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*In the end, he was just another youngin that was either emotionally, or mentally immature, that was seeking the acceptance of anyone, or anything. * - Bacon

Yep. Most people seek acceptance. Basic psychology. It is far easier to to be accepted by those who get off by being misfits, by being one themself. They become visible. Drawing negative attention requires zero intelligence.  Those who conduct themselves respectively are seldom seen. No need for the shenanigans. 

Welcome to the chesscom forums.  Or as i like to call it:

"The kardashain affect" aka "Look at me"

Its the same principle behind why people will post about politics, religion, cheating, etc. here when they all know you can discuss that stuff ad nausea in certain groups here, but wont because not enough people will see their posts.

Its for the same reason we do discuss suicide, depression, mental illness, and other things.  They are discussed because they need to be discussed.  You don't just hide it, and act like it doesn't exist because its uncomfortable.  Discussing these things hopefully helps someone.

wollensock - it is not about discussing a specific individual. scm's case is tragic, but all too familiar. Perhaps speaking in general terms regarding such behavior, a few individuals will become educated, and avoid the errors of this past member. 

Unfortunately, as long as you have anonymity, this will continue. Where else but online, do you see people whining about how telling someone "good game" is rude?  Distracting? Cheating?

I can GUARANTEE you, that if you put the trolls in a public place, in real life, they would not act like they do here.  And if they did?  They wold either be on some serious medication, should not be allowed in public, and or have some serious mental issues.

Many individuals from day one start with the intention of cheating. These types are beyond redemption. However, as many, if not more individuals choose at a later stage to engage in the activity, most often for reason's they themselves do not understand. Educating people regarding the psychology behind making such choices is sometimes beneficial.

Jeez, I'm gone for 1 day and this thread already has 97 new posts.

For starters, few new players posses a realistic perspective regarding the "why" they choose to play. Next, they do not posses an understanding that chess is a "hobby" for 99%+ of us. It is a pastime time to be enjoyed by like minded peoples. There exists a "spirit". One that embodies the nature of the game. A spirit that can last a lifetime. Unfortunately, so many take up the game, and quit shortly thereafter, never knowing what it was all about.

@beyondthepast this him?

Check the troll club... there is quite a few self confessed there... some familiar...

*cough*

I'm back sorry I got hit by a spam filter.

@ronaldjosephcote None of my accounts were ever banned, they were only ever closed by me.

What is this spirit of chess you talk about? It seems like it can only be achieved by thee truly passionate chess players.

I second the motion. Mods... Please lock this thread

And all that will do is start another post on the same subject.

Nah. People like overcrowded thread.

Probably because the latter has a very predictable response each time. 

Real life imitates cartoons and vice versa

In Mexico you do both

Can someone explain (or direct to a link) who SCM was, and why he's important?

Hi. Forgot the password/email to the other account, unfortunately, so this is my only account.

Obviously I can see the user (who's banned), but are there posts that SCM made? Why is he so popular?

He was just some guy who posted on chess.com a lot. He was a well-natured guy who occasionally made a troll post and was the SA in TrollU. He was banned for cheating, his rating went from 1400 to 1800 in a month. He didn't hide it very well.

https://www.chess.com/member/superchessmachine