Exploding Reef Ban Appeal #2
IGN: ExplodingReef
Nick: Sam / Roki
Faction: Umbar
Reason for ban: World downloading, resisting staff instructions regarding a lore item, and disrespectful conduct toward staff
Time banned for: Permanent
Date banned: Approximately 2 years ago
Reason for appeal:
Thank you for the detailed response to my last appeal. I forgot a lot of the details from that era, and it helped me remember what happened to structure this appeal around. My previous appeal was not detailed at all, and I understand why it felt surface-level rather than something thoughtful that showed genuine reflection.
I understand why it was surprising to see my appeal. After my ban, I reacted poorly and said things out of anger, including claiming I would never return. At the time, I was frustrated and didn’t handle the situation with any maturity. My previous appeal didn’t show real reflection because I genuinely didn’t remember many details from that period, and I didn’t put effort into explaining how I’ve changed.
Looking back, I can see how my behavior created conflict.
I directly broke lore-item rules by trying to hide it when the time came for staff to remove it from my inventory. I convinced myself the server had to operate according to my own anarchy server, no rules preferences. This was not realistic. TOR was never an anarchy server, and my confrontational comments to staff were an immature way to justify my refusal to cooperate with the server rules.
During this incident, I disrespected the staff instead of cooperating or being mature. I understand how that made staff lose trust in me.
The world downloading incident was also part of that same pattern of non-cooperation. I was clearly told it was not allowed, but did it anyway, despite not having a real purpose for the world download.
Attempting to distribute it after the ban and using an alternate account to rejoin the server were both attempts to defy the rules because I felt excluded by and angry at the staff for taking the lore item and banning me for a world download.
Intentionally insulting staff, making insults based on nationality, and arguing endlessly in staff DMs were all done out of frustration over the ban. I was stubborn and refused to learn, despite the fact staff gave me many chances to admit wrongdoing.
Regarding the list of rule breaches I mentioned years ago. I was arguing with staff during the ban and exaggerated past rule violations. I don’t remember specific examples for many of those rule violations now. Some were true in the distant past, but many were said out of anger and exaggeration rather than accuracy.
My refusal to learn or admit any wrongdoing reflected stubbornness and immaturity. When asked to admit wrongdoing, I became increasingly confrontational, which only made things worse. I was sad the server changed, but what I was clinging to never existed. TOR was never an anarchy server with no rules.
I understand why all of this left a lasting impression and why trust isn’t automatic. I’m not returning with the same mindset. I also admit I have had a turbulent history on the server. I had several prior punishments for various rule violations throughout the years. I am not trying to minimize these violations.
I’m approaching this appeal calmly, and I’m not holding onto any frustration from the past. Through a process of trial and error with professors, jobs, and social groups outside of TOR, I’ve learned how to handle my frustration without burning bridges, insulting people, or stirring up conflict. My intention in making this appeal is to communicate my intentions clearly. I want to revisit the creations I spent much of my childhood working on and quietly enjoy the familiar gameplay on the server without being a part of any more confrontations. If there are other steps you want me to take or expectations you want me to meet, I’m willing to follow them.
Thank you for considering this appeal.