[xvector]

> To put it in perspective, we had to deal with an individual that was verbally and mentally abusive to a number of our volunteer staff and security to the point where they were in tears.

It sounds like the proper response to this is to tell the individual to "fuck off and never come back", but looks like popularity mattered too much to the Derbycon organizers:

> Admittedly, we had no idea how to handle this person, and in fear of repercussion of removing this person, allowed them to stay at the conference in order to “not upset the masses”.

Guys, the response to adults acting like children is to completely ignore them and kick them out of your discussions. They do not deserve to be a part of your forum. Perhaps tell them why you're doing so, so they can improve themselves, but there is no need to deal with their shit.

[nikanj]

Alas, it's not that simple. A lot of professional victims out there, ready to bring out an utter shitstorm if they get slighted. Conference organizers have their careers to think about, and getting nailed on Twitter as a *ist is a great way to become unemployable.

[csours]

As someone who had to deal with a situation like this, it is often more complicated than it appears. Often you don't have perfect information. However I strongly agree with deactivating credentials for abusive people.