Jim, IDCC:
I'm going to go back to the drawing board on the moderated threads idea. Maybe I can come up with a solution that works for Bob and the site. No promises on a solution, but I am going to draw up some ideas.
The filtering is re-enabled and has been, and I think it will probably stay enabled in some limited fashion down the road. This leaves absolutely no excuse for people not to ignore the one or two folks that seem to drive them nuts and cause a flurry of worthless messages. I'm often amazed at the lack of self-control some people possess on these boards, yet they somehow managed to amass large fortunes in some cases in the "real world."
If someone drives you nuts, don't respond to them. Put them on ignore. If you can't reason with them, let them talk into space. When you respond to them, it does nothing but encourage them and extend the battle into, eventually a personal flame war. I, like you, do not see why this concept is so hard. It's similar in concept to whining about politicians, but not going and voting.
Let me repeat, I can not and will not boot someone because they are unpopular. I can only boot someone because they break my rules.
However, I do acknowledge the fact there are some sick puppies out there, message board terrorists as some call them. I'm sure there is a way to deal with them and I'll eventually come up with the solution. But there are also people on the flip side who just can't control themselves. Mickeybritt for example.
Guys, use the tools we've given to you to enhance your user experience.
If anybody has any suggestions, let's hear them.
MB