I spoke with Greg. His computer was infected with a trojan that not only hit this site but other forums that he frequents, as well. Apparently the virus 'played' with his e-mail address in a fashion unbecoming to most forums.
The reason he has not returned is that he was offended by the tone and accusations made in the e-mail to him regarding the 'unbecoming behavior' wrought by the virus. Greg is not technically savvy. I explained how it could happen based on the information contained in the e-mail and the events preceding speaking with him (i.e. having his system exorcised). He has changed his e-mail address and cancelled the previous account as it had been compromised.
The frequency of such events is not such that it is encountered regularly nor is it uncommon. Understandably, the forum system itself is designed and moderators are charged with protecting the site and its users from disruptive or abusive activities. However, in light of the knowledge that computers do become infected and occurences of this nature are not unknown, perhaps a less aggressive approach is in order for those members in otherwise good standing (800+ posts, 10+ reputation) who, suddenly and for no apparent reason, have 'gone off the deep end'.
It is entirely possible that I do not have the complete story but I have no reason to believe that Greg would withhold information from me with respect to this incident. In any case, from his direct statement to me, he will not be returning. I tried to sway his decision but thus far he is holding firm (and I ain't big enuf to force him).
In my opinion, this group has suffered a loss of valuable expertise with a species to which few can dedicate the substantial resources required for their care and husbandry.
<edit>
I guess unless you use the full editor, posts are not 'recognized' by the system as new...
The reason he has not returned is that he was offended by the tone and accusations made in the e-mail to him regarding the 'unbecoming behavior' wrought by the virus. Greg is not technically savvy. I explained how it could happen based on the information contained in the e-mail and the events preceding speaking with him (i.e. having his system exorcised). He has changed his e-mail address and cancelled the previous account as it had been compromised.
The frequency of such events is not such that it is encountered regularly nor is it uncommon. Understandably, the forum system itself is designed and moderators are charged with protecting the site and its users from disruptive or abusive activities. However, in light of the knowledge that computers do become infected and occurences of this nature are not unknown, perhaps a less aggressive approach is in order for those members in otherwise good standing (800+ posts, 10+ reputation) who, suddenly and for no apparent reason, have 'gone off the deep end'.
It is entirely possible that I do not have the complete story but I have no reason to believe that Greg would withhold information from me with respect to this incident. In any case, from his direct statement to me, he will not be returning. I tried to sway his decision but thus far he is holding firm (and I ain't big enuf to force him).
In my opinion, this group has suffered a loss of valuable expertise with a species to which few can dedicate the substantial resources required for their care and husbandry.
<edit>
I guess unless you use the full editor, posts are not 'recognized' by the system as new...