Regarding jurisdiction, these cases (especially the first) had jurisdictional debate as well, about the Forum:
http://forum.battlemaster.org/index.php/topic,3357.30.htmlhttp://forum.battlemaster.org/index.php/topic,3908.60.htmlI believe IRC was also discussed.
The criteria from the first case for jurisdiction on forum cases was:
[/quote]"The Magistrates hold that they have jurisdiction in cases arising from the forum, provided that three conditions hold: first, that a connection between a forum account and a user ID exists; second, that forum moderators have already attempted to redress the issue by comment deletion or thread control as necessary; third, that such means have failed to resolve or end the dispute, and it is of such a nature as to arouse general concern or interest."[/quote]
For the Facebook group, in this case, the user ID condition holds, it is unclear if "moderator action" is possible, and methinks that this is a case of such a nature (due to being in a totally public group) as to arouse general concern or interest for the community.
Thus, I think we have jurisdiction for such complaints when they arise.
Ruling is trickier. Kyle is repeatedly showing up in complaints and, frankly, the level of vitriol in his messages isn't acceptable for any player at any time: even private messages between players outside of the game. Bully and cuss out other players? You can take your ball and go home.
That said, we've had three cases that touch on this harassment issue, AFAIK, so we should really look at what we said in the past, and decide if its useful, applies, and we still agree with it:
http://forum.battlemaster.org/index.php/topic,3908.60.htmlhttp://forum.battlemaster.org/index.php/topic,3863.30.htmlhttp://forum.battlemaster.org/index.php/topic,3596.60.htmlThe first ended in a verdict declining to uphold the complaint because the accused's comment was in isolation, he was apologetic, and there was no evidence of a deeper player-level feud.
The second ended in a Titan message posted in Swordfell that advised players to avoid IG OOC messages, and instead use the forums or private messages: it concluded with "OOC insults against other players will not be tolerated, and should be reported immediately."
The third one ended in the players talking it out, apologizing, and moving on without need for higher level intervention.
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Kyle has been told in a very spectacular way, a Titan message, that OOC insults will not be tolerated. His vitriolic comment is not in isolation but is rather part of a long and growing pattern of bitterness and anger at other players which is now spilling over into increasingly more and more public areas. Kyle is totally unapologetic in virtually every instance. He has not, AFAIK (please correct me if I'm wrong), shown any interest or ability to reconcile with players he dislikes.
Would anyone like to point out any flaws in my reasoning?
Edit: typos
