When we think punishment, we think about the kind parents utilize to teach a lesson to their kids or the kind that is cruel & unusual (Mr. T’s “Treat Your Mother Right” video comes to mind). We rarely look at punishment in a positive light. Instead of seeing the negative about punishment, we should also look at punishment as a method of teaching as well.

Think about it, folks. How do you know what slides in an online community and what does not? Usually, we learn from the example or when we are the example ourselves. You see, punishment isn’t solely there for one’s suffering. The just moderator utilizes it in order to teach established social sanctions.

For example, I can recall a recent incident in Icon Ultima. There was this player that lost his building verbs because he used them to spam block another user. After a few minutes, this player decided to beg relentlessly for the return of his verbs. Despite many refusals, the player wouldn’t stop mentioning his verbs. Eventually, due to his persistence, one of the staff had to rob this user of his ability to speak.

These methods of punishment weren’t done for the sake of owning the user alone. These methods were used to teach two established sanctions. First, Icon Ultima isn’t going to tolerate spam blocking. Second, Icon Ultima isn’t going to tolerate bitching and moaning when you’re supposed to be paying for your crime. You find yourself breaking these rules, you lose the privilege. There are no buts about it.

If the user wasn’t punished for those two actions, how would he have learned what’s allowed and what’s not allowed? You see, punishment isn’t only about putting a damper on somebody else’s day. Punishment is also used as a form of stern teaching. If you decide to curse out a moderator and find yourself unable to speak, what’s the lesson? Don’t curse out security, fool!

Now, don’t get me wrong, fellow BYOND members. I’m well aware that some people utilize punishment without a crime to punish. I’m merely proposing another angle to this method of discipline. Sure, some use punishment because they’re power hungry and need fresh meat to pulverize. However, there are those out there that utilize this form of discipline to engrave, teach, and guide players like you and I.