FYI Stone has been banned.

Realone

A huge loss to the members here. This way of handling free speech has to change.

Goldbully

I know the young man was outspoken and cutting edge, but to be banned?....poor decision on our host.

fishteeth

Don't know what happened, but Stone was a great forum member.

Type2

Maybe just a time out I hope.

keets

it always appears to be a bad decision, but what were the circumstances, what was the thread and comment about that resulted in the banning?? sometimes the truth is good for unemotional clarity.

Barndog

<< <i>it always appears to be a bad decision, but what were the circumstances, what was the thread and comment about that resulted in the banning?? sometimes the truth is good for unemotional clarity. >>



probably the "conservation service thread"

sparky64

Hopefully he'll just be put in time out for a short period of time, like a few others have.
That was a full frontal assault of a statement but everyone should be given a warning or a second chance.

BAJJERFAN

<< <i>it always appears to be a bad decision, but what were the circumstances, what was the thread and comment about that resulted in the banning?? sometimes the truth is good for unemotional clarity. >>





The conservation thread!

keets

probably the "conservation service thread"

that was my first thought.

Unknown

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JCMhouston

If he came into my house and started name calling I would kick him out. Why would you expect any different from PCGS? This isn't a free speech site, it's a companies private property.

MFH

He Facebooked me last night about his Banning.

I won't go into details, but, yes, he can be outspoken,
but he didn't think what he said a few weeks back would
have grounded him. He spoke what was on his mind and
said he spoke the truth. I do not know which thread he was
referring to. I hope his absence is marked in days and not
longer.

Broadstruck

Sorry to hear but I saw it coming over a month ago... Hopefully it is just a time-out?

Rampage

I saw the banning coming as soon as I read his thread. The forum rules explicitly state that posting a thread bashing PCGS or any other company will get you banned. It is not terribly difficult to play by the rules.

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keets

I remember reading that post and thought it was a bit over the top.

CoinJunkie

I would hope a warning would be issued for a first transgression. Perhaps there was other history we don't know about?

Stone was a good guy and a knowledgeable collector. Sorry he's gone (for now, at least).

DIMEMAN

Wow, I was wondering why he wasn't answering my PM's.

Hope this is temporary.

astrorat

Stone is a good guy.

Realone ... this is NOT a place for free speech. It is our host's forum, not an open public forum. We either abide by our host's rules, or run the risk of not being allowed to participate.

Shamika

I'll admit that when I read the statement regarding PCGS's business model, I cringed. There are more tactful ways of making such statements.

panther

I am glad his master list still works. I use it all the time

ms70

Put me on the list as one hoping he gets a chance to return.

ms70

braddick

<< <i>A huge loss to the members here. This way of handling free speech has to change. >>



Yet you don't come up with a single recommendation on how to accomplish this.

MsMorrisine

<< <i>

<< <i>A huge loss to the members here. This way of handling free speech has to change. >>



Yet you don't come up with a single recommendation on how to accomplish this. >>



because this is not run by the US Gov't.

PCGS site - PCGS rules.

Perhaps this will be a teachable moment.

Perhaps the unbamming will not be responded to? Who knows.... really... anyone know?

bolivarshagnasty

Was the thread deleted as well? Vaguely remember the thread.

edited to add........... I'm going to miss seeing that girl with the big..........glass of beer!

Spooly

I'm sad..... no more icon picture of hot German women drinking beer.

Stone has been around a long time, he will be missed.

Mr Willis how about a second chance?

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NumisOxide

Stone was always helpful and the guy to go to for contemporary counterfeits. Hopefully he will be allowed back.

SAM5969

FWIW - I agree with what you say Real One

astrorat

<< <i>

<< <i>

<< <i>A huge loss to the members here. This way of handling free speech has to change. >>



Yet you don't come up with a single recommendation on how to accomplish this. >>



Ok, I understand this is not our house and it is a privilege to be here. That being said, since as collectors our passion which drives us to collect is also what makes us say things that may in the heat of passion too. PCGS wants collectors who have passion, it is what drives their business model, and that same passionate drive can also get out of hand at times but PCGS needs to try to help out instead if having a kneejerk response. If criminals can get a three strike rule so can collectors. That should be the rule...3 written warnings and then the boot. We have a lost a great many good members here, I would hate to see another go. PCGS wants our collector passion and they must expect the same passion with how we view the hobby. >>

I believe our hosts had a gentler approach in the past, but it failed to work to their satisfaction. Don posted the rules and, based on a lot of inflammatory or otherwise questionable posts that did not result in banning, I think our hosts have been practicing discretion.

You can be passionate about our hobby and follow our host's very clear rules.

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LotsoLuck

"I'm sad..... no more icon picture of hot German women drinking beer"


That's what I'm talking about! The best avatar yet.

Lighten up kiddies, he will be back I'm sure.

BAJJERFAN

<< <i>

<< <i>

<< <i>

<< <i>

<< <i>A huge loss to the members here. This way of handling free speech has to change. >>



Yet you don't come up with a single recommendation on how to accomplish this. >>



Ok, I understand this is not our house and it is a privilege to be here. That being said, since as collectors our passion which drives us to collect is also what makes us say things that may in the heat of passion too. PCGS wants collectors who have passion, it is what drives their business model, and that same passionate drive can also get out of hand at times but PCGS needs to try to help out instead if having a kneejerk response. If criminals can get a three strike rule so can collectors. That should be the rule...3 written warnings and then the boot. We have a lost a great many good members here, I would hate to see another go. PCGS wants our collector passion and they must expect the same passion with how we view the hobby. >>

I believe our hosts had a gentler approach in the past, but it failed to work to their satisfaction. Don posted the rules and, based on a lot of inflammatory or otherwise questionable posts that did not result in banning, I think our hosts have been practicing discretion.

You can be passionate about our hobby and follow our host's very clear rules. >>



I get it, but posts can easily be deleted at the discretion of our hosts but members shouldn't be deleted so easily imho especially ones that have given more than they have taken. Stone has helped out the numismatic community including PCGS in more ways than one. Sometimes one needs to turn a cheek rather than turn off a member's membership. >>



You can delete the posts, but you can't delete the poster's attitude. You don't bite the hand that feeds you so to speak. Next ban in.

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Cam40

I think if you post here long enough your bound to go off the reservation and rub someone
the wrong way. I`ve read many posts where the member seemed to just be getting outta line
in one way or another. Maybe their `wrongly worded posts` could just be deleted
and poster notified as to where they went wrong? By ya, PCGS` site PCGS` rules. Lump it or leave it.

Wabbit2313

He was totally out of line and offensive. HERE:

If that is what it was.

astrorat

We are not the customer, we are using the host's forum to communicate about the hobby. We are the guests that have been invited to relax in our host's vacation home.

The host is doing us a favor, maybe if one remembered that then there would be a bit more respect of the host's rules. Stone was an excellent contributor to the forum, but he jumped way over the line with his last comments. Hopefully he will be able to join us again.

lkeigwin

<< <i>He was totally out of line and offensive. HERE: >>


Yeah, I was going to say the same thing. This was too much:

PCGS is the biggest hypocrite in numismatics regarding coin doctoring.

First they file a lawsuit against people that engage in such activities, then shortly thereafter they turn it into a business model!


I'm bummed he's gone. I enjoyed our public and private exchanges. But I knew he crossed the line there.
Lance.

Cam40

oh ya, I remember reading that line he wrote.
kinda like going to a party and insulting the host`s wife.
you get BAMMED for that for sure. ouch

BAJJERFAN

<< <i>

<< <i>

<< <i>

<< <i>

<< <i>

<< <i>

<< <i>A huge loss to the members here. This way of handling free speech has to change. >>



Yet you don't come up with a single recommendation on how to accomplish this. >>



Ok, I understand this is not our house and it is a privilege to be here. That being said, since as collectors our passion which drives us to collect is also what makes us say things that may in the heat of passion too. PCGS wants collectors who have passion, it is what drives their business model, and that same passionate drive can also get out of hand at times but PCGS needs to try to help out instead if having a kneejerk response. If criminals can get a three strike rule so can collectors. That should be the rule...3 written warnings and then the boot. We have a lost a great many good members here, I would hate to see another go. PCGS wants our collector passion and they must expect the same passion with how we view the hobby. >>

I believe our hosts had a gentler approach in the past, but it failed to work to their satisfaction. Don posted the rules and, based on a lot of inflammatory or otherwise questionable posts that did not result in banning, I think our hosts have been practicing discretion.

You can be passionate about our hobby and follow our host's very clear rules. >>



I get it, but posts can easily be deleted at the discretion of our hosts but members shouldn't be deleted so easily imho especially ones that have given more than they have taken. Stone has helped out the numismatic community including PCGS in more ways than one. Sometimes one needs to turn a cheek rather than turn off a member's membership. >>



You can delete the posts, but you can't delete the poster's attitude. You don't bite the hand that feeds you so to speak. Next ban in. >>



Last I looked the customer feeds our hosts. Maybe if one remembered that their would be less idol worshiping here. >>



I was referring to the privilege of using these message boards.

Unknown

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MsMorrisine

No thread poofage nor lock?


How?

Boosibri

His post was reckless and immature. Not really surprised he is banned. Hope he learns a lesson.

SoCalBigMark

Back in the dark days we would have all been banned just for being in this thread.

braddick

<< <i>

<< <i>

<< <i>A huge loss to the members here. This way of handling free speech has to change. >>



Yet you don't come up with a single recommendation on how to accomplish this. >>



Ok, I understand this is not our house and it is a privilege to be here. That being said, since as collectors our passion which drives us to collect is also what makes us say things that may in the heat of passion too. PCGS wants collectors who have passion, it is what drives their business model, and that same passionate drive can also get out of hand at times but PCGS needs to try to help out instead if having a kneejerk response. If criminals can get a three strike rule so can collectors. That should be the rule...3 written warnings and then the boot. We have a lost a great many good members here, I would hate to see another go. PCGS wants our collector passion and they must expect the same passion with how we view the hobby. >>



Not disagreeing with your conclusion, simply your logic is flawed.
First, stating PCGS, "having a knee-jerk response" really goes against your theory of a lack of free speech here (as you state so without fear of being banned yourself).
Second, criminals don't get three chances- it's simply the penalty is much more severe for repeat offenders. (Since when should PCGS dedicate the manpower and effort to handing out warning slips to members who violate the rules? Really?)

Last, if I were asked, and certainly I am not what my solution would be- it is to provide again an open forum and assign two or three volunteers to moderate the forum, allowing the hobby forums to remain strictly on topic and threads such as this one to be hosted elsewhere.

BaronVonBaugh

It is in the rules "No more warnings."

It is repeated several times there.

Justlooking

I would ask the CU mods to do the right thing here.

Edited to add: "Please."

lostincoins

ModCrewman said "Tread lightly friends, I'd hate to see anyone given an irrevocable vacation from the forum." very early on so he could have edited his post early on. He decided not to which is like going to a reception, making fun of the host and then continuing to do so. He could have edited or even stated an apology but decided to leave the statement in place. This IMO is what could have caused the hopefully temporary go stand in the corner time. The thing is he said what he felt and stood on it so I would think a lot depends on him and how he handles things from here. I hope he comes back as he has done much for the boards but he is very outspoken much of the time and that could cause an issue.

7Jaguars

Not to digress too much because I agree about the bit of crap-ng on the lawn, but I do think PCGS supports these Boards to our benefit just as we benefit them and likely take more business to them thanks to these boards. I know they influence me a bit more to choose them over the competition most times.So a bit of mutualism here...

mercurydimeguy

One can be frustrated at an outcome, but it seems that when this happens some turn to conspiracy theory and impropriety. It's how they are wired. Social media is a good outlet for them, but this isn't a social media website. This is a private message board sponsored by a public company. Not the place for narcissistic outcries. Whether he is right or wrong in his opinion or statements is irrelevant.