It appears that many of the former members of The Bunker have been banned from Ravelry. All of our projects are still there, but we are unable to access them and are listed as "no longer active". To say we are upset is an understatement.
It appears that the Fairness Doctrine is starting early and on a knitting site. The libs have banned the conservatives from playing in their sandbox. Fair - no. But hey, it's their site. Never mind that many of us have donated, advertised, uploaded information, posted patterns, helped build their database, bought patterns and merchandise on the site and lined their pockets. I want a chance to "clear my desk", if I'm no longer welcome then they should not have access to the information I uploaded.
Was it fair that the trolls bombarded our groups? No. Did it continue unchecked? Yes.
::sigh::
ETA - more fabulous posts
Well. This is a new experience for me
Latest lie.... - and many more fab posts
The things you should know... and a few things I want to tell you...
Repressedknitting - Fallicious Outrage I &II, Remember this Bullshit
How do I trackback you?? I am so illiterate.
Ditto on my blog.
Posted by: Chris | March 14, 2009 at 02:04 PM
A group of users have been organizing together on another website and visiting Ravelry directly from it, disrupting normal site activities. All users of that particular site have had their Ravelry accounts (including any duplicate accounts) suspended until further notice. This is a serious action that we felt needed to be done to protect the Ravelry community.
All inquiries can be directed to legal@ravelry.com.
Taken from ravelry.
Posted by: Candy | March 14, 2009 at 04:32 PM
Thanks so much for your comment. I didn't realize that linking thru blog sites, etc. was a rules violation. It appears by your comment that the RR, WingNuts, KFO, etc. would also be affected. Hmmm, I'm taking bets they are not. So glad to have you around to instruct me. Ta ta - have a nice day.
Posted by: kandy | March 14, 2009 at 05:29 PM
What your previous poster conveniently failed to grasp is that some of the banned members never linked from outside websites. Many of the banned members donated money to Casey and Crew. Many of the banned members are designers and paid advertisers. Many, if not most of the banned members have paid-for patterns they cannot access. Many of the banned members have patterns for sale that they cannot access. Many, if not most of the banned members have lost the only point of contact to individuals whom they consider friends.
Though the Bunker Babes were the ones banned, they were by no means the only people of the upwards of 300,000 members who linked to Ravelry from outside sites. Has he banned the non-Bunker linkers as well?
His draconian assault is going to bite him in the wallet, and the sooner the better.
Posted by: TheWriteStuff | March 14, 2009 at 06:02 PM
The linking wasn't the problem the disruption was. Linking doesn't disrupted but hiding out on a site that can't be accessed by any but the special, that is a problem. Sounds like the super secret site had a leak or more likely a spy, better start looking. Also remember everything posted on a site can be viewed by the owner of said site including private messages if there is a threat. Plus it sounds like Casey has also kept back ups which means that even the deleted stuff may still exist.
"It appears by your comment that the RR, WingNuts, KFO, etc. would also be affected."
No these wouldn't be affected because anyone who wants can see what is happening there can without a problem.
I would guess that if Casey checks a posters records and finds that they really haven't been part of the problem he might let them back or who knows maybe he already has. Also I don't see this biting him very hard since it would appear less then .5% of his user base was affected by this.
Posted by: Candy | March 14, 2009 at 06:35 PM
I was banned, too, and I was in no way disruptive. I defy anyone to find any forum post I wrote over there that was hateful, abusive, or racist. You can't do it, because they just aren't there. I was banned for being a Christian Conservative Republican, and that's the long and the short of it.
Posted by: Becky | March 14, 2009 at 09:08 PM
"...hiding out on a site that can't be accessed by any but the special, that is a problem."
Hmm, members only. Hmm, sounds like Ravelry. And, no, we weren't hiding, because Casey knew we were in our own group all by ourselves so we could discuss whatever we wanted to discuss without the DISRUPTION of being trolled upon.
The last time I checked, having a members-only discussion group was not illegal.
Posted by: TheWriteStuff | March 14, 2009 at 09:33 PM
" I was banned for being a Christian Conservative Republican, and that's the long and the short of it."
Really, Kandy? That's it? Then how come almost everyone in the Christian Artisans group, GOP Knitters and Conservative Knitters groups are still there? Casey isn't stupid. If the majority of Ravelers saw that you guys were causing trouble, god only knows what Casey saw behind the scenes. The problem was that you guys were so pathetically obvious about what you were doing (hello, "Noodle Lovers", anyone? "Yarn Cottage"? "Galt's Gulch"? "Kaji's Friends"? "Politically-Incorrect Conservatives"? "Dutch's Reading Room"?).
All of you were disruptive in one way or another. If it wasn't the constant bitching about how "evil" liberals are it was the trolling the forums for any post you guys might have thought was about you and interjecting your baseless, disruptive opinions. Or how about creating groups just to "prove a point". You guys are a bunch of mean-spirited, spoiled, bitter people who aren't happy unless those around you are unhappy.
Here's a clue - there are over 300,000 members on Ravelry. There were a little less than a hundred of you guys. The only people who liked you were each other. What does that tell you? 99.9% of Ravelry thinking you all were troublemaking assholes can't be wrong.
Posted by: JustAnotherLibturdRaveler | March 14, 2009 at 09:57 PM
Hey - JustAnotherLibturdRaveler - I didn't say what you quoted, but I too am proud to be a Christian, a Conservative and a Republican. And yeah, I know that to a lib, that fact that we breathe is disruptive. You must be speaking for yourself when you talk about trolling forums, as you seem know all the cool groups. I challenge you to find where I trolled and interjected any comments, let alone baseless or disruptive. ::crickets chirping::
Posted by: kandy | March 15, 2009 at 12:14 AM
@JustAnotherLibturdRaveler: Nice of you to admit to your libturd status! Regarding your last point: have you ever noticed how easy it is to go along with the crowd? Because swimming upstream against the current is quite difficult. However, floating downstream with the crowd merely proves that one is either sick or dead. I'd rather be in the minority and *alive*.
Posted by: AnotherChristianConservativeRepublicanFormerRaveler | March 15, 2009 at 08:54 AM
This is crazy. I'm not a member of the Bunker, but I'm shocked at the unfairness in this action. Your step-daughter being banned just for sharing a computer with you is ridiculous. Ravelry needs to see they stepped over the line and correct this.
Posted by: Krissy | March 15, 2009 at 09:53 AM
Well, I'm a liberal and proud of it. I never even HEARD of "the bunker" group on Ravelry, and am only a member of knitting-related or TV-related boards. I know for a fact that I have not posted anything offensive, because I am a public figure and edit myself quite well. I believe firmly and staunchly that there was some sort of mistake, and that it will be ironed out in time. Let's try to give the Ravelry folks the benefit of the doubt, just for fun. I remember making a mistake once, so it must happen to everybody!
Posted by: Nice Knitter | March 15, 2009 at 12:43 PM
"Noodle Lovers", anyone? "Yarn Cottage"? "Galt's Gulch"? "Kaji's Friends"? "Politically-Incorrect Conservatives"? "Dutch's Reading Room"
I see that one of our favorite trolls was here. This happens to be the favorite reading list of some of the best Trolls and buttsnorklers on Rav:
KatAutumn
ViolentlySerene
Coconuts
HappySnapper
Sersly, these four are obsessed with our existence and are more than a little butt hurt cuz we wouldn't include them in our group. There are a few others, but I will refrain from posting their names because they truly do suffer from serious mental illness and cannot help their compulsive disorders.
Hmmmm anyone want to venture a guess
Posted by: RightStuff | March 15, 2009 at 01:16 PM
**My blog - my rules - bye bye Troll**
Posted by: Happy Snapper | March 15, 2009 at 01:44 PM
hehehe.... I love when a troll outs herself! But then again this particular one has done so on more than one occasion and happens to be the Moderator on one of the most Hate Filled Groups I have ever seen.
Posted by: RightStuff | March 15, 2009 at 02:09 PM
**Again - bye bye Troll**
Posted by: Happy Snapper | March 15, 2009 at 02:18 PM
Y'know ... all the Bunker members wanted was a little peace and quiet away from the cesspool that Ravelry can be at times. Between ravatars featuring boob fondling and crotch shots, what's wrong with wanting to separate yourself from that. If you find like minded people with whom you can share a conversation or an opinion, what's wrong with that? Why must the Liberals constantly try to beat you over the head .. um ... make that *enlighten* and *educate* those with whom they disagree?
Why did the Liberals there see us as such a threat? Were they afraid that rational dialogue rather than ad hominem attacks and diatribes would actually cause a fellow traveler to re-think their positions, maybe see conservatives in a new light rather than just a menacing "other"?
Liberals knew we wanted to be left in peace. The vast majority of Bunker members didn't venture outside the conservative/republican political groups if they were looking for political/social commentary. We stayed where we knew we were wanted. But the Liberals just *had* to make trouble for us because they saw us as a threat.
How very sad for them that they don't feel secure unless everyone thinks the way they do. They throw around terms like fascist and Nazi without ever recognizing that they're describing some of the very traits that stem from their world view.
doesn't it just make you want to give 'em a hug ... and then smack them upside the head and tell them to grow the hell up!
Posted by: MizDi | March 15, 2009 at 02:41 PM
Libturd said:
"Really, Kandy? That's it? Then how come almost everyone in the Christian Artisans group, GOP Knitters and Conservative Knitters groups are still there? Casey isn't stupid. If the majority of Ravelers saw that you guys were causing trouble, god only knows what Casey saw behind the scenes. The problem was that you guys were so pathetically obvious about what you were doing (hello, "Noodle Lovers", anyone? "Yarn Cottage"? "Galt's Gulch"? "Kaji's Friends"? "Politically-Incorrect Conservatives"? "Dutch's Reading Room"?).
All of you were disruptive in one way or another. If it wasn't the constant bitching about how "evil" liberals are it was the trolling the forums for any post you guys might have thought was about you and interjecting your baseless, disruptive opinions. Or how about creating groups just to "prove a point". You guys are a bunch of mean-spirited, spoiled, bitter people who aren't happy unless those around you are unhappy.
Here's a clue - there are over 300,000 members on Ravelry. There were a little less than a hundred of you guys. The only people who liked you were each other. What does that tell you? 99.9% of Ravelry thinking you all were troublemaking assholes can't be wrong."
And you libturds NEVER bitched about how evil "Rethuglicans" are? Really, your hypocrisy and blindness is laughable. You're just getting back what you put out. You libturds are so intolerant of dissent, but oh so tolerant of vicious, obscene and disgusting rhetoric by yourselves.
Truly, does the feces you inhale clog up your sinuses because your head is up your a**?
Posted by: Atheling | March 15, 2009 at 03:32 PM
it is so amusing to see the trolls. They just can't help themselves can they? I think if they really looked, it was the libtards (and yes I say that proudly) that were guilty of the trolling far more than the Bunker Babes. I would never go into a "we love our socialist leader" group to tell them they were idiots, but yet they couldn't stay out of our groups, because it just kills them to know that someone doesn't agree with them.
It was funny to be called racists, when we had other ethnics in our group who never had a problem with anything we said, and many joined in. It was the same crap of "you must be racist if you don't vote for Obama" it never occurred to them that maybe his race didn't mean crap to us. I wouldn't have voted for Hitler either. I'm not saying Obama and Hitler are identical, but a lot of their ideas about how society should work are identical.
Regardless of what any of the TPTB on Ravelry say, it comes down to our political beliefs differing from them and their loyal following. We didn't drink the koolaid for Obama, and I won't drink the Ravelry koolaid either.
Regarding majorities, didn't the majority of humans believe the world was flat at one time? Just because it's the majority, doesn't mean they are correct
Posted by: kathy | March 15, 2009 at 03:45 PM
I was banned for being part of the off-site BunkerBoard that Casey himself asked us to have, so we wouldn't be bothered by anyone. I was banned for clicking the disagree button on Casey and for being a Conservative. I have to assume this because I WAS GIVEN NO F'ING REASON. I don't pick fights with people - I don't go off and post in groups I'm not welcome in - look up my post history, it speaks for itself.
I donated to Ravelry as well, so don't have the nerve to say that TPtB get to do whatever they want - I helped purchase that server last year, so I at the very least, deserve a valid reason for being banned.
Posted by: Pipercat99 | March 15, 2009 at 04:48 PM
As the creator/administrator of Dutch's Reading Room, a quiet group dedicated only to the collection of conservative writing/media on the Web, I'm amused to be included on the leftists' 'Terror Watch List'. How insecure and worried they must be...and disappointed. First those oceans fail to part, then their messiah foresakes them with his double-speak, then they get a taste of the disapproval they've dished out so freely all these years. And the only means they can find to boost their traumatized egos is to attack...knitters? I guess they can only pat one another's backs for so long before the emptiness and hollow self-congratulation wear thin. Then we see what they're really running on: division, antagonism and hatred. Fortunately our great country has weathered their ilk before; we will again, now. And they'll be relegated back to their inconsequential corner on 'time out'. Enjoy your 15 minutes, leftists. Hopefully these toddlers won't do *too* much damage before the grown-ups step in again. And goodness knows, we're used to picking up their messes...
Posted by: Karen H. ("Loonknits") | March 15, 2009 at 05:11 PM
My wife was one of the "Banned Ones" and when I heard about this I couldn't believe it. The emotion that has gone through her in the past 48 hours is killing her. Ravelry was more than just a site she visited, she was an admin of groups that now have no administration. She used the site to netowrk with friends and people that purchased her patterns. We were in the process of trying to start selling on Rav, and we were going to begin advertising there too, but now I am not sure. I support my wife in her choosen field, and I would love for her to be a big success, but I have to say I am Shocked at RAV.
First, the fact that they went after the abused instead of the abusers (when trolls would report every post to cause Casey more work and try and get them removed). Rule number one in any abuse ridden case is to not attack the abused, but to prosecute the abuser. Why were the reporters not issued warnings and banned themselves.
So they decided to close down the forum, and you moved offsite, that makes sense?!? But then to ban all people who have ever linked from the one site to something on Rav, because you are being abusive? I most sites would kill to have people link to their site, and to drive directed traffic to their product.
Now here's the kicker, my wife has had friends, that have never been a part of the Bunker, never had anything to do with it, and didn't even know what it was about, BANNED. Why? Well the only way we can figure is because she accessed her Rav account from their computers at some point. Some not for over a month, but well they must be part of the problem too, Right?
I don't see how they can think this is right. To be done on a Saturday with no warning, not even a hint that you might be doing something wrong. No talking points, not even someone available to answer questions. Give me a break, this is no way to run a company. I can tell the one who said it is but a small percentage, that already we have had more support in our endevor than you may think, and amazingly it's from LIBERALS too. I won't say democrats, because well they are too good a people to be called such a derogartory term at this point. Yes our LIBERAL friends cannot believe they would do this. And we haven't told hardly anyone yet. So let's just say that if each of this small percentage has just 10 friends that are as upset as they are, who pull their support for the Rav. Now if each of them gets just 5, because they are in shock. And if each of these people post on their blogs and raise a red flag. How many people do you think will be left. Well were already at over 5,000.
My wife has been an outspoken advocate of Rav. She preaches to every knitter and crocheter that she meats about how wonderful it is. She has helped grow that site to what it is. I know of at least 5 people in just a second of thinking that she has brought to that site directly. And they will leave in a heart beat if she does not get her access back. But even if she does. I am not sure if the relationship will ever be the same with that company. This reminds me of the big Facebook issue that came up just a couple of weeks ago. About claiming they own the rights to everything you put on their site. Hopefully Rav will take a lesson from Facebook, and do an about face.
--The Hubby of A Banned One
Posted by: The Hubby of a Banned One | March 16, 2009 at 12:23 AM
I'm sorry, but this post cracks me up...
"All of you were disruptive in one way or another. If it wasn't the constant bitching about how "evil" liberals are it was the trolling the forums for any post you guys might have thought was about you and interjecting your baseless, disruptive opinions. Or how about creating groups just to "prove a point". You guys are a bunch of mean-spirited, spoiled, bitter people who aren't happy unless those around you are unhappy."
Project much? LOL. I know they can't be talking about me because not only do I not have any baseless, disruptive opnions, but I certainly NEVER trolled and NEVER interjected them anywhere. As a matter of fact, I can't think of anyone of us who did. But I did have to deal with a lot of that exact activity from those outside the Bunker.
Yes we had discussions regarding liberal viewpoints, but they were MILD compared to the vicious attacks made on Christians and Conservatives daily all over Ravelry.
The last sentence is pretty much self-descriptive. That's exactly what they are.
You've got some gems here Kandy! Thanks for posting. Oh, and you've been my number one source of traffic today. Second place would go to the off-site Rubbernecker board. I'm so glad we're giving them something to chat about. I've actually been knitting today. :)
Posted by: Tammy | March 16, 2009 at 01:50 AM
I don't know who any of you are, nor does it really matter. If the problem lies with being political within ravelry, then perhaps government politics should be kept out of the site. That goes for ALL who claim they are either Liberals, Conservatives, Republicans, Independents, Socialists, Democrats, or any other in the long list of political parties. Ravelry is not a soapbox for activists. For crying out loud, its a knitting community site, not a political forum. I keep my political views to myself, because they are NO ONE elses business. I don't vote for whoever is on the party-line ticket, I vote my conscience, as most people do.
I think you did right by removing your political views from the site, but I don't believe once you had done that, that you should be banned. That is truly unfair.
Posted by: IMHO-pp | March 16, 2009 at 02:06 PM
Just an FYI, I found this on google because I was trying to figure out why my Ravelry account got banned. Apparently because my mom and I share an internet connection when I visit home, and my mom was a member of the Bunker, I get banned too. Fantastic. As a beginner knitter (who is really busy and hardly had time to log on, let alone post anything) I really enjoyed using that site as a resource. This is just crap!
"Your account has been suspended until further notice. Please direct inquiries to Craig at legal@ravelry.com."
Yeah, I did, and I haven't gotten anything back in response. Lovely.
Well, there goes all of the word-of-mouth advertising...
Posted by: Janna88 | March 16, 2009 at 04:58 PM
posting the email I sent to Janna88 -
Hi Janna -
I'm sure that neither you or your mother, like the rest of us, did any of the "vile" things we're being accused of. I'm also sure, that TPTB really didn't think this through. I log on thru a wireless card and my Iphone and my IP address is constantly changing. How many others will this "ban" catch? Again, I'm sorry that you too have also been affected.
Kandy
Posted by: kandy | March 16, 2009 at 05:59 PM
IMHO-pp -
I agree, I'd have been overjoyed if there had been no political groups on Ravelry. But there were. I'm sure in hindsight, the creators might be wishing they had not allowed them - or maybe not. It is a knitting site, but if you dig deeper - most of the more vocal against us have no projects, no stash and don't talk knitting. Sad.
Posted by: kandy | March 16, 2009 at 06:03 PM
As a liberal member of Ravelry I have to say I have been not happy about what has been happening. A big part of the problem (I think) is that it is not clear what is going on. I understand why that is, but it is still distressing.
Since, like most Americans, I live in a part of the country where most people vote the same way, I really enjoyed lurking in the Bunker to see how people who think differently from me approach the world. I actually felt pretty lucky to have the opportunity--it seems to me that a big problem we have in the US is that we don't talk to people who don't agree with us. I think that goes for everyone--liberals and conservatives. Talk to being the operative phrase, not yell at.
I have no idea what was happening behind the scenes but I am really sad it has come to this. I am hoping that this is a case of growing pains, some very young people own the site and I suppose it is not surprising that they are out of their depths.
While there may be liberals who are afraid of breathing conservatives I think that most of us are reasonable. Just like most conservatives are reasonable. I hope that people will continue to use Ravelry for conservative conversations and maybe someday (probably not anytime soon) we can even find a way to talk to each other. (Crazy liberal kum ba yah stuff I know, forgive me.)
Posted by: LIberal, so what? | March 16, 2009 at 06:35 PM
Good Riddance. I'm only sad that a previous commenter (and suspected sock puppet) wasn't included. Given her vile nature, I think it's only a matter of time....
Posted by: J. | March 16, 2009 at 09:53 PM
I lean left of center, but consider myself fairly moderate. I think this was wrong.i wasn't a part of the Bunker. But I knew one of the mods, and a couple of the other people who have been banned.
It was done in a way that just doesn't make sense, and will cause more problems in the long run than the people they have banned ever would have. It's just wrong, and I'm pulling for you to get your access back, and have messaged Casey saying that.
Posted by: Nicole | March 16, 2009 at 11:12 PM
Thanks for blogging about this -- this page is currently #1 on a Google search for "ravelry banned". Now I know what the kerfluffle's about! My tiny little brain was speculating on other reasons for the bahleetion -- such as a ravelry_snark on LiveJournal situation. Wank on, my wanky friends, wank on!
Posted by: Cynth | March 19, 2009 at 11:37 AM
Good grief.
Here all along I thought Ravelry was a knitting and crocheting site.
Posted by: J.S. | March 20, 2009 at 01:34 PM
I know there were many designers, yarn dyers, spinners and LYS owners that were scooped up in the net (and a not very well thought up net, may I add) that will now have their business negatively impacted by these actions.
I believe any business owner has a case for their intellectual property being held hostage and could bring Casey (et al) up on charges with the FTC. Some users had made purchases that are no longer available to them, others had storefronts and others will have had their good business name sullied by the act of being banned & deleted.
Anyone whose businesses have been interfered with have an absolute case for TORTIOUS INTERFERENCE. This is specifically about people getting in the middle of how one does business. Please share this info with people whose businesses have been impacted and advise them to seek legal representation!
Posted by: Rav user | March 21, 2009 at 09:51 AM
Thanks Rav user - I'll pass the information on.
Posted by: kandy | March 21, 2009 at 06:35 PM