I know more than most, and I can say with almost 100% certainty that Scout is not Robert. I'm interested in the flaming happening on the article threads - would appreciate a heads up.

There have been a lot of ideas on this thread, and I'm mulling them over. You might be interested to look at the new Blogocracy website which News Corp is going to be running from tomorrow, using left-wing blogger Tim Dunlop. I understand that whether posts were moderated and how posters identified themselves were issues that were discussed with News. Interesting to see how it pans out.

“I also feel that the tag put up is annoying PF.”

That’s an interesting thing to say. I actually couldn’t be happier that you post under PALE for reasons that are obvious to all but you it would seem :)

While on the subject of posting under the name of an organization, does that allow multiple users to post under the name? I have seen an example here were there are two distinct writing styles posting under the one id. Would it allow banned users to access the forum in another way?

Again on that point, Antje, you spelt your own name wrong twice in your previous post.

Seeing this is the Carpark, and antje insists on accusing me of following her around threads – there are currently only two threads involving animal welfare, one in particular is focused on pigs, my area of expertise wouldn’t you agree? I have every right to post there without threats of "last warning" from another poster. Attempts at intimidating other posters, isn’t that against the rules? There are some great things happening to bring intensive pig farming into the limelight and maybe make some real change. Why wont you just let that discussion proceed. Getting word of that out there is way more important to me than your web links being flashed up on every post.

I am also tired of accusations that I am flaming you. This is just not true. I have only used the facts in my posts antje, or made reference to your own comments or those of others. I would appreciate it if you would stop flaming me.

Graham, start at http://forum.onlineopinion.com.au/thread.asp?article=5052#60430 (The public transport thread). I'm not singling out that particular post, it's just one of a number from an exchange between posters which seems to be mostly personal attacks rather than about the topic.

I've also wondered about the boundaries on some of my own work in the Bias and the Judicary thread.

BD's comments on other threads do seem relevant to the case he made about the ability of some minority groups to act impartially in judicial positions but I'm left wondering if there was a better way to make the point. Where is the boundary between personal attacks and identifying what seems to a significant contradiction in the other parties own position?

Have I let my own disgust at the views expressed get in the way of fair debate?

What are your thoughts on the idea of adding "Take it outside" nomination button?

R0bert

I've read that exchange Robert, and I know what you mean. Wish I'd known about it earlier. It turns the thread into something that new readers would not necessarily want to join. There's probably an element of jocularity in amongst the slanging, but you need to be in on the joke to appreciate that.

We've attempted in the past to get people together offline. That might cool things down a bit if it ever happened - Col Rouge and PK might find they actually like each other and are only vaguely related to their online personae!

Anyway, I'll go across to the other discussion and suggest that they cool it. Too many posts to delete them all!

I should have added that I'd be worried that a "Take it outside" button would encourage posters to think that the General Forum was for brawling, when really it's about conversations that aren't dictated by the content in OLO.

Graham, maybe we need a button that draws your attention to a discussion instead of recommending a course of action such as deletion.

I'm generally reluctant to hit the recommend deletion button unless the post is very extreme but sometimes wish to draw your attention to a discussion - you may have a different view on the exchange or wish to add a "settle down kids" type comment.

More material to ponder.

R0bert