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Just as an aside - people making accounts under false names, particularly to bypass an existing ban or hide from their past here, will still be subject to permanent bans of the new accounts.
The permanent ban still exists...we're just using it less for the more routine things. A lot of the (previously) permanent bans that have been lifted were the result of "heat of the moment" type events; where people got into battle mode and kept pushing without regard for the consequences, or because they chose to rally against an action/decision made for the site and crossed a line...also, at various points, the basic policy was that we didn't want/need people here if they were on certain antagonistic courses; so some of those bans came with little warning, while others had A LOT.
Some of those people will undoubtedly come back to resume the fight (cough - Erik - cough, cough)....but, hopefully, some will be able to accept the opened door and join us again. I'm sure there will be some hard feelings at first, and that many will simply have no interest in returning - both sides lose something, in that case.
One of the best things about this site - Rich has never been afraid to reevaluate a decision/policy; and most topics are up for discussion. How many forums (fora?) can you find in which participants can openly disagree with policy as long as they aren't taking it to the point of antagonism?
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