RuReddy said:
Very good point and the fact IP numbers change every time you connect, EI could use that tactic for anyone they wanted to get rid of.
Actually, here's the scoop on that.
They realize that a person might use several different IPs over the course of posting. For instance, with dial-up or wireless...depending on where you are. Rov himself said this, and stated that his IP changes depending on if he's at home, work, school, etc. That's not the issue.
What has been stated by Orpheus is that he's using lists of "known proxies" in both North America and Europe, so he can compare someone's IP to that list. The problem with that is that new proxies crop up every day. Google it, and you'll find websites dedicated to proxy searching...finding new proxies and sharing them with a select audience. There really are a lot of paranoiacs out there.
So, realistically, the only ways Orpheus will catch someone using a proxy is:
a) they use a known one from an established list, or:
b) someone switches proxies because the old one crapped out, and then someone goes over past posts and notices different IPs and decides to check.
Even if a proxy isn't on someone's "list" there are ways of checking it to see if it's in fact a proxy...unless it's an elite proxy which is damn near undetectable.
Sadly, I'm with RobL on this one: I think they're booting troublemakers and claiming proxy use. I went back and read Batboy's posts. Generally, people seemed to like him but he was asking troublesome questions. Can't have that.
BTW: two years ago, I predicted this scenario would happen.