Cipher Banned

[The Dude]

Just a heads up that long time poster Cipher was banned indefinitely from the forum today. The reason: he has become an abusive poster. If anyone disagrees with him, he loses all sense of control and tact, and this will not be tolerated in the forum. In a forum such as this, there will be disagreements, but when they occur, you must maintain a sense of cool/calm/collectiveness. A slip up here or there happens, were only human, but when it is consistent and habitual, then its time to leave.

As the forum rules state: Abusive behavior will not be tolerated and your account may be suspended.

Ciphers posts are (IMO) abusive (loud, aggressive, and insulting) and he lacks the ability to maintain a sense of self-control and tact when dealing with subjects he feels strongly about; he seems to thrive off of adversity and confrontation. Last September, he was warned about this aggressiveness, and his account was suspended for several days. I agreed to let him back in under a gentlemans agreement that we would remain civil and maintain a sense of control. But he has breached this, not only here, but privately. He even scoffs that there even was an agreement between us. Whatever.

I do not approve of members using my forum as a platform to pound their chests and attack me in the same breath. All I ask for is the same respect that I would give to you if you were running this place. Apparently this is not possible for Cipher.

 

[maxlevine]

Some may think that it is not my place to post a reply here but I am a member of this community and felt the need to post my personal opinion in the hopes that it will generate positive feedback as opposed to adding fuel to the fire.

Although I am a novice in this industry, I have been online since 1998 and I regard this message board as one of the most informative forums on gambling, mainly because of Casinomeister's knowledge but also from the cooperation of some strong posters who share their expertise. The Jetset, Spearmaster, Grandmaster, Caruso, Dominique, Clayman, Jyde, to name a few, bring a lot more to this community by expressing their opinion than any Google search. As a player and webmaster, I have a lot of gratitude for these people and other posters who participate in communicating their views, sources and findings.

I know this issue was about respect, or the lack of it, but I hope fog will clear up and that Cipher's postings will be welcome again as his contribution to this forum, as far as I'm concerned, was far more significant than the negativity that could come out from some of his disparaging words. After all, we ARE only human and some things you just won't change.

Max

 

[universexf6]

Just a heads up that long time poster Cipher was banned indefinitely from the forum today. The reason: he has become an abusive poster. If anyone disagrees with him, he loses all sense of control and tact, and this will not be tolerated in the forum. In a forum such as this, there will be disagreements, but when they occur, you must maintain a sense of cool/calm/collectiveness. A slip up here or there happens, were only human, but when it is consistent and habitual, then its time to leave.

As the forum rules state: Abusive behavior will not be tolerated and your account may be suspended.

Ciphers posts are (IMO) abusive (loud, aggressive, and insulting) and he lacks the ability to maintain a sense of self-control and tact when dealing with subjects he feels strongly about; he seems to thrive off of adversity and confrontation. Last September, he was warned about this aggressiveness, and his account was suspended for several days. I agreed to let him back in under a gentlemans agreement that we would remain civil and maintain a sense of control. But he has breached this, not only here, but privately. He even scoffs that there even was an agreement between us. Whatever.

I do not approve of members using my forum as a platform to pound their chests and attack me in the same breath. All I ask for is the same respect that I would give to you if you were running this place. Apparently this is not possible for Cipher.

Hmmmm... I have no idea why you are so strict. While I must admit I have been here for shorter time than any other people but he didn't look so agressive enough to ba banned forever??At least he looked a very sensible man. I know I must be more reserved since I don't know what happened between you and him but I think it is a bit too much. I am sorry if this makes you angry, please ban me too.

 

[kmartinusa]

Cipher?

I have mixed emotions regarding Cipher.

On an exchange that I had with him over a year ago, he proved to be quite the jerk to me...I ended up being right and he never apologised for his behavior. I tried my best to be as respectful and helpful in posting as was possible, including to him personally. His contact in the end was the same person to whom I referred to in my post, but he wasn't satisfied until he had personal contact with the same individual. If anyone reading this needs clarification, just look at my posting history related to "vegas red". That will tell the tale."David" was my contact a long time before Cipher found him and personally legitimised the casinos in question. "Cipher" pissed me off, and good.

Putting that aside, I have mostly found his posts to be helpful and insightful. He seems to be pretty much a player's advocate who acts only on the facts that he has personal knowledge of. I have found this to be reassuring. I have not yet looked into what upset Bryan, but I have no doubt of Bryan's patience and his judgement.

I haven't taken the time to research or understand his "Cypher Strands" but I understand the intent and purpose of his analysis. I have also found this reassuring as a player as we all need some truly independant analysys done on an ongoing basis in order to continually reassure us that we are being treated fairly. I have been gambling online for a long time and I often wonder whether the software providers or casinos have decided to tilt things now and then....would be easy to do without someone watching.

I guess that the point of me posting is in no means to question Bryan's decision. I am inconsequential in his world and don't pretend to have any reason to question the boss. It's his home, after all.

The point of this message, I guess, is to give credit to Cipher for his contribution to all of us as players. I also want to let Bryan know that I (maybe we?) appreciate his judgement as I've been a recipient of Cipher's vitriol.

Thanks to both of you for what you do for us,

Kevin

 

[chuchu59]

universexf6,

No need to be so uptight. If your post renders you being banned,half of the posters will disappear. However,i do agree with you that from the look of things ie Cipher's posts,it did not warrant a banning. In fact,since joining this forum,I did have a certain respect for Cipher as he seemed to go all out for the players. True,his wording may be aggressive but not nearly as offensive as hahacasino or bethug. At Bryan's final reply to cipher,he used cipher's line 'have a good one' and being a very sensitive person,I smelt a rat. And here you are,Cipher's banning. Still,we dont know what actually transpired between the 2 of them in private but based on the posts alone,I must say that I really dont feel the need for banning him. Have a good one.

 

[eek]

It a pity that these things happen and the 'gene pool' is reduced as a result.
There may come a time that a truly independent messageboard is needed for players and webmasters/industry people.
WOL did well for years until a recent change in policy seemed to alienate some members.
They had a huge spread and breadth of experience and people, like in here, who squabbled like ferrets in a sack sometimes but the underlying pool of talent and information was pretty unbeatable.

Somewhere where no conflict of interest can arise, and you get banned for spamming and serious abuse only.

 

[jonevegas]

I do think Cipher had some good points but I also believe when people think they are bigger than life, they act that way and sometimes we just need to be reminded.

 

[jetset]

I do think Cipher had some good points but I also believe when people think they are bigger than life, they act that way and sometimes we just need to be reminded.

IMO that is one of the most relevant posts in this thread.

Bannings are never pleasant or desirable, and there is a natural resistance in all of us to this ultimate sanction, especially when it involves experienced members who have commanded respect. It is also true that banning tends to bring out some with a buried agenda that is at times based on a personal dislike of the webmaster concerned, or a relationship with the banee.

In my experience the 'Meister is among the slowest to take this course of action, and he was upfront about why in his public announcement last Friday.

I'm not going to defend BB's integrity because I shouldn't have to - his record speaks for itself and he has considerable influence and respect in this industry, yet he is currently being imv unreasonably maligned outside this board for being *anti-player* and *pro casino*. Sorry, but imo that is sheer BS. His is a balanced and fair approach and that's what gets results far superior to those achieved by any other player advocate, and faster too.

The suggestion that there should be a "truly independent" forum has been raised just about every time a webmaster bans someone, yet this never materialises. Why? Because those suggesting it talk the talk but don't take the initiative and try and realise their concept? I don't personally see it working, because someone has to be in charge and do the work, and fora provide more than just a place to exchange ideas and information or indulge in personal profile building. They are venues where a diversity of contacts and talents that reside not only in players can be deployed for the common good.

This particular forum is but one facet of a content-rich portal. It has a really effective diversity of opinion from a broad cross section of the online gambling activity, and it continues to expand with new members and their experiences and opinions. In return they get a wealth of advice, expertise and assistance from other members and practical, effective support when they have a legitimate problem.

The cost for all this is an obligation to retain personal control of your conduct and extend the courtesy of basic respect to the host.

I think that's a bargain.

 

[The Dude]

Some may think that it is not my place to post a reply here but I am a member of this community and felt the need to post my personal opinion in the hopes that it will generate positive feedback as opposed to adding fuel to the fire.

Although I am a novice in this industry, I have been online since 1998 and I regard this message board as one of the most informative forums on gambling, mainly because of Casinomeister's knowledge but also from the cooperation of some strong posters who share their expertise. The Jetset, Spearmaster, Grandmaster, Caruso, Dominique, Clayman, Jyde, to name a few, bring a lot more to this community by expressing their opinion than any Google search. As a player and webmaster, I have a lot of gratitude for these people and other posters who participate in communicating their views, sources and findings.

I know this issue was about respect, or the lack of it, but I hope fog will clear up and that Cipher's postings will be welcome again as his contribution to this forum, as far as I'm concerned, was far more significant than the negativity that could come out from some of his disparaging words. After all, we ARE only human and some things you just won't change.

Max

Hi Max - and everyone else,

This issue was more than just respect, it was his behavior that caused his banning. Believe me, I have pretty thick skin and I can handle the personal dig here or there, but when personal digs cross the border into being malicious - and then abusive. I put an end to it. On the other hand, I'm a very forgiving person - and have changed my mind about these sort of things more than once, regrettably this situation is a bit different.

I'm not going to get into a public slinging match with Cipher - I find this both unprofessional and needless. Unfortunately, I don't see him being let back into this board, and I'll tell you why.

I rely on trust dealing with anything in this business. Sometimes trust is all we have in this industry - and it is a very fragile thing. This goes from dealing with player complaints to dealing with casino operators. When you trust someone and that person breaches that trust, you feel violated.

I can no longer trust Cipher - and I have solid reasons not to. He can trash me all he wants in public, it doesn't concern me since I believe most people can see through this "trashing" and realize where this anger is coming from. What should be a concern is that I do not trust the man. And that should speak for itself.

Cipher has enough platforms to market his wares or push his agenda - so it's not like he's not out there. He even has his own website. And I'm sure if you miss any prolific Cipherisms you'll be able to find him at your local Casinomeister hate-fest.

This is a very dynamic forum. It's been around longer than most, and its main focus, purpose, and administration has remained virtually unchanged in the past six years. My philosophy: I run this place just like inviting people into my living room. I expect people to behave themselves - you would too if this were your place. True - discussions will at times get emotional or heated, but if you lose self control and punch me in the face, you're going to be thrown out. I don't care how good a friend you might think you are; I doubt you will be invited back in again.

That's all I have to say about the matter. I really don't want to waste any more time on this. Thanks!

 

[caruso]

I rely on trust dealing with anything in this business. Sometimes trust is all we have in this industry - and it is a very fragile thing. This goes from dealing with player complaints to dealing with casino operators.

I would probably react in similar vein if I took a bashing in my own backyard. This "trust" thing may or may not be misplaced, however, and it may be that which ends up riling people into counter-productive comments. You don't trust players, you look at the proof: the three complaints I've personally submitted - Angelciti plus two little Microgaming niggles that were never made public - have been stone-cold certs; all the documentation was there as proof that the player was in the right. I'll take a guess that most all other successful mediations are based on the same evidence requirement: screenshots, emails...the lot. Are the same criteria required at the other end, or is it more a matter of trust, trust to a degree based on the personal touch, having met a lot of people in the industry - a courtesy which clearly cannot be extended to players, each of whom is an individual Joe Bloggs? While the latter is right and proper, is "that" trust extended to the casino side fitting, and is it not open to abuse? Are the same stone-cold-cert requirements that players are held to in place at the casino side? For example, the recent Crystal Palace complaint: Do we know that 1) the information supplied by Cloud is genuine and that he hasn't passed spurious information to RTG, or 2) that RTG are not party to a little "nepotism" on behalf of Cloud, their biggest licensee and good buddy of Staw, and are feeding you a line of BS? You doubt this - but do you KNOW? Cloud has a documented history as a fraudster - why take him at his word? Are the requirements that the player is held to the same for the casino? In the case that led to Cipher's barring, do we take on oath that the player has six accounts? Is the fact that the casino invoked "robot play" (LOL) not an indicator that they're not exactly squeaky-clean? Are we sure that his Neteller cheques bounced, or is there something we're missing (I haven't followed the ins and outs of that case so can't comment too much)?

My point is that there may be a perception that the word "fraudster" is too glibly used, that the judgement criteria is softer for the casino than it is for the player. Bryan IS generally a "trusting" and otherwise decent sort of person - that comes across in his writing style generally and from meeting him - he's a mild-mannered and modest fellow who puts a lot of store in the personal touch, for all I'm sure he gets off on the reputation of being the ball-busting Casinomeister (hell, I would too). It follows that, all good intentions aside, a degree of leniancy may end up being demonstrated on the casino side, all other things being equal, as a result of that "personal touch" experience - coupled of course to the fact that he has met a lot of genuine player fraud. Where a player's word is insufficient, it MAY be that the casino is on occasion taken at theirs, or something along those lines.

That, I think, is what lay behind this.

 

[Petunia]

** Hey there everyone - I have been in this industry for a very very long time. I know Bryan from waaaaaaaay back when, although he might not remember meeting me. I choose not to get into debates about things, but I like hanging around and seeing things. I think there is no excuse for bashing of any sort or slips of tongue. Personally, I sometimes feel like calling pple all sorts of stupid names to describe my opinion of them, instead, i choose to not say anything or just make light of things. Cipher IMHO did a great job in standing up for the players, for sure, but sometimes i think he spoke his mind exactly instead of thinking through what he is saying and trying to bring the message across in a 'suitable' manner. Personally i found it entertaining, but I can say that if you allow one person to do so, then more will follow. I know he has been asked to tone it down, i don't know about the trust issue whith him and Bryan, but that is between them. Being banned from the boards... well, it takes quite some doing as a long time poster to get yourself banned, so i will accept that it was done in a 'fair' manner based on concrete reasons rather than personal disagreements. I am not one to kiss booty to Bryan or anyone else, but I have learned to curb my tongue when it was needed, without having to be asked. I guess this is all that is really expected of everyone on here. that is just my 2c. I thought i'd share it. **

 

[spearmaster]

he's a mild-mannered and modest fellow

Deja vu?

Now I know what to buy him for his next birthday ... a cape!

 

[dominique]

Cypher had some valuable contributions to make and these were the reason that I have overlooked a few times when I felt abused by him. These were some time ago, nothing of late.

Just recently we had a very simmilair siruation at CAP, where we had to suspend a member who made valuable contributions but was abusive and insulting to other members again and again.

For a long time it was excused as "posting style", but eventually complaints and hurt feelings abounded and something had to be done.

Voicing one's opinions, even heated ones, even being opinionated, is always ok and possible to do without being abusive and insulting to others.

Moderating a board is not an easy job, and the one thing that is of great help is the support of the posters. Bryan is not only moderating, it's his board. We are all his guests.

You just don't insult and devalue and demean other posters. It's unnecessary and just causes bad feelings. And, needless to say, you don't do that to your host either.

It has nothing to do with freedom of expression, that remains untouched. It has to do with mutual respect.

 

[vgyhnji]

dominique is spot on:

'Voicing one's opinions, even heated ones, even being opinionated, is always ok and possible to do without being abusive and insulting to others.

Moderating a board is not an easy job, and the one thing that is of great help is the support of the posters. Bryan is not only moderating, it's his board. We are all his guests.

You just don't insult and devalue and demean other posters. It's unnecessary and just causes bad feelings. And, needless to say, you don't do that to your host either.'

A while back on my return to the forum, after self imposed exile, I included the following as part explanation for my absence:

'Though internet anonymity is a defence for the genuine poster it is also a line of attack for the rogues in us all.'

I have both agreed and disagreed with Cipher on many occasions, with or without posting to the effect, since I first came to this forum.

To his credit he has certainly been here a lot longer, contributed to the forum and helped others far more than I. Credit where credit is due.

However, I agree with Bryans decision to ban anyone from his board, no matter their previous contribution if they think that 'brownie points' earnt historically can be used to veil currently 'out of order' behaviour.

 

[bewitch]

This ia a tough suitation. I respect Cipher a lot as he is always polite and helpful to me even I am not a big or a very smart player. He never hestitate to answer my quesion or reply my email. Personally I think him as a friend. I hate to see him get banned here.

Casinomeister is right about this forum is like his living room and he has his right to decide who is welcome and who is not. However, I disagree the part about the "trust" stuff. It's like put a question mark or cloud in people's mind and it might damage others feeling to cipher. It should just be between person to person. Just my 2 cents and you might not like it.

We all have temper and is nature to let the emotion control over our head or mouth. It happen to me all the time. Running a public forum is very hard but that's the price you have to pay to get what you are looking for. Best luck to everyone.

 

[mitch]

The main trouble with Cipher is that he has a huge ego and can not bear to be challenged even in what appears to be quite a minor way.

I certainly have had a couple of runnins with Cipher, never being quite convinced over his motives for constantly pushing his 'Strands'.

Having said that he was a character and added 'spice' to the forum imo. I regret that Cipher will no longer be posting.

It is a tricky business this, running a successful forum.
I am sure that Brian doesn't want to make the same mistake as Max on WOL where he started bashing posters (even Clayman!) for trivial reasons (though I am not saying this issue is trivial) and led to much reduced dynamism imo.

Cipher should realise that none of us are perfect and he has been around long enough to know that if Bryan, and his ego, has a weak spot it is around the issue of his integrity, and for Cipher to basically abuse Bryan and insult him on this issue then he was playing a dangerous game.

Obviously I am not aware of what lies behind the 'trust' matter Bryan mentions but leaving this aside perhaps Cipher will eventually be welcomed back.

Mitch

 

[wanda5]

Like my Dad use to say to my brother "if youre going to live under my roof, you are going to repect me and the rest of the family. Play by my rules or find another place to live"
Its not always easy to be the dad. Sorry ya had to do that Bryan, but I am sure you had good reason. For anyone to give you crap about it...they can always start thier own message board...This is your house!

 

[slotchik]

Like my Dad use to say to my brother "if youre going to live under my roof, you are going to repect me and the rest of the family. Play by my rules or find another place to live"
Its not always easy to be the dad. Sorry ya had to do that Bryan, but I am sure you had good reason. For anyone to give you crap about it...they can always start thier own message board...This is your house!

DITTO

 

[caruso]

Cipher posted at WOL. When a highly regarded (if mouthy) member of the community gets barred from a high-profile forum, the rights or wrongs of the barring notwithstanding he DOES have the "right" to make his case to his listeners in a place he figures he'll be heard.

WOL denied him that right. The thread was deleted.

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Oh dear oh dear oh dear. Business as usual at WOL. I respect Bryan's right to administer his own board as he sees fit and I don't question for a minute his right to barr Cipher, and I think Cipher could have well tempered his remarks, BUT that is SO f***ed up it's unreal. That just sucks.

EDIT: To say that how WOL manage their board is not intended as any sort of a comment on any board other than that one, and that my remarks weren't intended as a comment on Cipher's removal or the rights or wrongs of the issue leading to it.

 

[slotchik]

caruso, werent you banned at WOL??? Are you still?

 

[eek]

The old dog was allowed to return under certain conditions.

(I believe one of them involved neutering. )

 

[jetset]

Quote:
Originally Posted by wanda5
Like my Dad use to say to my brother "if youre going to live under my roof, you are going to repect me and the rest of the family. Play by my rules or find another place to live"
Its not always easy to be the dad. Sorry ya had to do that Bryan, but I am sure you had good reason. For anyone to give you crap about it...they can always start thier own message board...This is your house! Unquote


Quote DITTO Unquote

That works for me, too.

Having read the deplorable content of the recent posts on this at WOL (BL's death wish was particularly poisonous, and I did not like the "Fuhrer" pejorative) I am not surprised that it would be dropped by any reputable message board.

There's always the Sucks platform, of course LOL

 

[linda7]

Re: Cipher

Hi everyone:

I have always found Cipher to be a gentleman, intelligent and helpful. I cannot imagine him cursing or abusing anyone. I can very clearly remember being verbally attacked on this site by a portal owner or some kind of nonsense like that, named "Integrity". This animal called me the worse name you could call a lady, and he did it over and over again. Yet, he was not banned...hmmmm. Integrity stays/Cipher gets banned. Makes no sense to me at all. Then again, alot has changed in the industry, and not for the better. As Cipher would say....Have a good one!

Linda

 

[The Dude]

Hi everyone:

I have always found Cipher to be a gentleman, intelligent and helpful. I cannot imagine him cursing or abusing anyone. I can very clearly remember being verbally attacked on this site by a portal owner or some kind of nonsense like that, named "Integrity". This animal called me the worse name you could call a lady, and he did it over and over again. Yet, he was not banned...hmmmm. Integrity stays/Cipher gets banned. Makes no sense to me at all. Then again, alot has changed in the industry, and not for the better. As Cipher would say....Have a good one!

Linda

Integrity was banned during that incident which I clearly remember well.

 

[linda7]

To Bryan

Hi Bryan,

You made me so happy, as I really thought that Integrity was not banned. I was so upset all this time for no good reason....I think it's time for the doctor to up my meds...lol. In all sincerity, thank you Bryan. I never knew that you took the position and banned him. I happily stand corrected.

Linda