Moderation Policy
Clear rules, applied consistently. Our moderators work for the community, not against it.
Moderation exists to protect community, not control it.
Published Rules
Every rule is written down and publicly available. Moderators cannot enforce rules that do not exist in writing.
Consistent Application
Rules apply equally regardless of how long you have been a member, what gear you use, or who you know.
Explainable Decisions
Every moderation action comes with a reason. You will always know why something happened to your account or content.
Right to Appeal
Any moderation action can be appealed. Bans are not permanent by default. The appeals process is documented below.
What moderators can and cannot do
- Edit or remove listings that violate guidelines
- Lock or pin forum threads
- Remove comments or replies that break the rules
- Issue warnings before escalating to account action
- Suspend accounts for documented violations
- Add verified seller badges to qualified accounts
- Add entries to the Scammer Watchlist after review
What moderators cannot do
- Permanently ban without admin review
- Restrict content based on brand preference
- Take action on users they have personal disputes with
- Access private messages between users
- Issue bans without a written reason
- Remove content for competitive reasons
- Retaliate against users who appeal decisions
Actions scale with severity.
Friendly Notice
A message from a moderator explaining the issue and what needs to change. No permanent record. Used for first-time minor violations like incomplete listing info.
Formal Warning
A written warning recorded on your account. Issued when a notice was ignored, or for a more serious first violation. Three warnings within 90 days escalates to temporary suspension.
Temporary Suspension
Account access restricted for 7 to 30 days depending on severity. Active listings are hidden during the suspension period. An appeal can be filed immediately.
Permanent Ban
Reserved for confirmed scammers, repeat offenders after multiple suspensions, and accounts created to circumvent a prior ban. Requires admin review. Always appealable.
Violations that skip to suspension or ban.
Confirmed scamming, doxxing, harassment, or deliberate platform manipulation will result in immediate suspension pending admin review. These actions harm real people and the community will not tolerate them.
Confirmed Scam
Taking payment and not shipping, or shipping something materially different from what was listed. Immediate suspension, permanent ban after admin review.
Doxxing
Posting personal information about another user without their consent. Zero tolerance. Immediate permanent ban.
Targeted Harassment
Sustained or coordinated attacks against a specific user, including outside the platform. Immediate suspension.
Circumventing a Ban
Creating a new account after being suspended or banned. Immediate permanent ban on both accounts.
How to appeal a moderation decision.
Contact admin directly
Email admin@secondchance.exchange with the subject line "Appeal: [your username]." Include your account name, the date of the action, and what you believe is incorrect about the decision.
Admin review within 5 business days
Every appeal is reviewed by an admin who was not involved in the original decision. We will read your side and examine the evidence on record.
Written response with outcome
You will receive a written response. If the decision is reversed, your account is restored immediately. If it is upheld, you will be told why. Appeals are final after the admin decision.