[FreakInCagedotcom]

Their names should be in a different color when they post just like someone who is banned but maybe like yellow or white.

Just my

[hempdaddy]

is there anything to gain when using multiple accounts?

[MadRiverTurtle]

^ Eh, no not really. Unless you're a co-op and you want to shill. Same with vendors.

Is there anything to gain from having a multiple account as a patient? Eh, no. Unless the idea of harassing other people with another alter ego sounds appealing. Or if you're realllllllly that motivated to boost your reputation level or thread ratings :)



I don't think that identifying people that trip the AE would be very beneficial. It would take a ton of time to update their profile to reflect the AE status. Here's an excerpt from our guide for collectives. I think the bold sums it up. A lot of people share computers and not every trip is an issue.

Our site employs the use of a Multiple User Detector forum. This tool is common for forum boards that use vBulletin software. The Detector automatically posts a message when more than one account logs on from the same computer- the same computer, NOT an IP address. The staff does not personally make those postings- it is done automatically by a posting robot.

"Why do you use it?"

We use it for moderation purposes. It's one way we can combat inappropriate behavior from occurring on the site. Multiple accounts are against the Terms of Service; users are limited to one account and one account only. We also do not allow banned users to make another account to bypass their ban. Any non-banned account that trips the Detector with a banned account will also be banned.

"How does it concern me?"

We use the Detector to investigate any Co-Ops or users that may be shilling (read more about shilling here). Shilling is a serious violation of our Terms of Service and can lead to a permanent ban from our site. Therefore, if you trip the Detector with an account that belongs to a patient you will be assumed to be shilling. We will send you a notice asking for your response. We understand that you may forget to register an employee's account so please get back to us on that information.

"I want my Multiple User Detector post deleted"

Sorry but that's not going to happen. We never delete posts in that forum. What if you have more than one collective and wish to keep that private? We still won't delete the post for you. Your option is to use another computer. All of this information is contained in our forum guidelines and your forum and use of your user name is your agreement to those rules. It is your responsibility to be aware of this information.

"This seems like such a harsh policy"

Not really, it depends on your ethics. Our site works hard to combat deceptive advertising. It's not fair to you or your patients if another collective is making false accounts and false reviews to promote their business. That type of behavior is not acceptable and we're sure that the vast majority of this community agrees.

Making assumptions...

You shouldn't always make assumptions based on the Detector's posts. Us mods obviously have more access and information regarding accounts and it is very likely that we know certain posts to be of a benign and honest nature. Many people share computers- spouses, friends, and in public computer settings such as schools. The main thing here is don't trip the Detector with an account that belongs to a patient and don't make assumptions. Always contact a staff member if you have questions.

[happyjack]

Originally Posted by hempdaddy

is there anything to gain when using multiple accounts?

^^^ What MRT said is all true... but she didn't mention that if a single user actually creates multiple accounts, all but one account will be banned or deleted. Remember, the Terms of Service states:

all users must meet the following requirements:
• Registration is limited to one account per patient

So there is really NOTHING to gain... literally!

[MadRiverTurtle]

Lol.... oh yeah, huh?! There's that whole banning issue...

[FreakInCagedotcom]

Originally Posted by MadRiverTurtle

^ Eh, no not really. Unless you're a co-op and you want to shill. Same with vendors.

Is there anything to gain from having a multiple account as a patient? Eh, no. Unless the idea of harassing other people with another alter ego sounds appealing. Or if you're realllllllly that motivated to boost your reputation level or thread ratings :)



I don't think that identifying people that trip the AE would be very beneficial. It would take a ton of time to update their profile to reflect the AE status. Here's an excerpt from our guide for collectives. I think the bold sums it up. A lot of people share computers and not every trip is an issue.

Oh I see, yeah I didn't realize it would take that much time. I just thought it would be a neat idea.