Wait - so Starrsville got banned, but others who are consistently sarcastic, rude and nasty are allowed to go on (and on, and on . . )? It just doesn't make sense!

What's the purpose of banning someone if no-one, even the banned, knows why? Malesherbes, how does one know they are banned? Do they get an explanation? It is Fodor's site and they can and will do as they please and we will just fall in line or leave, but I hate the fact that Starrsville, and all those banned before, were bumped off.

Gee, go out of town for two days and look what happens!
I can't imagine that Starrsville wrote anything offensive.

Loveitaly, I suppose if you were banned anyone could be! I may have disagreed with you upon occasion but you have always been polite and poised.

I will drop a line in Starrsville's behalf in hopes that our voices will be heard.

Well I had a nice long post written and ready to hit "post my reply", we had a thunderstorm, lost our electricity and the post along with it of course. Haha. Do you think Fodors is that powerful? I've been without power for an hour and a half.

You notice you are banned when you have to sign in, then you get the message: "Welcome to Fodors. (ironic, huh?) Your screen name has been blocked on Fodors.com Travel Talk. Please review the Subscriber Conduct section of our Subscriber's Agreement". No...they don't say another word to you aside from that computer generated message. That screen name was unblocked after 3 or 4 weeks, but it seemed tarnished so I never used it again. OO. I tend not to be a rabble rouser, but I'll be damned if I'll sit on my hands when someone is treated unjustly, as I felt Patrick was (my banning was a result of my reaction to his), and as I feel Starrsville was.

Starrsville's post is still there. My thinking is that "someone" (ahem) complained about what she said, and said with justification I might add, and the editors blocked her for that, that it would not have happened had a complaint not been lodged. No, it was hardly worthy of banning, IMHO, and they needed to take a look at everything that was said.

I hope you all will register your feelings with them. Good grief, this feels so like grade school!

By the way, I lost a brother to the disease that was under discussion, which contributes to my feeling that Starrsville was absolutely justified in what she said and the other poster was totally out of line. One could run and exercise and talk until he was blue in the face and it would not solve that problem.

Malesherbes, am I understanding you correctly. If so, I didn't realize that was you! I've been wondering where OO went too! Two of my fodors buddies who have a Sedona connection have been resurrected in one day. Hallelujah.

Hopefully we will get starrs back as a rebirth too. It seems the protests to the editors do no good- maybe make people feel better for making themselves heard but it doesn't reulst in any editor action or reaction.

What is weird is the need for the secret code on who the returned banned posters are when they come back. Obviously I have missed several of my fovorite people who came back and I had no idea they were back among us.

<<<<several of my fovorite people who came back and I had no idea they were back among us.>>>>

Can't blame them. No matter how much they vowed never to come bacj and post again, this board is just too good to stay away from.

To me, Starrsville is to Fodor's as Old Bay is to Maryland seafood!!! Just wouldn't be as good without it (her)??? Love ya, lady!

Hi emd...it feels like a family reunion, eh? I really have made no effort to hide who I was, but the other name had been around for years so became known, and this one is relatively new, so not much history. Yet.

Spicy is good Bonniebroad...I agree.

Amen, grantop--my thinking exactly!

Malesherbes, what was I thinking when I decided to drive downtown this morning! Thank goodness my vehicle is equipped with an in-board / out-board motor! ;-)

The "I was scolded" post took a slight turn with TxTravelPro discussing her son and his taking of prescription drugs...I wonder if that has anything to do with it?

Hi dear friends. I was asked to tell you that Starrsville will be allowed to post under her screen name Starrsville after this weekend is over. At least that is what she has been promised.

Oooops, I forgot the balance of her message to her friends here..she thanks all of you for the support you have given her. It is always wonderful to know who your friends are! Take care

Only just came across this thread.

Although I'm delighted to hear that Starrsville is returning I'm also annoyed that she was banned in the first place. She's consistently one of the most thoughtful & helpful posters here.

LoveItaly - if you (or anyone else) is in contact with Starrsville, please pass on my regards to her.

Thanks,

Jim

Hi Jim, I will but also know that she can read the threads she just can't post under her screen name Starssville this weekend so she will see your thoughtful post to her.

And I certainly agree with you, Starrsville is quite an asset to our Fodor's community.

I'm so glad to hear that Starrsville will be back with the same screen name. But certainly agree that she should never have been banned in the first place.

LoveItaly, the fact that Starrsville knows she'll be allowed to post again after the weekend sounds like she may have actually had contact with the editors. Do you know if that's the case? And, if so, do you know whether they told her why she'd been banned (or I guess I should say, given a "time out")? Or did they just give her the "refer to the rules" routine?

I'm asking because I find it a little disturbing to think that the complaint of one poster can get another long time poster banned that easily. Especially in a situation like this.

I am certainly glad to hear such a good poster and cyberfriend is returning after her time in the penalty box. But like CAPH and others I cannot for the life of me understand why she got banned. She is a spirited poster with a great deal of good travel knowledge to share and we are the poorer for her absence.

Hi dear CAPH and cmcfong. I don't know if it is appropriate for me to post any information here so I will let Starrsville do that, I am sure you understand. I will say again that all the support so many people here have shown towards her certainly means so much to her! Best regards and have a lovely weekend.

I am going to watch the Italy/US soccer that is suppose to be on TV in a few minutes. Ah those good looking Italian soccer players, LOL

How stupid. I cannot believe Fodors banned Starrsville.

Someone correct me of I'm wrong but I thought we were entitled to our own opinions.