Howdy everyone,
Wow, I did NOT expect any attention about this. For my first post here, I apologize in making it partly a request, but if someone doesnāt mind linking or copy-pasting to the āGombessa has been bannedā thread (https://forums.pianoworld.com/ubbthreads.php/topics/3521059/gombessa-has-been-banned.html) at PW, Iād really appreciate it, as I donāt have access to the site anymore and can't reach the friends I've made who are there.
Yes, my account at PianoWorld has been banned. I havenāt had any communication with the admins and have no reason other than a text string that shows up for banned accounts, which reads āconflict of interest.ā I suspect the folks above are correct in that itās because Iāve been active in threads on the new ads that recently showed up on PW, and/or allowing discussions of the other piano forums that have come up. My comments on the ads were ones that I had compiled and passed on to platuser via PM a few weeks back after talking to folks on recent threads, hoping that feedback might be taken as constructive to help VerticalScope make the ads less disruptive.
But in any case, I was really hoping the ban wouldn't be noticed, and that folks wouldnāt notice or care. I really wasnāt expecting such incredibly kind words and thoughts across these forums. Iām just honestly so touched, and didnāt want to leave without saying a genuine and heartfelt Thank You to everyone.
Pianoworld really is a true community, and itās one Iāve treasured being a part of over the years. I think most importantly, I really donāt wish to see PW harmed or diminished, especially on account of me. I donāt harbor any grudge towards VerticalScope or platuser (any of the community managers who share the account); I knew full well when engaging substantively with these threads, re. impact of ads, use of ad blockers, other piano sites being set up as alternatives to PW, that these might be sensitive topics for the site owner, to have a moderatorāeven a volunteer modābe involved in or make moderation decisions about. In short, I knew these were choppy waters and I entered the surf with eyes open. So I donāt fault them for taking the action they did. To maintain transparency and a clear record for existing and future mods (something all of the siteās former mods have done, much to my own benefit while making decisions), I posted my thoughts (opinions) on appropriate mod approach of these topics in the private Moderator subform, and I hope itās helpful if and when someone else takes up the role.
Iām not really sure what else to say. PW has been such a fun ride for me: I learned so much about DPs and acoustic pianos, I met so many kind and passionate people, had the privilege to perform in a couple of the ABF recitals, and most importantly, the piano community added so much to my enjoyment of the instrument and how I shared that joy with friends. I can say fully I have no regrets. Iām going to respect the PW forum rules, and Iām not going to create a sockpuppet account. I think it would be unfair to everyone whoās had to deal with me as a mod if I did otherwise. š
So one last thanks yāall, you good people are the ones who make the community everything it is, whether itās at PianoWorld, PianoTell, PianoClack, r/piano or anywhere else. I simply feel gratitude for the time Iāve had with you, and I think that's probably the best capstone for my time at Pianoworld. See everyone around.
