To answer Adders' query. I was once given a brutal six month sentence. I continued to read the forum, though not as much as I would if allowed to post. Always figured I'd return at the end of the ban
As it was, I sent the mods an email after about a month of the six asking them to reconsider the length, with a promise to behave, and they did - it was cut to three
I had pretty much waged war against them for a good 9 months or so, but at the end of the day they aren't unreasonable. Yes I still disagree with certain things about how the site is moderated, though by and large it's the best it's ever been, but I don't think it's as cut and dry as 'they don't want me so **** them'
And tbf I wouldnt say I changed as a poster afterwards, the errr problem that led to my issues was pretty much gone, and the time off (and a few rants on CS) let me get rid of some of the silliness that was leading me to take **** out on the whole forum, rather than just one **** who had got to me
It just depends doesn't it? Aussie got banned for two years, came back after about five, and I don't think he had changed all that much. Granted part of it was people still went at him for the stuff from years earlier. On the other hand benchmark, who I'm no great lover of, came back after about 3-4 years banned in 2010 and for a good solid year, year and a half was a different guy to the obnoxious whopper who copped a perma in 2006.
What happened afterwards I won't comment on, not even sure what my point is anymore