Recently a member of this group was banned, for the second time and seemingly forever. I'm just curious how others feel about this action by the moderators. The particulars in this case revolve around the question of using a MFD chart plotter vs a couple of iPads running chart plotter apps. The banned member offered up his experiences with iPads and iPhones and compared them with previous experiences with MFDs. Several other members, three in particular, voiced their preference for MFDs. Vigorously, I might add, citing specific deficiencies for the iPad approach; visibility, reliability and serviceability. In the tit-for-tat that followed the banned member countered each objection with factual personal experience and plenty of "documentation" to support his case. The tit-for-tat ended with some pretty severe criticism of the banned members person, very specific and very demeaning, and I believe, inappropriate. It is also interesting to note that some other members offered up their experiences and observations in support of the iPad approach.
To me, it is pretty clear that the the iPad vs MFD approaches are going in the same direction. The biggest difference being MFDs are very expensive and use proprietary charting information, while iPads are very affordable and can use no cost charting information.
But that is not the issue. The issue is; are you comfortable with the moderators banning (for life?) a member who aggressively pursues his argument? Since an argument is a two way street (in this case and 3:1 street) don't you think the banishment was a little lopsided?
I will be interested to read your take on this issue of banishment.
To me, it is pretty clear that the the iPad vs MFD approaches are going in the same direction. The biggest difference being MFDs are very expensive and use proprietary charting information, while iPads are very affordable and can use no cost charting information.
But that is not the issue. The issue is; are you comfortable with the moderators banning (for life?) a member who aggressively pursues his argument? Since an argument is a two way street (in this case and 3:1 street) don't you think the banishment was a little lopsided?
I will be interested to read your take on this issue of banishment.