Banned From Servers [Un-Ban Request]

[phantom]

I am here to protest the ban of two accounts, one on February 11, 2017 by the Steam ID: STEAM_0:0:42162027, of which is an alternate, and my main account, on February 16, 2017, STEAM_0:0:29382154.

Originally intending to let the ban on my alternate go, I decided to appeal today due to the ban on my main.

Frankly put, there are times in which I prefer to play anonymously so that conversation is not (at least for me) mandatory under the presence of familiars in the server. Of course, I could simply ignore friends and familiars when playing on my main, but my personality is such that I feel insecure even when showing disregard to simple greetings from people on the server, under assumption that it may cause misunderstandings. This is of course, not usually the case, but it has always caused me to unnecessarily worry. This is my honest justification as to why I recently used the alternate on SnipeZilla.

My alternate was originally never used for such intentions (or for even playing on the server) until I recently spoke to an old familiar, appleman555, which brought back my nostalgia of SvS, thus prompting me to revisit the servers of SnipeZilla. I decided to use the alternate to hop on the server and play (with chat disabled), the first time in many months, and it wasn't until shortly after that I received an unknown ban.

Deciding not to pursue the ban, I played with my main for a few days, and it wasn't until today that I received another ban. Pursuing the ban, I spoke with the admin in responsibility, ᴳʸᴺнує ѕкууᴸᴮᴴ, who was very kind and courteous about the process, providing me with a thorough explanation as to why he thought I was using some unquote, "vision assistance." I assume the ban on my alternate was for this same reason as well. He is currently in the process of providing and uploading the demos of which I hope will clear things up.

 

[cedde]

For now, you are good to play since it will take forever to analyse the demo.
Special mention for the wall/vision/enhancer bullshit ban.

 

[HyeSkyy]

Okay, so the demos have finally finished uploading.

- 1st demo taken while spectating. I cut out a 3-4 minute section in which phantom was afk to respect the time of those reviewing the demos.

- 2nd demo taken while spectating leading up to the ban. This is mainly for accountability purposes under the situation. I feel that it's apparent how hesitant I was in banning because I obviously don't want to ban someone who doesn't deserve it.

Reason for banning:
I played 3 games or so with phantom prior to the ban. There were some questionable moments that happened (in regard to wallhack, not aimbot; all shots appeared legit) but I also understood that those moments weren't very far outside of just a highly skilled player. Keeping that in mind, I decided that I would keep an eye on it just in case something happened that gave it away. Once more people started entering the server, another avid SZ player made a comment to me through steam chat about feeling suspicious towards phantom. It was at that moment that I decided to spectate him and start taking a demo in the chance of this exact situation. While I was spectating phantom, I noticed these moments where it appeared to me that he was tracking members of the opposite team through the walls. A lot of things looked legit, but other moments like I described in the latter sentence furthered my suspicion. With the rise of hackers who have the ability to make themselves look legit, I had to make sure that I kept that in mind. I feel the need to state that it made me uncomfortable that he went afk for a long period of time shortly after I entered spectate. Although it's not always the case, it seems popular amongst hackers to either leave the server or go afk when someone moves into spectate, ruling out togglers. In our later conversations, he explained what he was doing during that time but in the moment itself, it only raised my suspicion. After spectating for roughly 10 minutes or so in total time, I decided to go through with the ban.

After the ban was done, phantom sent me a friend request and I accepted. He asked me if I knew any admins on the server because he just got banned. I told him that I was the one that banned him and I explained my reasons for banning him. Phantom has been very respectful and patient through this process from the beginning. So for that, phantom, I extend a warm thank you.

If this ban turns out to be as cedde calls, a "bullshit ban," I sincerely apologize to you, phantom; not only for the ban, but extended for the inconvenience of your time and your experience here at SZ. I personally hate the possibility that I could have made a mistake in my judgement, so I hope that this is dealt with in as hasty of a manner as it can be done. Thank you all for your time, all of you who review this. Best of luck and happy sniping.

 

[Darth Doggy]

Okay, so the demos have finally finished uploading.

- 1st demo taken while spectating. I cut out a 3-4 minute section in which phantom was afk to respect the time of those reviewing the demos.

- 2nd demo taken while spectating leading up to the ban. This is mainly for accountability purposes under the situation. I feel that it's apparent how hesitant I was in banning because I obviously don't want to ban someone who doesn't deserve it.

Reason for banning:
I played 3 games or so with phantom prior to the ban. There were some questionable moments that happened (in regard to wallhack, not aimbot; all shots appeared legit) but I also understood that those moments weren't very far outside of just a highly skilled player. Keeping that in mind, I decided that I would keep an eye on it just in case something happened that gave it away. Once more people started entering the server, another avid SZ player made a comment to me through steam chat about feeling suspicious towards phantom. It was at that moment that I decided to spectate him and start taking a demo in the chance of this exact situation. While I was spectating phantom, I noticed these moments where it appeared to me that he was tracking members of the opposite team through the walls. A lot of things looked legit, but other moments like I described in the latter sentence furthered my suspicion. With the rise of hackers who have the ability to make themselves look legit, I had to make sure that I kept that in mind. I feel the need to state that it made me uncomfortable that he went afk for a long period of time shortly after I entered spectate. Although it's not always the case, it seems popular amongst hackers to either leave the server or go afk when someone moves into spectate, ruling out togglers. In our later conversations, he explained what he was doing during that time but in the moment itself, it only raised my suspicion. After spectating for roughly 10 minutes or so in total time, I decided to go through with the ban.

After the ban was done, phantom sent me a friend request and I accepted. He asked me if I knew any admins on the server because he just got banned. I told him that I was the one that banned him and I explained my reasons for banning him. Phantom has been very respectful and patient through this process from the beginning. So for that, phantom, I extend a warm thank you.

If this ban turns out to be as cedde calls, a "bullshit ban," I sincerely apologize to you, phantom; not only for the ban, but extended for the inconvenience of your time and your experience here at SZ. I personally hate the possibility that I could have made a mistake in my judgement, so I hope that this is dealt with in as hasty of a manner as it can be done. Thank you all for your time, all of you who review this. Best of luck and happy sniping.

Just watched both demos twice, and I can't say I agree on this one. Phantom is either very well versed in the art of not being obvious, or he's well versed in the art of sniping, and I'm having to lean towards the latter at the moment. I didn't see any strong suggestions that he/she knew specifically where the other players were. Phantom certainly had clues for where they could be, though I would contribute that towards having confronted enemy players in that location prior to hiding behind cover.

Addtitionally, from past experiences with Phantom and most people from Instinct, a common attitude amongst them is the pride of being above using 3rd person programs or the necessity to use any skill-amplifying programs. That reputation also weighs into my decision.

Unfortunately, I'm going to have to disagree with your verdict. From the demos you've provided, it's hard for me to believe Phantom of being guilty of hacking. But I'm glad the both of you are responding so courteously concerning this incident!

 

[DrunkDoc]

the wall tracking apparent in the videos is coincidence, i mostly waited for when he would go afk or stop moving behind the wall for tracking that never happened, and the accuracy was believable. His focus under fire never changed or snapped across to someone else while shooting and missing, it is normal and believable game play, mistake bans happen, dont take it personally either of you for this mistake, but in fact, we want to thank both of you for working this out and not going for each others throats.

Out of everything, you followed protocol and did have "proof" in the demos, fantastic work.

As well as Phantom, thank you for using our forums to counter the ban, apologies for the situation but thanks for your cooperation, you helped prove our system works!

 

[appleman555]

I have played with phantom for many years. He is a respectful and experienced player. I suspect no wrongdoing from him.

 

[cedde]

Better to flag someone before taking any stupid decisions.

 

[HyeSkyy]

Wonderful. I'm glad that we were able to get this squared away and even more so that it has ruled in favor of phantom. Thank you all so much for your time and input. I'll be sure to learn from this experience so that I may make better judgement calls in the future. Cedde, I will also take to heart your suggestion of flagging a player before I make any further "stupid decisions." My decision was not at all intended as a personal attack towards a person/player, and least of all, you. So, I apologize for the frustration this has seemingly caused you that I am gathering from your statements. I'm just glad that this matter is ruled in proper favor and closed.

Thank you all again for your time and understanding. Happy sniping!

 

[phantom]

As for my supposed time and inconvenience there practically was none, but for Skyy; to provide the demos in little time with legitimate, reasonable discussion is something that should be met with appreciation. Thank you for helping keep SvS alive.

 

[Mixup]

As for my supposed time and inconvenience there practically was none, but for Skyy; to provide the demos in little time with legitimate, reasonable discussion is something that should be met with appreciation. Thank you for helping keep SvS alive.

Long time no see Phantom

 

[phantom]

Long time no see Phantom

ayyyyyyyy wassup dood