I would like to make a suggestion that topics that are locked by moderators not be locked with the moderator expressing anything as a final statement except for things soley and directly related to the closing of the topic.

For example Stythe has presently (and possibly on more than one occasion) closed topics, abusing his power as moderator, used the closing of a topic to not only have the last word on a given topic (i.e. his own personal opinions within the off topic usually causing the forum to be locked) and has used the opportunity to personally attack Magonians.

I created the perpetual argumentation topic because I felt that moderators were not allowing Magonians to have any opportunity to have any comment after Moderators decided they themselves would have the last word and silence any further comment by Magonians.

If the topics need to be locked then so be it, but it is an abuse of power to first drop arguments and attacks on others and then lock it so no one can further respond.

Because of the way the topic was locked after Stythe's closing comments, I can't even quote for this topic to demonstrate what I believe is innappropriate moderator behavior via the personal attack on me by Stythe were he said that I was riciduluous. He even admitted that this was personal. I suggest that this kind of moderator bullying be prevented from continuing.

EDIT: In the perpetual argumentation topic, Stythe's quote to me was:

"In very, very simple terms: you are completely ridiculous. THAT is something on a more personal level, for the record."

I consider that to be inappropriate behavior for a moderator and even if it is appropriate at some level, I consider it to be unfair to Magonians to make such a statement and then lock the topic so that we cannot comment in our defense.

I therefore suggest that:

1. Moderators treat Magonians patiently and politely and NEVER personally attack.
2. Moderators closing topics not comment any further about anything other than why they are closing the topic but certainly not use their last post as a way to have the last word on all other points of view.

A Mod/Admin's job in cases such as this is to summarize the problem arising from a thread, wrap it up, give an opinion (if so desired), and close it. This is not an abuse of power. It is their responsibility.

Once a Mod/Admin closes a thread, the thread is over. It is completely and unequivocally finished.

I ignored the Perpetual Argumentation thread, like many people should have, because I didn't think the thread would have gone anywhere. It takes two to argue, you know.

Furthermore, Mods and Admins are regular people. There is a limit to how much patience each has. However, an exasperated yet reasonable response to a member that, in that staffer's view, annoys them does not denote unprofessionalism on that staffer's end.

I personally try to ascribe to your first suggestion, and encourage other staff to follow it, but even I am not that way all the time.

However, I completely reject your second suggestion.

Finally, for Lone's parting shot, had he called your post ridiculous or said that you were being ridiculous, it would not have been a flame. However, as he acknowledges, he called you, yourself ridiculous. That does count as a flame, though, and he will be given a warning for it.

Now that this issue is handled, I am going to lock it.

This whole thing has been ridiculous.