I would suggest starting off with "Member Flagging", as that would be easiest to implement, and still caution that it would be the easiest to abuse/misuse. All in all, the entire system could be developed rather easily for someone who knows what they are doing.

All that would be needed for Member Flagging:

1. One additional field in the DB for the forum posts and gallery comments [ie, tos_flag]
2. A Dropdown with TOS violations (which I think is the better idea). Example:

Select TOS Flag Advertisement Copyright Infringement Criminal Activity Flame War Personal Attack Trolling Unacceptable Image Warez Request

These could be easily added to as new TOS items come up.

3. A DB query adding up the number of flags per post; to get a member-ranking of "offensiveness".
4. An internal decision on how to rank/prioritize and respond to the flags.
5. An addition to the mod/admin view with these "Flag Filters" so that posts/comments requiring mod/admin intervention could be prominently placed for action.
6. An addition to the TOS describing the ramifications of abusing/misusing the flagging system.

I would note that if a member just Flags a post/comment, that **NOTHING shows up in the public view; unless a comment is added or other post/comment specific information is provided. That way, you achieve anonymity fostering more honest reporting and less potential for public retaliation.

This would:
**- Relieve stress on the IM system,

• Allow all mods/admins to see the flagged posts vs only one mod/admin getting an IM,
• Free Up mod/admin time,
• Allow members to participate,
• Partially absolve mods/admins from adverse reprecussions since it would be the members doing the reporting, and
• Potentially reduce flamewars if members could flag the post and mods/admins took corrective action quicker

So, for a considerably little amount of work, R'osity has quite a lot to gain.

Consistency has to be maintained across the entire site; which is why it broadened to encompass all of the fora and galleries. R'osity is looked at as a whole, regardless that it is made up of individuals. Therefore, if any inconsistencies are observed, it is not only a reflection upon one mod/admin, but R'osity as a whole.

The mere fact that threads like these are continually appearing suggests that R'osity has to "find a better way" (ie, the current system is "broken"); therefore, from an outsiders POV, the system is flawed enough to, at least, partially redesign to achieve the goals easier.

Technology is a wonderful thing, but many fail to utilize it to its full potential. Make the servers do the work they were intended to do (menial, mundane, and repetitive tasks) and free up human resources to tackle the problems that require intervention.

Automation does not resolve every crisis, but if used properly it can reduce the overall occurances of crises.