Block lists are now public

[EarlG]

As promised, we have just updated the software so that you can see who is blocked from participating in any given thread.

Admin will continue to review the function and will make another announcement about its future on Feb 1.

Until then, here are a few things you should bear in mind:

1. If you are blocked from posting in a thread and would like to offer your opinion on the issue under discussion, you are permitted to start a new thread (except in LBN where stricter rules apply). You may mention that you are starting the thread because you are blocked from responding to another thread - however, the new thread MUST focus on the issue under discussion. Threads which are started in order to complain about somebody else's use of the block function will be deleted or locked.

2. It is unfortunate that a few people have chosen to paint anyone who is using the block function as "cowardly" or "childish." The moderators have been instructed to remove any further posts of this nature as we consider it to be a general personal attack. You are not permitted to throw the word "cowards" at members using other DU functions such as "Alert," and this remains true for the "Block Replies To Me" function.

3. We have seen a few complaints from people who have been blocked "unfairly." Sorry, but if somebody blocks you, there is a simple explanation: they don't want to interact with you. It's not a difficult concept to get to grips with. They may not like your posts, or your politics, or something that you posted on DU three years ago. It could be a simple misunderstanding. It's possible that it is absolutely no fault of your own. But it doesn't matter. You may not understand why they don't want to interact with you, but if they blocked you then they obviously have their reasons.

4. If you wish to continue to comment on the new function, you may do so in this thread. However, please do not start threads or polls elsewhere on the board to discuss the function. Those threads will be deleted or locked.