Well folks, the trend seems to go like this.
Member joins - one of many things happens:
1) Member becomes a contributor to the site (whether by LD related posts or just good to have around). Such a member will make friends through his/her good standing reputation, which leads to a more enjoyable community.
OR
2) Member starts out all excited about LDing, contributes a bit, loses interest or enthusiasm, then dissappears. Community is effected in the short term (depending on member's prescence), but moves on.
OR
3) Member comes in under the guise of contributing to the site (and in some cases does temporarily), however, becomes a nuisance to other members who fall under the 1st category. This leads to frustration among the 1st group category, but more importantly, can GREATLY influence the 2nd category of members who are already on the fence.
So, the staff goal is to make DV an informational and enjoyable experience for the lucid dreaming community. In order to do that, we have to weed out those that cause too much disruption. Everyone fucks up now and then, and members will get warnings. However, when it becomes obvious the member doesn't want to work towards the same goal as the staff and rest of the community, they're shown the door (virtually).
Unfortunately, sometimes good members befriend other members who fall under this category. So, when they see their friend get banned, they are, understandably so, upset. Thing is, all we're saying is that we don't want the trouble makers here - you can keep being friends with the member in question, just not in this forum.
xcrissxcrossx, with every ban we realize there's a risk of other members (of the 1st category) that will get frustrated and leave in protest. That is unfortunate. However, new members will join and the cycle will continue. It's better to have a strong and healthy community waiting for them when they do, than one with members who will discourage them from staying. If your leaving is intended to 'hurt' the community, it really isn't so much as hurting yourself. Ask yourself if you really have come to hate being here, or if you're doing this as an act of protest. If it's the later, then just say you're pissed and be done with it - no need to leave.
Either way, wish you the best.
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Regarding the Kaniaz thing:
I too was upset at the whole banning of Kaniaz (I miss his presence here as well). But as you said, Marvo - he was unbanned and apologized to. It is HIS choice not to come around, however. So, our door is open.