Getting UNBANNED must be faster - via live chat support or a 'second chance' feature
Hi all,
I just got banned while talking to a mate on Grindr. Out of the blue. No warning, no explanation, no nothing. This is all but ridiculous!
I've been using the app for, I don't remember how long now - 6+ years maybe, as it's still not possible to check account creation date despite my feedback to Grindr on the subject months ago - and their system banned me in an instant as if I was using fake ID, advertising, selling, you name it bannable misconduct. Obviously, none of these apply. Yet no first or second warning, nothing at all - just a 'Your account has been banned for violating our Guidelines or Terms of Service' message while I was online and chatting.
This said, I'd like to call for the introduction of a live chat service for users to be able to contact Grindr Support directly and in real time. Right now I'm not even sure whether my in-app report got sent or delivered, as there was no confirmation of any kind neither on-screen, nor via e-mail.
Another suggestion would be the implementation of a 'Second Chance' option that allows offenders to avoid getting permanently banned until another violation. Often, as in my case (although, mind you, I still don't know why I got banned), mistakes do occur - be it on user or app's side - and having the ability to 'postpone' a ban until human Support has decided whether it was a genuine offence that deserved or a ban or a second chance, or it was a mistake due to automated measure in place to prevent abuse.
My only and rather wild guess would be that I got banned for sending my mate a link to show him something. However, I've sent links before and there's never been an issue. I don't remember using an URL shortener though such as bit.do (as in this case). So, if this is what got me banned - a genuine, non-harmful link - I believe it would help many guys to know what EXACTLY is forbidden to send in a private (yeah, right - "private") message and what isn't. How was I even remotely supposed to know using this specific shortener could get me banned? Like, seriously!
Hoping for your support on this, lads.
Kind regards!
We now link directly to a help page and ban appeal form when you get banned. Moderators typically review and respond to ban appeals within 1-2 days.