So, I've just completed a months ban from Neogaf (I got a bit angry in one thread).
Unremarkable I know, but for me it actually felt like a big deal - I've been active on various forums for probably 17 years or so, but this was the first time I've ever been banned from anything. And it was a humbling experience, especially being a functioning adult I really ought to know better. A bit like being told off. Initially I was taken aback, them a bit indignant, then slightly angry at being singled out as if it was a bit unfair and then I properly read back what I'd written and was a touch ashamed. It was actually slightly bizarre reading back what I wrote and seeing it through the eyes of a mod and realising I'd strayed from the acceptable. Sort of internet/twitter syndrome where there is this disconnect between what you're typing and the sense that you're actually interacting with real people, which I know sounds odd.
And it was tough, sounds daft as it's only a forum right? I'm not the most prolific poster, but I missed being able to add my thoughts to threads and of course during my ban duration there were a ton of threads I wanted to contribute to. I was genuinely relieved to have my posting privileges back and I was pleased to find I hadn't been Juniored.
Neogaf seems to be slightly easier to get banned from than other forums and that is entirely to its credit. Serious moderation is what makes this place one of the more considered places to browse. So, have you ever been banned from GAF? How did it feel? Did it feel like some sort of NeoGAF rite of passage? Did it make you reconsider your posting tone? Are you a serial banee from other forums, do you pop back up with a sock account and so on? Personally being banned has made me more careful about what I write and made me try and consider how it will come across a bit more when it's out in the public domain.
