IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM ECUADOR.COM ADMINISTRATION

[admin]

Dear members,

Over the last several weeks there has been a disturbing amount of threatening and abusive behavior on the boards of this, and other, Virtual Countries Sites. Clearly, some members have no respect for other members and site policies (http://www.ecuador.com/corporate/aupolicy.html). Some have even gone out of their way to drive other members from the boards. This behavior will not be tolerated.

You may have noticed that a number of messages have been edited, and several members have been banned from the site recently. These actions are in direct response to abusive, racist, or threatening behavior by these members. This action represents Virtual Countries’ commitment to maintaining a healthy and productive discussion—not censorship.

Lately, some have questioned the neutrality of the moderators and VCI administration. In response to these concerns, we would like to reiterate that VCI has no motivation (whether political or otherwise) for silencing others. We respect differences of opinion, and ask our moderators to do the same. We believe that the diversity of our membership base is one of the site’s greatest assets. It is only when people allow differences of opinion to escalate to personal attacks that we must draw the line.

Behind the scenes (whether by e-mail or otherwise), members who cross this line are warned by Moderators or VCI Administration before they are banned—except in extreme circumstances. Since we choose to resolve these issues privately, some members feel that people are being unfairly banned, or that we are ignoring an abusive member. This is not the case.

In the future, if feel that you subject to a personal attack on the discussion boards, please DO NOT respond. Simply state the following: “I chose not to respond to personal attacks as they are not a productive means of discussion,” or ignore the attack all together. Be sure to report the incident to a Moderator, including a copy of link to the thread in question.

Please rest assured that we are doing everything possible to build a respectful online community. This is YOUR community, and it will only be as positive a venue as you make it.

Thank you for your contribution.

Ecuador.com Support