why do people get banned at shaving sites?

NeoX, That's actually funny if you think about it... overly analytical in a review. :-) Maybe just boil it down to "I liked it", or "I didn't like it". Sheesh! That would be a great review.

I liked your post.

You're avatar, my friend, is no prettier here... Oh, and wait until you all see Mr. Chick's latest acquisition. IF he's willing to share it.

our opinion is that forums are for discussions first, as others have mentioned in this thread.

I VERY much like the fact that the merchants who are involved on this forum take the time to talk with their customer base, without the fear of being banned for speaking outside of their little 'corner'.

I was banned on that other shaving forum without a reason even being mentioned...

I completely understand.  I used to feel the same way about the community until a few people that I thought were my friends, stabbed me in the back.  Once that happened, I lost all type of trust and faith in the "community" thing.  That's why I see this for what it is and not for what I wish it would be.

Don't get me wrong, it is unfortunate, but it is what it is.  Plus, I am not a friendly person anyway

I know that beneath that gruff exterior (of what looks to be a shirtless Teddy Roosevelt), there is a cuddly little teddy bear that just wants to be loved . Hehe.

*Cues motivational speech music and waves flag of cooperation and universal brotherhood*: We can make this forum what you wish it would be! Per aspera ad astra!

In all seriousness though, community isn't always organic - it has to be carefully cultivated. I'm convinced that this can be done here better than elsewhere simply because the forum is more open. If the powers that be on DFS are listening, please keep the forum a place where open discussion is not only tolerated, but encouraged. That's a great model that should be upheld by all parties involved.

PS: I'm convinced that unwarranted banning and other forms of censorship emerge from a deep-seated sense of insecurity. It is nice to see that this sort of abuse is condemned here.

this forum was created for the exact reasons that have been highlighted throughout this thread.

I'm a neutral forum owner in the sense that I do not own any shaving businesses so I don't have any bias towards any one particular company nor do I have any inherent reasons to limit the discussion of shaving products.

most people would be shocked to know that I hardly shave and that I have a beard....

Frankly, an artisan or vendor needs to know that not everyone can be made happy. That's the nature of us being individuals. If someone can't take the heat maybe they're in the wrong business. But to ban someone for it and to confront a customer about it... Really??

I welcome criticism and I try to learn from it. Sometimes I can fine tune things and sometimes I can't. Case in point, the size of my soaps. My regular size tub was too big for some so I had made the "Travel Size". It was also in response to those folks who wanted samples. I don't have soap samples, but obviously a smaller size also has a lowered price and it's more affordable as a sample.

You guys keep us on our toes and I personally enjoy that. Heck, we can't think of everything. A tip of the hat to you!

Now if I only had time to develop products whose ideas you gents have given me. But retirement is a full time job. I don't think you folks understand that there are no days off, no vacation days, no sick days.

Just some levity on an otherwise heavy subject.

Please continue to keep us on our toes. Dialog is good when delivered by gentlemen.

And I would add that I am happy to see two great contributors to our hobby here also. Welcome Claus and Celestino.

Primo, thank you for your kind and welcoming words, my friend.

I was banned from Shavenook for being classified as a "vendor."  What a joke.  I was selling multiple towels that I had left over from an order.

So it was a towel-i-ban?

You want to sell towels? That will be $500.

You're kidding, right?

Well celestino and CHSeifert, I, for one, am thrilled to have both of you, AND you unique perspectives, here to contribute to the conversation.

And I would add that I am happy to see two great contributors to our hobby here also. Welcome Claus and Celestino.

Thank you for your warm words, my friend !

I've read through and think this is a great thread and given some of the actions on other sites, a much needed discussion as well!

In addition to DFS, I've also been involved with other forums.  I started on B&B but after being active there for a few years I was issued a temporary ban that I requested become permanent.  I found their mods to be indiscriminate when it came to enforcement of rules.  The longer I was there it seemed to be an engine to get people to become "contributors"...there were even badges associated with the amount of your contribution!  B&B was/is very driven to the commerce of particular vendors and a particular social points of view were allowed while differing views were restricted.  That said, there is a ton of great shaving related info on the site, particularly given the time it's been around.

I really enjoy the other site I frequent, TSN.  As has been noted, the actions of some mods of late has been uneven and not inclined to foster communication or support of the site and those associated with it.  Some posting seems overly focused on hyping limited edition items or certain vendors which hurts the objectivity of the site.

I do like some of the conversation on Reddit, but haven't gotten too involved - the format is horrible and, to me, quite random.

I plan to spend more of my time here and look forward to watching DFS grow to become a leading and truly independent forum!

On a different but related-noted - a few years ago, some members of another shaving site received bans because they were trying to organize a purchasing restraint/sabbatical. IMO, restraints and sabbaticals are fairly harmless things to discuss........people have a choice to join or not. Yet the banhammer was quick to fall and the topic was quickly buried. It wasn't until a few weeks later where I pieced it all together.....

In any case, I very much enjoy this forum where we can openly discuss and converse (as long as we behave )

On a different but related-noted - a few years ago, some members of another shaving site received bans because they were trying to organize a purchasing restraint/sabbatical.  IMO, restraints and sabbaticals are fairly harmless things to discuss........people have a choice to join or not.  Yet the banhammer was quick to fall and the topic was quickly buried.  It wasn't until a few weeks later where I pieced it all together.....

In any case, I very much enjoy this forum where we can openly discuss and converse (as long as we behave )

Ah yes, I remember that. I didn't get banned (that time) over it, but was told the talk of Sabbaticals and Purchase Free were forbidden.