When someone posts a thread, they have the ability to block anyone who disagrees with them.  It may seem to other people participating in the thread that people just drop out. However, they may simply be blocked from posting.

I propose that when someone is blocked from a thread, a little ghost symbol is placed next to their user name. That would let other users know why threads suddenly get depopulated.

For example, I was banned from an admittedly moronic thread by You_haxored_me about how someone was spamming the Tactics Trainer comments for what I thought was a constructive suggestion. ("Untrack the comments.")

I watched the thread continue for a few days and began to feel like a ghost haunting its hallways. I'm not even allowed to ask why. It's an unusual feeling.

I began to wonder how many others had suffered the same fate in the thread. There really is no way to tell. The thought occurs that it would be nice to know how many bodies are littering the floor and stuffing the closets.

It would also be nice to know when somebody has been banned by many people and when someone has banned many people. Some people probably ban anyone who disagrees. They may be from countries where open debate is not allowed. 

If You_haxored_me came to this thread and I banned him the little ghost would appear next to his user name: 

There are some instances where blocking may be warranted. But the privilege should not be abused.

Now I find I am blocked from making any comments on "Lateralgenius" most recent thread defending himself from suspicion about his ratings.:

http://www.chess.com/forum/view/general/not-suspicious-if-high-correspondence-rating-but-low-blitz-rating  

I can't even remember why this guy would have me blocked.

Oh yes, perhaps it was because in an earlier forum by "lateralgenius" offering a sure-fire win against computer impossible:

http://www.chess.com/forum/view/chess-openings/a-trap-against-computer4-impossible

I pointed out that he had lost in only 16 moves to Computer Impossible's little brother, the 1170 rated Computer Easy only days earlier.

How many real 2121 rated players have lost to Computer Easy?

Looks like a good suggestion. I'd like to have it implemented.

Yeah, I recently found I was blocked by a couple of users and I have no idea why. I never conversed with either one of them in the forums.

I expect to be blocked at any moment now. 

You won't.

I meant from the thread I referenced. Well, that is if the OP is clever enough to figure out I am talking about him. 

He says he's a genius. Let's see if he'll figure it out.

Not that easy when you're restricted.

How does that guy have a bullet over 1900 with such a bad win loss record?

Do they count too?!

Jibril_desu wrote:

Erik_29 wrote:

How does that guy have a bullet over 1900 with such a bad win loss record?

unrated games

Ooooh. .... duh lol

Yeah, all his wins are agains much weaker players.

It's a pretty typical ploy you often see here; someone gets an outrageously high rating because of the initial RD, then they preserve it by playing weaker players or, in this case, not playing at all.

I suspect we will see him 'disappeared' at some time. 

When you block someone, they cannot post in any threads you started, post on your wall or challenge you to games.

Funny enough, I'm a teacher. 

In his about me part of profile he claims not to be able to play bullet well because of a car accident. the way he put it, it smells like BS to me.

The thread title is suspicious enough. He, supposedly, just joined the site yet he is posting a thread about the suspiciousness of having a high correspondence rating and a lower bullet/blitz rating.

I'm guessing that's a main topic here? If your speed ratings are lower than your long time controls people assume you cheat?

Not so popular but it usually comes under the guise of someone saying you are cheating because of the difference. You know, like that USCF bozo who disappeared today.

Ok so it's basically just the nut jobs then. Well at least there is one less to worry about.... for now.