You are not helping matters here, Suzi. I can recall more than one time when you've been in the middle of a F4F dust up. Perhaps you should consider this fact before you pontificate further.

I believe they are RichinNJ,  Aaron4USA, WillisC and Ampersand (Kelby)........   hopefully things will cool down and this is only a temporary suspension. If not, I will see them on Facebook and other forums.

Thank you Armando for making this issue clear.  Appreciate you.

Here is my take.  I am so tired of people on this, and other forums, trying to prove how smart they are.  This forum is so full of people willing to help other members and so willing to share their expertise for free.   There are definitely some of the banned people that are a real detriment to this forum and need to get another life.  JMO.

Three cheers for Suzi!

You know it's alway the guys that can't get along. I don't get it! #shakingmyhead. For God sake this is just a room to allow conversation to take place. And about FIGS!

Yea Dennis, This about growing figs!  IT'S A PLANT !!!  The forum is about how to help each other grow figs. 

Well, not to belabor the obvious, but if we want a forum about figs and not about egos and cat fights, that is what we are getting. A thread that was NOT about figs got deleted. And some people were sent to their rooms because they misbehaved. So let's move on and talk about figs. I think we will find it a more harmonious environment, now that the forum has leached some bad blood.

Yep, I am here to learn as I am in a zone (6a) that needs special attention to grow figs.  I want to introduce this wonderful fruit to our climate and want to learn from experienced growers on this forum.  I hope I can ask any questions here without being harassed by the few "Experts".

D-Guy
Questions have always been welcome by all including those that otherwise may cause unhealthy atmosphere. All agree there is no such thing as a bad question when asked with the intent of of learning.
That is the purpose of the Forum. What is needed is not to put down someone who tries to answer a question based on one's knowledge, experience or sometimes intuition only. Polite correction is fine but putting down discourages active participation.

OttawanZ5, that is why I am on this forum and hope learning is what this forum is all about.

Historically, if we had banned those who have had public disputes, some of the most valuable information on the forum would never had been posted. This isn't the first (or second or third or fourth ...) time Dennis has reminded us "HOW BOUT THOSE FIG???????"

Keith (Dirtguy50),

IMO, this forum community has been based on cordial and friendly discourse even when there was disagreement and where questions are asked and answered in a polite manner. Jon V. posted a simple Forum Etiquette, http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/Forum-Decorum-6119026 in the Start Here Topic on Page #1 that should be regularly reviewed by every member.

What has happened on several occasions is that arguments have arisen and instead of cordial discourse the posts devolve into rude and or inappropriate comments. Discussing a point shouldn't result in name calling and obscenity just because you disagree or lack a rebuttal. Also in some of the same topics some members take sides and join in the same bad behavior.

Jon V. as Administrator has the right to Delete or Lock the Topics and ban or suspend members, but as he has always stated he prefers minimal intervention, which leaves it up to individuals and the forum community to conduct themselves in a civil manor.

And for a chance to laugh at ourselves, check out this site and press "Begin"
Flame Warriors Home

Seems to be no consistency about who gets banned and for what.I can think of a couple friends who were canned for seemingly insignificant comments compared to what was permitted after they were gone. And it seems wrong that guys like Willsc get punished for defending the integrity of the forum. Jon what gives?

The way I see it is that it's a privilege to be on this forum, the info you can find is endless and super useful. If this were a workplace and acted a fool I'd expect to be fired. This is your workplace, respect it. These are your co-workers, respect them. You don't like their comments, ignore them.
I don't know the whole story and to be honest, I don't care. Not to sound rude but that's my take on it. I'm here to learn not to take sides. I've learned so much already because of the forum but more from my own trial and error, the ideas are here and you just need to apply them for your own needs.
As far as the ban goes, I don't have an issue with it. I'm sure they are all great people but not all of us are meant to get along. I've personally have met Aaron and I can say he's a stand up guy, and those that have met the others involved will say the same so lets just say they're all good people with strong with their own ideas. And maybe a bit stubborn, HA!
I don't care how much knowledge I have about figs (not much) but I check my ego at the door. Like I said, it's a privilege to be here. And remember, this forum was here before you and will be here after and not skip a beat, ACT COOL...

Has anyone offered Jon assistance with moderating the forum?  He may welcome the offer.

I try REAL hard to get some minds off the center of attention when fights break out.  No...it's not my job but I know what it's like to be picked on or called names or whatever!  So, I offer a few kind words.  

Knowing Jon personally, I know he talked to any member banned before banning that person.  He does not need our help.  Plus, there is so much we don't know!   We have to look at both sides of the fence.  The administrator side and the member side.  All we know is the member side.  I think everyone need to just focus on figs and forget about what happened in the past.  The friendships you've made are still there,  just not here.  You can find just about anyone on Facebook, trust me those folks are there.  Now, I hope everyone has a wonderful overflowing bowl of figs this year!

Speaking of figs Dennis, can you please tell the polar vortex to go away and leave my figs alone?

Unfortunely we have a few days of single digits come up....LOL

+1 Wills & Kelby back soon.  :)

Going,to be 28 in morning. Cold for louisiana not to mention its was 74 degrees

Just started a 5 day spell in the low 70s here.  Sorry, folks! ;)

We have not seen above freezing temperatures since the 3rd week of December but the spring will surely show up by mid-April. Spring here meaning when the plants can be taken outside the storage (& watching for the frost during the greening up of a plant...)