Hi there, I'm really looking forward to the next version of this awesome forum but there is one feature I'm missing so far (though I could have overlooked it, I'm new to this sort of thing). Will there be a way for moderators to ban users straight from the offending post (through the admin options next to the post) or can it only be done through the dashboard? I'd really like to keep all my users, including moderators, on the site itself and not break their user experience by dumping them into the dashboard for any reason (too lazy to skin the dashboard).

Also, aside from simply banning a user, could a probationary system be easily implemented? A system where a poster simply gets their posting privileges removed for a variable amount of time (24 hours, three days, a week, or longer), mostly for offenses that don't really qualify for something as drastic as a ban. It's a good way to warn people that they should stop their current behavior and I've seen it work succesfully on several forums.

Hopefully these suggestions make some sense, even if they don't get implemented I'll still gladly use this software over other forums.

Thanks for the reply! For me personally, the interest would only be for registered users since I don't allow guests. The reason it seems like a good idea to me is that it keeps all the moderation work in the same environment and it keeps user interface consistant with other moderation functions (such as deleting posts etc.). Maybe just some buttons that directly activate to the deletion of members from the WP dashboard (limited only to the members group, ofcourse) without actually having to go there. Just keep it all neatly and cleanly within the forum interface (maybe a popup to confirm the ban/probation)

It would also save some clicking and searching around. Frankly I don't much like the dashboard interface for dealing with users, it seems much more convenient to perform those functions from within the offending post itself at the moment you catch it (especially with the new report button). Speed can also be very handy when you need to deal with a spamming jerk. Maybe something to consider?

As for the user groups thing, I can't wait to start using it! I'm very excited about all the new features and can't wait to play around with it. A probation option, even if it's just simulated, is a great addition that I feel is much more effective in giving someone a warning than banning is.