Howling Rainbows

[Jeff]

is banned.

He's been posting from a proxy since he joined in December, and after what he posted this morning I'm pretty sure it's not the first time he's been banned here.

[barracuda]

It's about time. I'm not too worried about him, though - I'm sure he'll return.

Just a procedural question: do you feel any need to inform the board of a move like this? I can see arguments both ways on it. On one hand, he pretty clearly called you a shill; on the other hand, an announcement may have a chilling effect by fulfilling his "theory" on selective banning in some convoluted manner; on the other hand, do you think anyone will even notice his absence if you don't say anything?

I just realised I have three hands.

[Jeff]

I think banning or suspending an established poster calls for an announcement, but I don't think this guy warrants one, and would just serve to continue stirring his shit in absentia. The only exception I can see is if anyone says Hey, where's that Howling Rainbows dude?

[barracuda]

I'm good with that.

[Jeff]

99% certain now that was the hydra-headed "socrates."

[barracuda]

Because of an IP issue or something else? What's the tell?

[Jeff]

He was using a proxy, so it wasn't the IP. (Though just the fact of a proxy was a strike against him.) It was more the speed with which his story turned up on Socrates' blog, and then on review, his vocabulary and tone of voice. ("Honey pot", for instance, is a favoured expression.)

Keep an eye out for "surfaceskimmer", BTW, who registered right after Howling Rainbows was deactivated.