Well, the vote is now at 68-5. Maybe someone should share the real story behind this then, because right now it looks like a personal vendetta.

What's your opinion of people who wrongfully accuse people of reporting posts, over and over and over?

I disagree. I haven't done an amazing job of defending my decision the past 24 hours.

Here is my best effort:

Pulling the plug on Hootie's short leash experiment didn't have anything to do with his criticism of the DOTY bans. Clearly, we can handle that kind of criticism productively and find a solution that works in the end.

Hootie was brought back and his specific instructions were to avoid Frazod, Dartgod, and CrazyCoffee since he had a negative history with each of those guys. His additional instructions were to stop being a douchebag. He agreed and said he would just start posting like tk13. I thought that was a great idea.

After being brought back on the short leash program, Hootie was banned for 2 days over the holidays and was warned earlier in the week for an unprovoked attack on a n00b. He continued his caustic behavior with the VERY PEOPLE HE WAS TOLD TO AVOID and the plug was pulled on the "short leash" experiment on Friday afternoon due to multiple violations of his "probation". He even acknowledged that he was in violation of his agreement at one point, so I'm not sure why he's so shocked that he got the boot. One thing I've learned in years with dealing with Hootie is that it's never, ever Hootie's fault. It's always Dartgod, Frazod, CC, Phobia, or a girl for getting drunk and passing out.

Obviously, our idea of a "short leash" probation isn't stellar. We'll abandon that tactic.

Hootie has always been disrespectful of me and despite that, I've always been on board with bringing him back... until now. For those of you criticizing "2 years" - the original setting was "permanent" and I changed it at the last minute because I assumed Hootie would mature over a period of 2 years. I would like a cookie for that display of generosity, please.

He did, based on the short leash we gave him... we were mostly on the fence about letting him back to begin with, and it was a failed experiment. In hindsight, if you don't think someone can come back with the same set of rules as everyone else, they shouldn't be allowed back.... our bad.

it's not warranted. It was incredibly personal and vile. Not everything on this site is public, and decisions are not always up for public debate. I understand the sentiment but if people here think they can do a better job they have 2 options. Apply for mod status, or start their own site.

I really mean no disrespect with that statement, it's just fact.

So, let me get this straight:

Frazod engages Hootie for a generic post, Hootie responds, and that is somehow his fault because he agreed to some bullshit rules that don't pertain to anyone else?

Yes. It isn't hard to avoid arguments online. The posters that get into them here go looking for them.

Ooook we all know the story. Now why didn't the same rules apply to frazod, dartgod, and company? They should have also been encouraged to avoid contact with him. I'm actually getting pissed because this could have been completely avoided if hootie and the parties involved all ignored each other. You gave him an impossible restriction when the opposition had none pertaining to him. They had rights to jump on him when he was supposed to bend over and say, "Please sir, I want some more?" **** that.

It was a pathetic, idiotic post, you weepy little girl. I still retain the right to call people on shit like that.

This isn't about you, you raging douche.

Careful.

Them's banning words.

Then leave my name out of it, and I won't respond, you ****ing ****.

Really, it's that easy.

Whose fault is it?

It's not my fault. I didn't even set those rules. DaFace set those rules for Hootie. Hootie agreed. Hootie told me, "Fine I won't be a dick, or banter, or do anything fun. I'll just turn into tk13."

He didn't abide by the probationary terms. Despite being given two strikes DURING probation.

I know I'm not a Hootie fan. I'm well aware of the mutual disdain. But I didn't force Hootie to engage Frazod or anybody else. I hoped he could avoid confrontations like that. I SUPPORTED HIS RETURN. I knew this uproar was imminent. I knew it wouldn't be a popular decision. I knew I was going to waste half my weekend explaining why. I've moderated sites like this for over a decade. I am aware of the dynamics of an internet community, particularly ChiefsPlanet.

Do you want me to ban Frazod, who is not on probation, who has not been told he has to avoid Hootie? Is it Frazod's fault? Honestly, if it's not Hootie's fault that he can't follow his agreement then whose fault is it?

BECAUSE THEY WERE NEVER PERMABANNED AND ON PROBATIONARY RETURN.

It's probably hard for you to understand, but Phobia posted a link to a post you made and Hootie responded to. Then he said Hootie had strict instructions to "stay away from you" as if there is a certain number of feet he is required to abide by.

I give zero shits that you "called him out" for his post, whatever the **** that means in your weird mind.

I do give a shit that he was supposed to just not say anything back to you.

As much as you would love for this to be about you, it isn't.