The Banning of AFI

## Belligerents

* **A Fucking Idiot**
* **Ulysses**
* Player 1 + Player 2

* **CP**
* **Legownz**
* Crimson Blitz

**The Banning of AFI** was an event that saw A Fucking Idiot get banned from TF2Tags on August 20th, 2015, after CP reported him to Dr. Dos for shitposting. This would not be the first (nor the last) time AFI would be banned in his efforts to reach the rank of Negative Hale's Own, but it was the second time the site would rally around him to ensure his journey would reach its end.

## Day 0

This particular drama centered around two people in particular: A Fucking Idiot and CP. A Fucking Idiot, a well-known shitposting Tagger at this point (though his posting habits had become sporadic), was making Tags as normal on August 20th, 2015, a renewed pep in his step considering the fallout of the Mobile-Friendly Update and subsequent Bring Back Misses movement had just concluded, the Miss button having been restored along with his misses. His set of tags on that day attained high amounts of AFI's version of success, gaining many misses. At the same time, CP would make his official return to tagging after his return to partake in the BBM movement. CP was unfamiliar with AFI (somehow, considering CP's involvement in BBM and AFI having been a consistent presence on the site since December of 2014), and had mistaken him for a typical shitposter. Seeing his obvious miss-wishing posts, CP reported AFI to Dr. Dos with the intent of getting him banned. Dos would then ban AFI at some point later in the day. At 10:39 p,m., AFI made a comment on his Steam profile stating "Welp, I'm banned from tf2tags until next year. I will return" He would also change his name on-site to "A Fucking Idiot (Seeyouin2016)" and edit the wiki to update that he had been banned.

## Day 1

AFI's ban was announced to the site at 5:32 a.m. by Le Tryhard Hunter after he saw AFI's wiki edit, with Sensible Haircut corroborating the announcement by posting AFI's Steam profile comment. A few minutes later, Sensible would make a memorial tag for the fallen champion. The comments of this tag would become crucial to the conflict that would plague the site for the next few days. Following a comment from PsychKlown suggestion people "donate misses" to AFI by missbombing his posts and one from Frapple celebrating the ban, CP would reveal that he reported AFI to Dos. Believing he had done some sort of service for the site, he would regrettably boast "I deserve credit." This was immediately met with anger, with Relk\_Cehi, Legownz, and Sensible himself commenting after this that CP was a "motherfucking bastard" and "a piece of shit and I hope you get an incurable dick infection". However, the attacks against the man would not manifest just yet.

Following this reveal, several taggers began to make memorial tags for AFI, parodying his trademark tagging style. In order, these taggers were Legownz, Le Tryhard Hunter, Yahiamice, M3Lucas, and Walumancer, followed by Sqwid at the end of the day. Shortly after posting his memorial tag, Lucas would post another tag predicting (correctly) that there would be a huge shitstorm because of this, which he intended to just sit back and watch. Ulysses would then show up, confused, wanting clarification that AFI was banned again and that CP reported him, wanting credit. Expand would then jump on the drama by posting the very first entry of the TF2Tags Nightly News Network, reporting that AFI was indeed banned and that CP was in for a shitstorm.

Following this news announcement, Ulysses would make a set that would end by calling out CP for his actions. In the comments of this tag it was also revealed that Player 1 + Player 2 was also getting on the CP hatewagon. Following this, Crimson Blitz would make a with a joke about CP's "I deserve credit." line, and in the comments clearly stated that he wanted nothing to do with the incoming childish drama. Following this, Ulysses and Relk would then make tags satirizing the "I deserve credit." line.

While all the drama was going on, AFI would send a carefully-worded email to Dr. Dos, persuading him to unban him. Dr. Dos would consider this before eventually granting his request and unbanning him. He would return to the site following this and begin commenting on several tags relating to his ban. As he did this, Makin' Bacon made a tag wanting clarification that CP was responsible for AFI's ban, and wanting to know why. His name was also apparently changed to show support for AFI (it is unknown if any other taggers did this). AFI would then comment that it was "Because he's a fucking self-righteous dickbag". CP himself would then comment on this tag, explaining himself by stating he didn't know or understand the nature of AFI's humor and that he's still technically shitposting which warrants a ban, but his brand of shitposting just happens to be liked, which he didn't know at the time.

The wave of hate against CP was silent on the first day of the ban, but still visible. CP would be missbombed repeatedly that day. This move would make Legownz take CP's side and start defending him, calling the bombers "Just As Bad As The New Guys" and advising that they "Don't Be Immature Idiots!" Legownz admitted CP did something stupid, but pointed out that everyone has done stupid things, and that there wouldn't be any chance of Legz going along with the bombing, comparing the bombers to Teaquin. In the comments of this tag, Lt. Col. Problem stated he had already donated his misses to AFI's posts, P1P2 revealed he was a missbomber and didn't care what Legownz said, and Relk professed his innocence. CP would then thank Legownz for being the one person on his side. He then stated that he hoped that the entire event would blow over and that people would forget about him ever being a tagger. He said Legownz was his only real friend on TF2Tags and that this site had become more of a social media site than anything else. He then said he was leaving forever. AFI told him to stay gone this time.

At some point, AFI would spam CP's Steam Profile, repeatedly calling him a "Raging Cuckold".

## Day 2

The 22nd of August would begin with another news report from Expand, explaining the rising tensions of the shitstorm and mentioning a public trial scheduled for the near future. Not long after, AFI would make his first official statement following his unbanning, a set entitled "the many bads". He listed a weapon from each TF2 class that is typically associated with being cheap or tryharding, and called them "Cancer <class>". After this, he had a Spook Specs (CP's representative item) named "-Redacted-". This set would cause him and CP to come to verbal blows. CP said the set was uncalled for. AFI said him getting him banned was uncalled for. CP claimed that he thought what he did was right, but was clearly mistaken. He didn't know people actually liked AFI or found humor in his posts. He reiterated that he would most likely Leave and Never Come Back. AFI retorted that he wouldn't be so mad if CP wasn't gone for a month and then immediately got him banned the day he got back.

A few more pro-AFI posts would be made (with AFI commenting on most of them) before Expand made yet another TF2NNN set, stating that AFI was unbanned and the shitstorm surrounding CP was getting upgraded to a Category 3 hurricane. AFI would approve of the set and TF2NNN as a whole. At some point, Crimson Blitz would change his name to something reflecting his worries on the future of the site. Ulysses would then make a set explaining that he was very stressed and on-edge, especially because of the drama, and warned people not to set him off.

## Day 3

The third day of the shitstorm would begin yet again with a news report from Expand, reporting a lull in the shitstorm and CP disappearing from the site. Ulysses would later make another post at CP's expense, which drew many positive comments from P1P2, AFI, TheOnlyGuyEver, and Sensible Haircut, as well as two disapproving comments from Crimson and Legownz. CP would also comment on this tag, revealing he had not, in fact, left the site. Ulysses would quickly make another tag stating that he was, in reality, neutral regarding the whole controversy and was just bored, figuring that joining the bandwagon would be entertaining. It is unknown how true this is.

Expand, ever the diligent reporter, broke another news set, stating that AFI was being nominated for best comedian, CP was set to be put on trial for "disturbing the peace, accessory to ban, among other [charges]", as well as the lull in the shitstorm demoting it back to a Category 2 storm. At this set, Legownz had pretty much had enough of the attacks against CP, and would later make a set proclaiming the taggers to be overreacting and to stop giving CP so much shit, or else Legownz would leave right alongside him. However, the people who commented on this set (bar P1P2) mostly agreed with Legownz. Crimson obviously was in total agreement. M3Lucas also agreed that the missbombing was wrong. AFI even said that, now that things had calmed down, he forgives CP for what he did. CP himself would thank everyone for their words.

Following Legownz's set, Crimson would share some frustrated words of his own. He called the entire debacle "Shameful. An absolutely pathetic display from everyone involved." He called CP out for making a dumb decision and was now paying the price for it, but the escalation of everything has since made Crimson sick to his stomach, accusing the taggers of harassment and cyberbullying. He would then explain his worries for the overall state of the community, that being a recent uptick in senseless drama (most likely referring to the previous Bring Back Misses and Team Legownz debacles). In the comments, Expand defended himself saying he was just reporting the news, and his belief that any actual hate towards CP had dissipated at that point. Legownz agreed with Crimson wholeheartedly, and stated how things could have been handled far, far better than how they were. P1P2, as he usually does, tried to start more drama in these comments, only reinforcing Crimson's point.

After Legownz and Crimson's rants, people began to make posts regarding the toxicity of the TF2Tags community and the social media characteristics the site had taken on. On Sqwid's post regarding this, several confused taggers logging on for the day, including AFI, Sensible, and Qror, asking what had happened. Frapple asked for the site to get a forum tab or something, reiterating the purpose of the site being for funny TF2 renames, not petty drama.

AFI would finally come out and make the first attempt at formally ending the conflict. He apologized for spamming CP's Steam Profile, and stated that, with the shitstorm dissipating, he didn't really hate CP, and that the entire drama was pretty ridiculous, and wished things had simply calmed down after he was unbanned. He stated that he was growing worried that a cult of personality was starting to develop around him, which he did not want, though he was absolutely grateful to be liked by so many people. He advised everyone not to keep people on their shitlists when wrongs have been righted, and apologized for being one of the causes of drama. CP would forgive AFI in the comments.

Prior to CP's own apology set, Sqwid and Expand would make sets of their own. The former pointed out that "items which insult other users" are against the rules, and that people were acting immature. Expand explained that things had gotten to the point where all the CP hate had become satirical, and that he never hated CP and anyone that claims that they did was trolling at that point. He advised things return to normal sooner rather than later.

CP would then finally make his own apology set, immediately apologizing to everyone that had to deal with the drama, especially to fans of AFI. He explained again that he didn't understand the jokes, and that now he did. He admits he should never have contacted Dr. Dos so quickly, and that he didn't really know what had gotten into him. He claims to have been preoccupied by the misses on AFI's submissions and not the complexities of the wider community, so he acted without thinking. He apologized to Dos for inconveniencing him so much with the banning and unbanning. He personally thanked Legownz for having his back through it all, and said his biggest apologies to AFI himself, stating he shouldn't have been so quick to judge him. He asked for the community's forgiveness, and stated that he would now jump on the AFI bandwagon and help him reach his goal of Negative Hale's Own. Every tagger (bar P1P2) accepted the apology, with Crimson thanking the lord that it was finally over.

Following this, a few taggers such as Le Tryhard Hunter and Blast would return to the site after taking a break for a few days to find the entire drama having came and went without them, with confusion amassing.

With one final news report from Expand stating that the charges against CP had been dropped, the drama had finally ended.

## Gallery

The last tag A Fucking Idiot would make prior to his ban.The last comment A Fucking Idiot would leave prior to his ban, where he gives some insight into his family lineage.Le Tryhard Hunter portending a very bad omen.CP getting back into tagging following his involvement in Bring Back Misses.Le Tryhard Hunter announcing AFI's ban.Sensible Haircut makes a memorial tag dedicated to AFI using his trademark style. In the comments, CP reveals he was responsible for the ban, which immediately draws ire from all but Frapple.Legownz makes a tag in AFI's style as a memorial.Therister makes a tag in AFI's style as a memorial.Yahiamice makes a tag in AFI's style as a memorial.M3Lucas expressing his disbelief that anyone could be annoyed by AFI and his tags.Walumancer makes a tag in AFI's style as a memorial. In the comments, AFI reveals his return.Following AFI's return, M3Lucas sits back and awaits the inevitable shitstorm to come.Ulysses returns confused about the situation.Expand makes his first of several TF2Tags Nightly News Network entries covering this topic.Ulysses casts serious shade at CP for his actions.Crimson Blitz makes the first tag mocking CP's "I deserve credit" line from Sensible's tag, before immediately stating that he wants no part in the coming drama.Ulysses mocks CP's "I deserve credit" line.Relk mocks CP's "I deserve credit" line.Makin' Bacon returns to the site confused and sadded by AFI's banning. In the comments CP tries to explain himself.Legownz tells everyone not to missbomb CP and actually defends him. CP pulls a Leave And Never Come Back in the comments.Sqwid seemingly making a tag in memorial of AFI?Expand covers the shitstorm again on TF2NNN, explaining that things are starting to heat up.M3Lucas rejoices at AFI's return.AFI calls out CP for his actions. CP explains himself and again reiterates that he is totally going to leave and never come back guys.Evidence that Taggers changed their name on the site in memorial of AFI.People rejoice AFI's glorious return with his glorious tags.Expand does another TF2NNN, announcing AFI's unban after less than 2 days.Crimson seemed to have changed his name during this time, and expressed his worry for the site.Ulysses explains he has been on edge lately, the current drama not helping, and warns everyone not to be the straw that breaks the camel's back.Expand's next TF2NNN entry regarding the shitstorm.Ulysses mocks CP some more, which the taggers in the comments approve of, bar Crimson and Legownz.Ulysses claims to not really care about the drama and is only partaking in it out of boredom. It is unknown if this is the truth.Yet another TF2NNN entry.Legownz demands everyone leave CP alone and threatens to leave the site himself over the drama. M3Lucas disavows missbombing CP. AFI states that after things have calmed down he decided to forgive CP.Crimson lambastes the community for their behavior during this debacle, calling them cyberbullies.Sqwid comments on the community's toxicity.Frapple requests the site get a forum and states his distaste for the site having turned into a social media network for the past few days.AFI addresses the situation and his worries that people are forming a cult of personality around him. He advocates people leave CP alone, and apologizes for his previous actions towards him following the ban. CP forgives him in the comments.Tag relevant to the situation.Sqwid points out that tags insulting other users break the rules, and urges people to stop hating on CP.Expand explains that most of the CP jokes at this point are satirical and not actually done in bad faith. He urges things to return to normal.CP formally apologizes to the community and AFI for his actions. Everyone seems to forgive him.Therister returns to the site having missed all the drama and is impressed at the amount of shit that went down after he took a break for a couple of days.Legownz making another joke about CP, which unknowingly acts as an omen regarding a future controversy regarding CP.Blast returns to the site in shock at everything that went down.Expand's final TF2NNN on the subject, effectively ending the drama for good.
## Trivia

* In the middle of all this drama was Relk's birthday. Several taggers on day 2 made a bunch of birthday tags wishing him well, including AFI.
* Also in the middle of all the drama, Sensible held a raffle to celebrate him reaching the 5000 point milestone, announcing it on Day 2 and then revealing the winner on Day 3. Ulysses won a Description Tag from it.
* This event spawned the TF2Tags Nightly News Network, which would go on to regularly report on community news for 8 months following the event.
* This event could be seen as one of the first times taggers criticized the community for both being extremely toxic and becoming more of a social media site than a TF2 rename site.
* Legownz would unintentionally make a prophetic tag at the end of the drama, mocking CP for stealing all his jokes from Reddit. CP would later advertise his tags on Reddit, which brought a bunch of new people onto the site that mass-critted his submissions, an action that brought more controversy and animosity towards him.