Hey trolls, tone it down.

[CARLHAYDEN]

Then leave. No one will miss you.

I emphatically disagree!

John has been an asset to this forum.

Hope he stays.

[CARLHAYDEN]

I'm pretty much a 'free speech' advocate myself.

I believe that tolerating people with outlandish posts is a price we pay.

Actually, the posters generally thought of as trolls end up discrediting their positions with their rhetoric.

[CARLHAYDEN]

I would draw the line at someone who uses threatening language (as opposed to merely expressing, in my view, stupid/crazy view) or whom spams other members of this forum.

I would also suggest that Dave might want to consider limiting the number of threads a new member may start.  

[CARLHAYDEN]

Hi,
I'm concerned about this.  I added the forum to the site with the desire to have a mechanism for intelligent, thoughtful debate on elections, as well as a means for visitors to help one-another learn more about elections.  I have no desire to see it bogged down with posters only interested in emotional flames unwilling to listen to another point-of-view.  A while back I had mentioned the possibility for a member-only forum, but had enough negative feedback to drop the idea.  Another possibility, however, is to provide a forum by invitation only.  There are enough regular members that I could set it up such that one has to apply for membership or be referred by someone already established.  Thoughts?
Thanks,
Dave

First, I would prefer it to avoid either a 'members only' forum or one available only by invitation as it might tend to deny useful additions to this forum.

Second, I would suggest that new posters be subject to a limitation on the number of threads they can start.

Third, I would suggest that a "condition of use" include an admonition against threats or spamming.

Fourth, for the 'slow' I would suggest that they be advised by email (if feasible) that their conduct (specified) has breached standards of the forum and warned that subsequent violations may result in their being dropped from the forum.

Hey, its your forum, but these are my random thoughts, which you requested.

[CARLHAYDEN]

Oh, and he claimed to be a 'kerry pollster' too, as well as a 'Vietnam veterba.'


But, hey, lets give him/her/it credit.

Perhamps what were dealing with is a multiple personality?

There appreared to be  more than a hint of delusions,