Special Status?

I once made a mistake on this forum and it got a bit blown out of proportion quite fast. I think it was just a matter of how things come across on an online environment sometimes. I linked a Non-Profit site in a post not knowing it was against the rules. I understand that "ignorance" was not an excuse, but that is what mistakes are about. I got an infraction PM. I then was confused and did not argue the need to post the link, but was just asking a question to clarify the infraction. The question got bumped up and I awaited an answer. I was not requesting to continue my infraction, but when I woke up, I had a message that my entire account was put on "special status" like I was a major trouble maker for asking a question. I was quite dismayed and upset at the time so I left the site as a user for years. I would like to put things in the past and enjoy the site again, but it appears I am still on this naughty list as I can't use many features of the site like PM.

This was a huge misunderstanding and looking at my activity, I feel that I am a positive contributor to the site. I still am not sure why I had to be chastised so harshly. Partly due to the fact I can't even look at the terms of service because of the block. The only two things I even asked were 1. I thought a Non-Profit site was ok and thought maybe it was confused for a profit for gain website and 2. I could not see the terms of service I was cited to look at. I was positive and professional about the whole thing and was side swiped by the ban hammer. But at this point, its been years, so who cares? Any way of getting the special status removed? Since I can't PM, I am not sure how else to ask except with a post. Sorry if its not the proper thing to do, just not sure what the proper way would otherwise be if not.

Tom

 

Thank you very much for that. Hopefully I won't be grounded anymore in the near future. LOL