Martinator- great idea! I think that a section header (not just a sticky) would be of benefit. I have talked to some new people over the past few months who truly had no idea that trading was a BT social taboo. They just wanted into the sites and thought that would be a "fair" way to do it. And, as an outsider, why would new people expect to get invites for free? A lot of good people expect to give something for something received in the real world, why not online.
Albo, very nice post! I think that communicating with the new users is the absolute best thing we can do for the community. And I truly hope that you continue with the efforts!
However, this is a social network and norms must be upheld. We need to respect the tracker rules. Period. If we (BT users) are to go around and hand out invites to known traders (even to just help them out) we are, helping that/those individual(s) to circumvent site rules. We, rightfully, deserve to face punishment ourselves. Especially if we make it our mission to "help" people who have only made a mistake or two.
When someone screws up, they need to face punishment- whether they were ignorant or not. If they have gotten into trouble at a certain tracker, they need to face that punishment at that tracker.
The global ban is another issue, but it is not handed out lightly. It is used for egregious incidents or a history of inappropriate actions. And, as you know, it is possible to talk to the individual trackers and plead your case. It is a lot of work for the individual and the tracker, but is necessary when people do things that seriously violate the community.
Individuals need to resolve their issues with the site(s) that were violated. Otherwise, we are essentially aiding and a bedding a "fugitive". That is serious IRL, and in any other community.
