Fellow Crunchers,

On August 1st, 2008 a number of SETI@Home users were removed from the
project because it was discovered that a former Forum Moderator had
been copying moderator discussions and sending these discussions to
the members of a private forum. Members of this club who we could
prove had viewed and/or commented on this confidential information
were banned from this project.

It was a staff decision to terminate those user accounts. Today I am
announcing a staff decision to allow those users to return to
SETI@home.

Since the privacy violations occurred, we have discovered no evidence
that any forum user has suffered serious injury or damage related to
this incident. Many of the people serving banishment have expressed
sincere regret, genuine willingness to return, and continuous support
of BOINC though participation in other science projects. They have
served eighteen months of banishment, and in the spirit of
SETI@home's ten year anniversary, we are allowing them to return.

Many people have asked if discussions between our moderators, and user
communications with our moderators, are now fully secure and
confidential. I believe that they are. I am aware that people
elsewhere have bragged about hacking into our system. I have not seen
credible evidence that this is so. Nevertheless, should you have
reason to contact the current moderators, please continue to exercise
reasonable precaution. If you are worried about potential abuse, do
not use your primary email address to contact the moderators. You
may use our personal messaging system or the red X, or an email to a
temporary account. Please be polite and respectful when discussing
your concerns.

I know that many of you will be pleased with the decision to reinstate
these users. I also know that many of you will be angry and upset.
None of our volunteer moderators were involved in this decision.
This is an administrative decision, and it was not unanimous, even
among staff members.

It is my sincere hope that the vast majority of crunchers will join me
in welcoming our friends home and continuing our search for
extraterrestrial intelligence together.

Sincerely,

Dan Werthimer

Not sure this should be discussed in this thread... Bound to quickly degenerate.

Hence, I'll just offer my own plain opinion:

I think it's a good move.

Regards,
Martin

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See new freedom: Mageia Linux
Take a look for yourself: Linux Format
The Future is what We all make IT (GPLv3)

Dan, I congratulate you on this decision. People are people at the end of the day and we all make mistakes. I'm sure it was a difficult decision but everyone deserves another chance.

And a big welcome back to all the past offenders, i will be really nice to see some of the old faces back here chatting again. Lets hope you guys respect the effort Dan has gone to in reactivating the accounts. Welcome back guys!

A very human decision Dan,
Johnney.

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Are you out of your minds?

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"I'm trying to maintain a shred of dignity in this world." - Me

Are you out of your minds?

Administrative Fiat.

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Are you out of your minds?

Administrative Fiat.

Not just a car anymore.

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me@rescam.org

I hope you understand, you leave me with no choice.. Goodbye cruel world! hehe

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me@rescam.org

The kitties applaud this noble decision.

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"Freedom is just Chaos, with better lighting." Alan Dean Foster

Are you out of your minds?

Hunting for ETI ?, I should think so ;)

Hi Fuzzy :)

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flaming balloons

I was never really aware of what went on and neither do I particularly want to know. If those involved were that way inclined then they probably registered under another account anyway, so this decision at least allows everything to be kept above board!

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I think I agree with Mark, that this is a good move. Hopefully, given time, we might see a bit more sparkle and humour in the forums.

. . . Thanks Dan

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BOINC Wiki . . .

Science Status Page . . .

I see.

Well done to ALL the returnees.

welcome back one and all !!

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p p pick up a penguin
they hate waiting on buses!!!

Thanks Gas Bag!

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Are you out of your minds?

[ slightly off-topic ]
Seems that some don't have it in their heart to forgive and forget, huh? It's not good to hold a grudge forever.

[ on-topic ]
To my un-banished friends: WELCOME BACK!!! :D

Keep on BOINCing...! :)

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CAPT Siran d'Vel'nahr - L L & P _\\//
Winders 11 OS? "What a piece of junk!" - L. Skywalker
"Logic is the cement of our civilization with which we ascend from chaos using reason as our guide." - T'Plana-hath

Welcome back Captain!!! :D

Keep on BOINCing...! :)

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CAPT Siran d'Vel'nahr - L L & P _\\//
Winders 11 OS? "What a piece of junk!" - L. Skywalker
"Logic is the cement of our civilization with which we ascend from chaos using reason as our guide." - T'Plana-hath

May I thank those that allowed us to return, and it is good to be able to see the trickle of colleague avatars starting to appear here.

Thank you TGG for the welcome back, as well as others earlier in this thread. A most welcome returner and poster is to see Captain Avatar' post.

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It's good to be back amongst friends and colleagues

Thanks Gas Bag!

You have been (and you still are) crunching for malaria.......
You might be a good friend/supporter of Bill Gates!!!
Cheers!

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