Few notifications are as aggravating as seeing “Account Suspended” in the vast — and often confusing — landscape referred to as “the internet.” For years, people have typed “Unbanned G+” into search engines to find the digital ghost of an actual term reflecting a user’s loss of access to an important space online. But, what does “g+” really refer to?
To some, it’s the affectionate reference to Google+, the now-retired social network. For others, it’s an emotional plea for help to recover access to a lost gaming clan, a private forum, or a niche community, which has simply been referenced and saved as “g+” in a user’s digital memory. Regardless of the context, the desire is the same: return to your digital self, your lost community, and your digital access.
In this definitive guide, we will unwind/untangle different iterations of the user-referring “Unbanned G+” and guide you through the “why’s” of account suspension, how to solidify an appeal, and digital etiquette for never being in a position to approach digital exile again.
Understanding “G+”: More Than Google
The first thing to point out is that “G+” is a vague term, and dissecting a context — jurisdictions, is the first step to recovery.
- Google+ (The Legacy): For many people, we will always remember G+ as Google’s audacious foray into social networking. Even though it served its purpose as a consumer-facing social network until it was shut down in 2019 (to the dismay of its users), participants had already been banned from G+ by the platform for issues relating to copyright violation, having a spam account, or being flagged for suspicious activity by human moderators or an automatic banning system. Currently, when someone refers to being “Unbanned G+“, they are likely referring to a user who was either provided access to their archived G+ account or who was able to read their previous G+ account social history.
- Gaming Communities: This is possibly one of the more typical interpretations that have adapted appropriately for contemporary meanings. In numerous multiplayer games (e.g. Minecraft, Roblox, or hero-based first person shooters), the acronym G+ is commonly used to mean a particular guild, clan, or server. For example, if someone says “I am an Unbanned G+“, it generally implies that you have been granted permission to join the same organization again after being banned by some form of a moderator.
- Niche Platforms and Forums: There are many more niche communities and forums that have provided common branding associated with G+ (e.g. many communities around photography, tabletop RPG groups, private tech beta groups, and others). Along these lines, un-banning G+ would mean losing access to a community of peers and valuable or limitless resources.
The Red Flags: Why You Got Banned in the First Place.
Bans are long way from an arbitrary decision, and are most frequently caused by a human moderator or automated banning that was triggered by an online “rule” or a series of flagged alert.
- Terms of Service violations: This is the most prevalent reason. Sharing unwanted material (hate speech, adult content), utilizing hacks or exploits in a game, or performing harassment will almost always lead to a ban.
- Spam or automated behavior: Typing too fast, linking the same website in numerous threads, or a usage which can be classified as bot behavior can have your account labeled as a spam bot.
- Inappropriate behavior: Toxic behavior, harmful attacks, hate speech, and excessive trolling are banned in many places and are a zero-tolerance behavior.
- Security Suspension – If a platform sees any suspicious activity, for example, unsuccessful login attempts from various countries in a short amount of time, the platform will temporarily ban or suspend your account to protect it.
The Road To Redemption: Getting Unbanned G+ (Step By Step)
If you find yourself being banned, there is no reason to panic. If you follow a methodical approach you will have a better chance of getting Unbanned G+.
Step 1: Diagnose The Problem
Before acting in any way, try to figure out what it was that caused the ban. Check the email linked to your account for something from the support team. More and more systems are adding notifications in the system for players and community moderators will send messages as well.
Step 2: Review the Rules
Revisit the Community Guidelines/Terms of Service for the platform. Figure out the exact guideline you were flagged for violating. This will matter for your appeal.
Step 3: Collect Your Evidence (Only if you Think it is Needed)
If you feel that this is a mistake you want to appeal, collect evidence. Screenshots of relevant conversations, timestamps, or context can go a long way create your evidence. Perhaps you were hacked and someone used your account to do something malicious. Evidence of this would bolster your appeal.
Step 4: Prepare a Professional and Respectful Appeal
This step is more than likely the most important step you will take. Your appeal is your one chance to have your case. You should not be angry, make demands or use sarcasm.
- A good appeal includes:
- A Subject Line: “Appeal for Account Reinstatement – Username: [YourUsername]”
- Greeting: “Dear [Platform/Game] Support Team,”
- Acknowledgement: Indicate that you recognize your account was banned.
- Your Point of View: Explain in a calm and succinct manner what occurred. If you did violate a rule, acknowledge it, and take some responsibility here.
- The Learning Moment: Indicate that you have re-read the rules and understand what you did wrong.
- The Request: Indicate you would like to have your account reinstated and that you will follow the community guidelines from here on out.
- Thank You: Be sure to thank them for the time and consideration.
Example Appeal Template:
"Hi, I'm writing to challenge the suspension of my account, [YourUsername]. I got a notification I was in violation of the spam policy for how fast I was posting in the general chat. I realize now that my eagerness to post content made it look spammy. I have read the community guidelines, and I will certainly be more vigilant when it comes to posting in the future. I'm very sorry for the disruption, and I would sincerely appreciate the chance to have my account reinstated. Thank you."
Step 5: Be Patient
You submit an appeal through the appropriate channels and then should wait. Sending multiple messages or attempting to contact moderators on their personal accounts only hurts your cause.
Prevention is Always Better than Cure: How to Prevent Being Banned
Once you’re back in, or to not be banned altogether, be sure to follow these golden rules:
- Read the Rules (Actually): Skimming documents is not enough! Make sure you know what is and is not allowed.
- Think Before You Post: If it feels even a little aggressive or offensive, don’t post it. When in doubt, leave it out.
- Stay Away from the Grey Area: Cheats, exploits, and “automation tools” that are “harmless” are usually “out” in the gray area. Stay Away of them
- Secure Your Account: Be sure to use a strong and unique password as well as two-factor authentication (2FA) to avoid putting yourself in a situation to get banned by an online hacker.
The Ethical Aspect and Thinking Ahead
While it is key to think before getting banned – and can be of a good reason – it’s important to note that not every ban is dishonest. It is often required to have a ban, and it is a way to stop bad actors from infesting a community. Trying to bypass a legitimate ban with an additional account (ban evasion) is against the community guidelines and will often result in getting you permanently banned (a black list).
Aside from that time of Google+ being over, the spirit of “grandma” as G+ meant was alive and strong in Discord, Reddit, and the forums for specific areas. Things like understanding of others, being respectful, and learning from mistakes are always useful.
One Last Thought
To move from banned to Unbanned G+ is wider than an account recovery, it is part of the learning experience of being a digital citizen. Understanding the community guidelines, offering respect in conversation, and reflecting from your experience will not only offer you the ability to gain access back but be a better member, and valued member, of any digital community you are a part of.
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