Of course we want user feedback, but you weren't providing feedback, you were specifically asking us to look the other way when a particular user breaks the forum rules just because they are active participants. That's not going to happen, and if that particular user feels they should be above the law, then yes, they are free to use another site that will bend the rules for them because this site won't.

The rules here apply to everyone equally. If you don't want to be dunced, then don't break the rules. It's that simple.

Admin,
You havent seen me complain anywhere on this thread (or for any of my dunces for that matter), and seem to imply that I put someone up to it when, in fact, *I did not, so *allow me to respectfully retort....Did you not read this whole thread? Anyone who visits these forums regularly knows its not just about dunces. I can see how what I posted to that troll would be grounds for a dunce all by itself, but when it is looked at in the bigger picture of what went on that day, it becomes something totally different....and I believe that is the crux of this thread. Not just one person has come forward to express a concern with this issue (and other issues I might add), but several have come forward...among them, several of the more respected posters...And though it looks like they came forward just to complain, I submit they came forward for a much different reason....and that reason is a genuine love for these forums. These posters are here everyday, they see everything that goes on, and they see the context of what is said....something, honestly, I dont think that you can claim. They have seen multiple trolls operate and they have reported them NUMEROUS times to no avail...they have seen thread after thread of "report a problem" go unanswered....they have noticed the absence of your "free cupid giveaway" threads....and they have noticed the seemingly selective handing out of dunces (something Ill address further in a moment)....in other words, they seem to have noticed a lack of interest of these forums on your part.
Now I understand that you may be busy with other aspects of your life and that running this site alone has its disadvantages....but all Im saying is that if these things were expressed, most members would understand that. As it stands now, it comes across as apathy....and before the "well if you dont like it, go to another site" comments start, that is not the point...the point is that we love THIS site and we love THESE forums and we want THIS site and THESE forums to succeed. Why do you think we stay here? Ive honestly experimented with other sites and, for the life of me, cant figure out how this one hasnt surpassed them. The concept is SO much better than the others.*
I dont know....maybe we SHOULD settle for what we have...and maybe Brite was right in her earlier post about it being an American thing...but we DO strive to get better and I, for one, wont apologize for it....or change how I conduct myself for the few that cant handle it.*
On to the dunce system...I think I speak for everyone when I say I dont know how it works exactly. Ive seen people dunced for what seemed like nothing, and Ive seen others walk for far worse...and have been told by reputable people that they were reported. Who can report? All members? Only verified members? Members who only lurk but rarely or never post? I humbly ask that these things be looked at considering you cant be here all the time...and also, duncing someone several days after an incident only adds to the confusion. I totally understand that no system is perfect, but tweaks can be looked at I assume.*
Though I consciously planned not to post until my dunce period was up, I feel that this issue needed *to be discussed further. Ill now crawl back in my dunce purgatory and I*hope you notice that Ive never circumvented a dunce just to post until now (though some trolls have)...and Ionly did it because I hoped it would be productive for this site. I wont post again until my original dunce date is up...Nov 1st at approximately 5pm my time... I also have no issue with adding another day to it for todays transgression, if you see fit. Thank you for your time.

P.S. *Do you realize that from 11:22am-1:39pm my time, there wasnt a single new post on the forums? Have you seen todays posts, or lack thereof I should say? There IS a problem and it isnt me because I wasnt here.

@WalkSoftly: well said x

@WalkSoftly: could not have said it better my self

I wasn't necessary asking to "look the other way" I was asking for the "whole situation" to be looked at, not just the reporting post.

I agree w this, there are certain aspects of the situation w trolls that need to be dealt with. When someone comes on forums to start trouble, the regulars try to deal with it because they love this site and are trying to keep trolls from ruining it. How they deal with it IS a choice, therefore leading to disciplinary action, but truly the problem still has not been solved:(

I have used a little foul language in the forums in the past(this isn't my first time on the site) but it wasn't directed hatefully or in a negative way and nothing has ever been said to me. I'm not a troll or anything of that sort but I thought the rule was NO foul language...just saying. And it wasn't deliberate when I did it I just kinda forgot where I was for a minute.

@Andres: Here's the problem that we deal with. These trolls as their know as by the ppl on the forums. Use completely fake profiles(change states, age, etc..) & don't verify. They have even used diff gender(Fake pics) to hide their identities.

@Andres: Everytime they come back only reason they get found out is cuz they make mistakes that some1 that has had to deal with them so many times in past. These ppl that catch them are those of us that welcome & help new comers with ?'s get to know Ppl & care

Folks, there is an old internet saying that says: Don't feed the trolls. I'm sure many of you have heard it before. In essence, it means do not reply to a troll, and the troll will die out since they rely on attention.

So all I'm asking for is, instead of getting caught up with a troll and insulting them, just ignore them. Even better, Dump them so you don't see any more of their posts, Report them so I can deal with them, and ignore them. Dump -> Report -> Ignore. If everyone did that, trolls simply would not exist.

The last thing I want is for new users to see insults flying around in the Forums as that makes it incredibly unwelcoming and intimidating. I can't cater only to the active minority, I have to think about all my users. These Forums are for everyone, and the rules exist to make them welcoming for everyone.

So please respect the rules, even when dealing with trolls. I'm very glad to hear many of you love this site, but if you truly love it, then please respect its rules.