Not sure if I should say anything but, I will.
I agree with BC_Programmer's reply...to a point...
For the record I've always felt that, if nothing else, the forum and the chat are two completely different environments. Most of the regulars in the chat never, or hardly ever post on the forum, and vice versa. If it makes you feel better, they wouldn't be able to ban you from the forum in the same way. I think extending actions taken by people in chat to the forum - or members of the forum to chat- is a bit unfair, if nothing else.
Though the chat and the forum may be two different environments, the fact is they are both representative of this site. We all have our days and nobody's perfect. We can be rude on some days...and pleasant on others. We're human beings and it's the nature of the beast.
The fact of the matter is...if a rule was broken...a person must suffer the consequences. However, before any action is taken...it should be discussed further within the proper medium until it has been resolved...unless it needs an immediate resolution. That's why there are Chat OPs and Moderators.
As far as legal/illegal software/downloads go...how can you really tell? You can't. It's just as easy for someone to say, "Yes, it's legal"...as opposed to, "No, it's not".
The problem is...there's one no matter where you go...if not, they come looking for you. These individuals thrive on feeding the beast...and should be dealt with, accordingly.
In a perfect world...we'd all like to be treated with respect and kindness...unless we thrive on just being obnoxious and rude. Myself...I try to treat those the way I'd like to be treated...with kindness and respect. However, like I said...nobody's perfect...and I've been guilty of being rude and obnoxious, as well.
Certain people will "push your button"...and you'll just have to ask yourself, "Should I feed the fire...or dowse the flames?"
