Welcome Back?

[Agent Proto]

Alright. I've noticed that the latest "newbie" thread started by a member who once registered as Blackrose, was closed because it was deemed a "welcome back" thread. However, I disagree with that. Even though the member is back with a new name, and hasn't posted since 2003. That's only two years ago, and the thread has been closed, because it's a welcome back thread.

Well, excuse me if I'm wrong, but I don't see it as one. First, she's been gone for two years, and haven't posted since then. Now, she "returns" with a new screen name, and starts a "newbie" thread, and she's been getting welcome backs from people, because she was a member... two years ago.

If I do recall, welcome back threads were banned, but there are certain cases which it should be allowed, like if a member have been gone for a long time, and sometimes, they make a "I'm back" thread. If I'm wrong, I do believe staff would allow those kind of threads, for those cases when the member was away for a couple years, and suddenly returns. Wouldn't it be appropriate to allow Shimka the oppurtunity to keep her "newbie" thread, because she's been gone for so long?

I'm not saying we should allow "I'm back" threads, but allow only a few for members who've been gone for about two years. I do find it ridiculous if a member was gone for a week and makes an "I'm back" thread, and it should stay the way it is for those silly reasons, but for long-bout aways that last "generations" in EoFF terms, they should be allowed, like in Shimka's case.

So, how about it?

[Shlup]

That's what they get for becoming inactive for so long! Poooo on them!

[Yamaneko]

I disagree with you because closing "I'm back" threads has been a policy for as long as I can remember, regardless of the fact whether the member was gone a week or two years.

[Agent Proto]

Well, poo on you!

All I'm asking is for some exemptions for the "I'm back" threads for those who have been away for longer than two years, who suddenly returns and want to at least get caught up, if they were to make such a thread. It's rare for members to return after a two year absense, so at least make an exemption for them.

[Yamaneko]

They can catch up by posting insightful comments and make themselves known that way.

[Meat Puppet]

I wasn't here two years ago, so that member is a newbie in my eyes.

[Agent Proto]

"I’m leaving" / "I’m back" threads. People sometimes have to leave the internet behind for a while. We understand, and I’m sure everyone will miss you dearly, but we don’t need a whole thread about it. So don’t make one.

Specifically...

People sometimes have to leave the internet behind for a while.

Definition of "awhile": For a short time.

A short time is a few days to several months. Being away for longer than two years is not being away for "awhile." So, closing "I'm back" threads from members who've been gone longer than "awhile" is bending the "rule" here.

[Yamaneko]

I think you're reading into the FAQ too much.

EDIT: Just so you know, I really don't care either way. I'm explaining the other side of the argument is all.

[Agent Proto]

I am because I want to have exemptions for "I'm back" threads from member who've been absent for at least two years, like Shimka.

Also, am I not wrong that the staff will consider unbanning members after two years of being banned, if they sent in a request to be "forgiven"? If that's the case, then shouldn't members who return after a "two year" absent be allow an "I'm back" thread? Two years is a "long" time. They have missed four Ciddies, numerous "tournaments" and many other things that have happened, like staff changes.

[eestlinc]

omg Shinka has missed four ciddies!!!!

Anyway, I figure if someone comes back after a long hiatus, if anyone remembers them they will probably be like "OMG IT RIRSE" or some crap so a thread announcing it is unnecesary.

[Leeza]

You make one exception and you'll have a hard time drawing a line as to who should be allowed to have one and who shouldn't, so it's just best to leave it the way it is.

Some members come back, say "Hi guys! I'm back!", and make a decent thread topic while they're at it. Those are very acceptable.

[eestlinc]

so what Leeza is saying is "Shimka made a crappy thread topic." That's not very nice, Leeza. Are you already campaigning for the evilest member ciddie?

[Leeza]

It's already in the bag.

[TheAbominatrix]

Proto, are you running out of issues to campaign for or what?

[eestlinc]

What I want to know: is Blackrose related to PearlRose?

Abom: [img]http://home.eyesonff.com/images/smilies/heart.gif[/img]