Originally Posted by PatriceJ

at the time the "nobody has been locked out" statement was made, it was true.

since then, a few members have unfortunately been denied access to the board. we don't like to talk about it publicly. we don't like to talk about it at all. it's painful on so many levels. and, frankly, announcing it would be tacky and pointless.

it wouldn't put an end to the questions because not enough people read all the way through any topic before they post. we'd end up announcing it over and over and over again.

it wouldn't put an end to the speculation and rumors because not all of those who did read the announcement would pass on the information exactly as presented.

there'd be more rumors, public debates that would degenerate into catfights, and other sorts of extremely unpleasant "conversation" about it. they've caused enough trouble. we don't care to reward them for it by turning them into folk heros.

it's bad enough that a few people have behaved in ways that are either so dishonest, disruptive, vulgar, hostile to the board and our members, and/or otherwise so malicious we were forced to lock them out. it's a betrayal of our trust and friendship. it would be even worse if we are forced to compound the action by having to report repeatedly, explain repeatedly, and to drag that person through the mud just to prove a point or to satisfy curiosity.

we offer mishaving members several opportunities to straighten up and fly right before taking final action. in the end, though, we will protect this board. we will protect our members. you are our friends and family. we owe you nothing less than the very best we can do to keep this a safe, happy, friendly and civilized place to gather and share.