I think this could be an interesting discussion to get into having been through the ringer and back as a moderator.
Here's one major problem area I had regarding the TOU. I personally abhor personal attacks. And I think they should be deleted and the person given a couple of warnings and then suffer the consequences of a week or so ban. However, defining what constitutes a personal attack is sometimes a very subjective thing.
For instance, people who have been around the boards for a number of years, try and be clever about giving out personal attacks. They think few people notice, but to a seasoned reader of boards it's very obvious. I'm talking about things like overt sarcasm routinely dished out, overtly being condescending, and just plain being rude repetitively. Just about everyone gives out an occasional rib poke tease at some point or another. But, some posters make it their style and personal ambition to be sarcastic and condescending on every post.
As the moderator, I see those kinds of routine posting habits as being "a personal attack". Others may disagree. This is where we get into the gray area of the TOU. I believe there is a spirit behind communicating on these boards. And that spirit should be one of friendship and common interests. Overt sarcasm and overt condescension or even petulance should fall into the same category as someone calling another member rude names. These kinds of posts do nothing to move conversation, dialogue, debate or discussions forward in a positive manner. Often, they are designed simply to use the board as personal entertainment, at the expense of creating a community of investors.
Your thoughts..
