioning you in a response they put up. I wont name any names but I will say that there was one attacking people left and right and he was actually stalking people from post to post, when I called him out on it he got worse and when others seem to agree with me or be on my side as I was on theres he ranted more! I blocked him but he still yelled at me for being "wrong" in his eyes.....I am pretty easy to get along with and will get into a good debate that makes one wonder if we are gonna kill each other (heat of passion) one minute then the next were asking random things like "whats for dinner/dessert" and I will occasionally post a pic of my bearded dragon or another one or they will post one just to cut the tension....Still one must wonder what is to be done about those that attack people and act like a 2 year old when they do not get their way.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Sep 29 at 2016 12:51 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 12:51:30 -0400

One thing that I try to do is, 1st think about what I am going to say, 2nd is this going to be taken the wrong way, 3rd write so that no one is cheesed or insulted.

Response by MAJ David Vermillion made Sep 29 at 2016 1:19 PM

MAJ David Vermillion — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 13:19:34 -0400

Well said. Respect each other even when we disagree.

Response by SPC Makissa Lewis made Sep 29 at 2016 1:30 PM

SPC Makissa Lewis — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 13:30:21 -0400

I feel the admins got a handle on things. Kudos, to them. I want to express that first. If someone is promoting bigotry then they got to go.

Response by SFC George Smith made Sep 29 at 2016 5:19 PM

SFC George Smith — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 17:19:10 -0400

It depends on what Point I Piss Off enough People...

Response by CPT Chris Loomis made Sep 29 at 2016 6:12 PM

CPT Chris Loomis — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 18:12:23 -0400

I completely agree with MAJ Charles Blake

The fact of the matter is that this is a great question to ask and for all to answer. I believe that this question provokes thought and initiates dialogue and understanding.

DISCLAIMER: I'm guilty. My stuff stinks like everybody else's and even more so.

In my time of being listed on RP I have had only two negative encounters. And they were huge and the time and now seem very petty.... The first instance involved me standing up for the rights of others against a gentleman that had an opposing opinion. The second time I can recall the topic of discussion but it inflamed me so much that I voted a person down and that led to a lot of insults and euphemisms being lobbed at each other.

My behavior was out of line in both instances. I could've handled both instances with greater tact and finesse.

All things considered, RP as I see it is a public forum. It has the appropriate TOS. And, we all as SMs past and present abide by certain customs and courtesies. All of which is Great!

But, where is that line in the sand? As MAJ Charles Blake stated, those that are not currently serving SMs may or may not have any rules and regs to follow....

I think that the simplest answer to this complex issue is that we need to police ourselves and comport ourselves as adults and professionals at all times. Aside from that, if the incident in question is so egregiously negligent, disrespectful, or just downright idiotic then, and only then, should the Admin step in for more intensive evaluation.

Just my $0.02 worth, and for what they are worth, my apologies.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Sep 29 at 2016 6:21 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 18:21:56 -0400

Im my opinion, as a member admin.
The ban form the site is limited to those that conduct repeated personal attacks on a fellow member after being warned, cited the RP rules for posting and continue to personally attack.
The only other reason that comes to mind is blatant disregard for terms of service and rules for use violations that are derogatory and distracting to the comunity.

If a member 15 times a day posted something that is a link be shared, say about PETA.. but did so as a "question" tagged it with RP, PTSD, Criminal, Sergeant major, POTUS
Which would then require admin actions to correct, fielding of "feedback" emails from other members upset, and the member did this again and again after being corrected, shown the rules that are appropriate to the issue, Id ask that use be removed from the site .

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2016 7:56 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 19:56:41 -0400

1SG Private RallyPoint Member Great post. I agree.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Sep 29 at 2016 11:15 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 23:15:19 -0400

Somebody want to Ban My Happy Ass? Go for it. I'm a Sailor I've been thrown out of all kinds of Establishments for 21 years. Go For It! "Sailors and Dogs stay off the Lawn". I'm a "Fleety" Lowest of the Low. I am Also CTO1 Wm "Chip" Nagel USN(R) Master at Arms to Chief of Staff COMSPAWARSYSCOM. Aide de Campe to Margie Turner First Female Black Line Officer to Make Capt in the USN. I am the Devil Incarnate to my Enemies and Loyalist of Friends to my Shipmates. I did my Country's Dirty Work for 21 years. To quote Clint Eastwood "Do You Feel Lucky?"

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Sep 30 at 2016 2:24 PM

Sgt Wayne Wood — Fri, 30 Sep 2016 14:24:54 -0400

oddly enough, when they get too blatantly partisan in their politics. if you can't have a rational, intelligent discussion on the issues, you shouldn't be here

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 30 at 2016 3:50 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Sep 2016 15:50:13 -0400

I think they would have to be extreme or resort to name calling, anyone who degrades another by using name calling instead of trying to make their point in a reasonable manner has no business replying to people on this board. It show a lack of ignornace or just laziness.

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made Sep 30 at 2016 9:47 PM

SSG Mark Franzen — Fri, 30 Sep 2016 21:47:45 -0400

I think that Everyone on Rally Point should be very respectful to each other and If they are
out of Control then they need to be removed.

Response by SGT Paul Mackay made Oct 1 at 2016 9:53 PM

SGT Paul Mackay — Sat, 01 Oct 2016 21:53:10 -0400

all I did was tell the truth about my former co.Then got blocked by him .that's why I'm angry. for these reasons I shouldn't have been blocked or even banned for telling turth but it seems that capt ciliberti will probaly get his way because he can't handle the thurth. but latest investigation will put him in prison after new documents are viewed

Response by SGT Paul Mackay made Feb 18 at 2017 3:39 PM

SGT Paul Mackay — Sat, 18 Feb 2017 15:39:30 -0500

a person is not disrespectful if he is telling the truth and has proof

Response by SFC William H. made Feb 20 at 2017 11:31 AM

SFC William H. — Mon, 20 Feb 2017 11:31:51 -0500

I agree with you but we live in a world that is carrying the 1st amendment to extremes. i am 70 so you may know how i feel about the new liberalism. If you want a dose of it, read the news about Melania Trump and the Lords Prayer.

Response by SPC Robert Coventry made Nov 18 at 2017 12:03 AM

SPC Robert Coventry — Sat, 18 Nov 2017 00:03:43 -0500

Great point, respect is earned and has been earned by everyone on this site.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2019 11:00 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Aug 2019 11:00:48 -0400

I would be hesitant to ban any veteran or service member just because of disagreements or disgruntled arguments between veterans. Perhaps the only time a ban would be issued is if the person was guilty of stolen valor, though I wonder if anyone would actually take the time to develop on RP just to larp as a veteran or military member.

As for veterans and active members, disagreements are common and many members act like children, and many who are/were in the military act childish and imbecilic both while they were in and then out of the military. It should go without saying that as military members we should develop a thick skin (or have already developed one) and ignore most of the bickering that goes on.

I've seen a hilarious feud on here once before between a pompous officer who received a dislike from another officer, and he went off the rails from that one dislike. Albeit, he WAS very unprofessional and condescending, but that one dislike made him go insane and he kept demanding that it be removed, and all kinds of slander was directed toward the "offending" officer. He was incompetent and conceited, and acted like a complete moron on top of being an active duty officer; it was very...enlightening about how nothing has changed in the military.

But was it ban-worthy? Nah. The website staff wouldn't even need to intervene, and do you know why? Because all of us intervened instead, and he was humbled and shamed into silence and submission.

Edit: Saw the post date. Oh well, my point still stands if anyone reads this.