Hmm.. This thread reminds me of another thread that was run not that long ago discussing about whether the TOS should be modified. Was the OT Forum getting out of hand? I admit I don't know as I've been away for awhile, but as artists go, it's not just art that dominates our thoughts, but other issues as well. It seems a shame that the OT Forum has been taken away. To me it feels like some of the people I've met and read their opinions of on such a variety of topics now have that part of their personality closed off from me, thereby lessening my enjoyment of them as members. But maybe the closing of the OT Forum was needed. As people, we tend to run in cycles, with the beginning of the cycle being the celebration of the joining of kindred spirits on a mutual quest, and the ending of the cycle resembling close to anarchy before collapsing, and then we start the cycle all over again. I do hope the OT Forum comes back in some way, but regardless if it does or not, there will always be 'attacks' given. You can do your best to dissuade or curb such attacks, but they'll always be a few that sneak by. Having a clear intention of what each forum represents is the first line of defense, and if I remember correctly, the OT Forum did have such intentions posted for all to see. The second line of defense are the Mods, who operate as judges, who take the intentions of the forum and make sure that at least the threads stay within the boundries of the forum as it was set up originally. Most of the time, just using some simple common sense will help curb most attacks. Firm, but fair, and consistant, should be a Mod's motto. If a decision is rendered by a Mod that a post contains 'attacks', then they should have the discretion to have that post removed and the postee be given a warning that such conduct is unacceptable. There should be no favoritism given, as none should be expected. Repeat offenses by the above postee should be punishable by whatever measures a Mod deems necessary, including suspension if appropriate. If a postee cries that they are being unfairly punished, a simple reminder that the forum is for the benefit of all and Mods have to make decisions based on the intention of the forum versus the content of a particular post and if such post is deemed unacceptable, then appropriate measures will be taken. There will always be malcontents in any forum, whether here or elsewhere, and it is a Mod's responsibility (at least as I see it) to make sure the forum runs as smoothly as possible with the least amount of disruption. If that means kicking a little booty once in a while, so be it. As far as catagorizing 'attacks' goes, I think Bobasaur's definitions are pretty much what most people would agree to, with the category 2 'attacks' being left up to the Mod's discretion. My only question would be about enforcement, and the consistancy of such enforcement. As I stated earlier, Firm, but Fair, and Consistant. Generally, if a Mod is being consistant in their enforcement of the forum, most people tend to travel along the same road. There will always be malcontents and those should be herded away as soon as possible, before the forum dives into utter chaos. Anyways, not sure if my opinion is relevant to this particular thread, and if it isn't then the Mods are free to move it to wherever or even delete it if they wish. Just tossing my 2 bits on the table...