Ban - schismasvoice

User: schismasvoice
Mod: BlackRiot
Date Banned: Oct 11, 2021
Thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/gog/comments/q5gjz1/gog_has_implemented_a_play_time_limit_i_was_not/

Sequence of events:
1. User posted thread
2. Mod helped user
3. User got into arguments with others and got 3 reports, also cites having mental illness
4. Mod warned user for disrespect
5. User rule-lawyered mod through now-deleted comments and PMs
6. User gets into more arguments with others through misinterpreting tone and general belligerence
7. Mod locks thread to prevent user from violating more rules and getting banned
8. User PMs following to BlackRiot (Mod):

I appreciate you're backing of me. I feel the need to message you because I'm concerned about the idea of you "protecting me from myself," as an adult who happens to be mentally ill, this is usually a very ableist mentality. Yes I am mentally ill, yes that colored some of my responses, and in one case I went too far, which I apologized about.

I was not going off, I didn't insult redchris18 or CheliceraeJones, in fact I didn't even acknowledge when the former refused to correct their misgendering of me, or when the latter called me a "petulant child" I just refuted that I was lying, by offering proof. I am genuinely confused why misgendering someone and repeatedly accusing them of lying, aren't worth warnings. Is that not "reading the worst intentions" into something? Or when I was accused of lying in order to try and slander GoG? That's not reading the worst of someone's intentions? It seems you are more inclined to try and punish the one you know is mentally ill, then correcting bad behavior or concerning behavior. Maybe you issued private warnings and I'm making a jerk of myself, in which case, I'm glad you're fair and impartial.

I certainly hope that any trans members of your forum can rely on you to have their back, as well as those who are suffering mental conditions, can rely on you to treat them as adults and not children. I am not looking for a response, I don't want one, just want you to keep that in mind. You're welcome to ban me, I have no intention of touching such a toxic sub with a ten foot pole anyway, so you won't be hearing from me. Have a good one.

9. BlackRiot (Mod) PMs replies

Hello,

Communication is a two-way street, so if you're looking for a response:

    Yes, I had to protect you from yourself. I volunteered with mentally ill people at hospitals for a few years before and I'm aware of how sensitive they are to stimuli. If I can't control the stimulus, remove you from that, or regulate your reaction to it, the simplest solution would be to quarantine it.

    I had enough reason to believe you could not act like an adult if you're: (1) threatening blocks to passive comments, (2) having to create image albums and new threads to prove you purchased it on Steam unnecessarily, and (3) complaining about being misgendered. Regardless of actual outcome.

    Instead, what I would've liked to have seen is: (1) block and ignore without publicly announcing it (if that's your thing), (2) your objective is to help convince GOG to give you your cash refund back, not sidequesting to prove to some strangers you bought another copy on Steam, and (3) without seeing your username, pronoun flairs or seeing pictures of you, there's no way we can tell what your gender is through Reddit.

    Everyone has their own stresses and mental health is not good these days, but it's no excuse to take it out on strangers. I warn others if they're also doing the same. If we enabled this behaviour, there would be a nonstop contribution to a spiral of negativity. You take it out on others, they get mad and hit back harder, and then you retaliate. It never ends unless someone is strong enough to endure it, but nonetheless it's not healthy for you or for others.

    I moderate ethnic, national, sexual discrimination, etc. when it comes up. But in general, identity politics have no place on this sub for both sides. There is another case example here with one who was claiming persecution for being "white, straight, and male". This is because discussions should primarily be focused on GOG and its games. If identity politics in gaming is an important for you, there are better communities to discuss future topics like at r/gaymers or r/transgamers if you want to prevent future misunderstandings or avoid faux pas you deem unacceptable.

    I do not think it's productive to be rules-lawyering me through now-deleted comments and PMs. I honestly do try to keep r/GOG as honest, transparent, and data-driven as possible with as little intervention as possible. I'd like to think it's at least better than the GOG forums if you plan to continue using this platform. If you have issues with my moderation style or subreddit, I'd prefer if you used modmail so the other four mods can also help weigh in with their thoughts.

    Lastly, I don't want to over-commit and spend all my free time moderating especially with the cited reports in that thread. So I took a proactive approach - locking the thread was the easiest course of action for me to save more time to do other things like compiling GOG delistings.

There's a national holiday right now in Canada, so please have a Happy Canadian Thanksgiving today.

Thanks,

BlackRiot

10. User PMs reply:

Ah so your ableism is okay because you’re a Professional. Man I hope you’re not anymore. I deeply pity any mentally ill person suffering under your care. I’m healthy, haven’t harmed myself, wasn’t going to. I’m an adult and can handle myself.

If you think not misgendering anyone is identity politics you’re a transphobe. Yikes. And I’m not even trans. I guess you can’t expect much else from a hashtag gamer though. I certainly had no “gender agenda.” But people who shout about identity politics always see it that way.

You’re an asshole. And to quote my apparent most iconic moment, that is SUCH a big deal. Enjoy the block.

11. BlackRiot (Mod) bans user.