Ban iMav for laughs? Ok, that was a funny statement, but it's over. Missing the point. Totally defeats the purpose of a temporary ban. The goal is to IMPROVE the GH experience. This issue is not a joke, it's the core of what this site is. If peeps want to be dildos and screw around, go play on myspace or something similar like a playground where that behavior is rewarded. I'm all for joking, but the ridiculous in-fighting is too much and degrades the site tremendously (my opinion).
Perhaps iMav can spend MORE of his money, time, effort, and heart into another web forum called "Weenies-are you one?". Geekhack is his site and ours to build and share. Show respect for him and others as he and others have to you. This site has some very serious aspects, and the lightheartedness makes potentially technical, dry, white paper stuff more enjoyable and entertaining. That seems to be what iMav has tried to create, and is trying to maintain. I choose to participate until he, or all of you choose to change those terms. If this site becomes other that what it has been the last 18 months, I will probably let it go myself.
Got that off my chest, (see, I'm human and have those emotions, I just don't go onto GH and throw up on others). Enough of that.
When I check in at an airport while sitting next to some complete knob, I can usually go to GH to either get VALUABLE info, or a good provocative laugh, often hilarious. There are many great personalities on this site. That's why I read and attempt to contribute to the site. To make it better. It isn't where I come to act tough, or put down others to feel better about myself (I have made a couple snitty posts in response to others being asses to me...I regret that. We all make mistakes and I have learned). I've met a couple really great people here face to face, several via telephone, email, and such. I'm meeting someone from Korea next week from this site (I live south of San Francisco).
Impact GH has had on me in the last 18 months (it's quite a bit):
-learned about mechanicals vs domes
-learned about soldering electronics
-learned about real issues USB vs PS/2
-learned about forums
-learned about alternative layouts
-learned more about ergonomics
-learned about keyboard electronics
-learned about keyboard programming (very, very basic understanding)
-have been contacted by a keyboard manufacturer
-received valuable feedback and opinions from others regarding Rollermouse, Hyperscroll, Contours, Datahand, etc.
-I have a patent due to my involvement on GH!!! (it's totally worthless, but it's a patent!)
-found an INVALUABLE resource
-met a couple of peeps that may be "keepers" ha ha
I look at the list above, and am surprised. I hope I have given something back to at least one person here in exchange for what I have received from all of you. I hope you all understand that GH has value, it can be sold for actual cash. It is a commodity. I would like to see it preserved, and aide in the preservation if needed.
We all need to remember, that partaking in GH is a privilege, not a right. Perhaps if it is taken away, an appreciation will be recognized. That's the real purpose of a ban. Everyone is here by choice, no one forces you to be here. Follow simple courtesy and there will be few problems. You don't get to do/say whatever you want here, just like in real life. There are limits. And if in doubt...ignore it. You really don't need to waste iMavs time and patience with reporting every little slight or tiff, that will just burn him out, as he seems to be getting right now (my opinion). Have I ever reported? No. Do I want to? No. Will I? Maybe. I have something to lose if this site evolves in a counter-productive direction. So do you, or you wouldn't be here.
Thank you iMav.
I support your efforts about 100%, plus or minus, I'm not a TOTAL "yes-man"

Feel free to report this post, I'll be disappointed if someone doesn't.
BACK TO KEYBOARDS!