Good luck.

1. I hope this isn't based on the feedback of one or two pets who've gotten tweaked and threatened to pull up their pants and go home.

2. "... it will be removed without notice." Suggest a 'comment removed' otherwise some may think their post simply didn't go through.

3. I know the type of comments you're talking about but predictive deletion is tricky. Pretty much the exact same comment by one person may not elicit the same response if made by someone else or worded differently - again good luck.

4. IMO, a public warning to the individual before deletion is more fair. For repeat offenders, maybe go straight to deletion. Still, a 3 day ban may be more effective in the end.

5. It's mostly a few people on a few topics usually. I don't say this lightly as I may be in the number but again, shock therapy may be the best bet. Ban the participants. If they leave and don't come back so be it. That would be sad because again, it's usually only one or two topics that get them wound up. You have my support as long as you are fair and don't protect the teacher's pets.

"It seems clear to me that disagreement is fine-personal attacks are out."

IMO real attacks are rare here. The real problem is often the endless repetition of a subjective opinion by the same person that grates and grates and causes tempers to rise. Passive-Aggressive behavior can provoke a fight just as surely as punching someone in the face. That's why I think a few surgical strikes would work better than having everyone wondering what they can say and how they can say it. Rude, a$$hat behavior is in a category by itself and often not really a personal attack. It is unnecessary and shouldn't be rationalized, but people accept it and Animal Farm rules are in effect, so whatever.

Rather than futzing/breaking with the editor (big/colored text is great isn't it?), maybe they should work on an ignore filter, a one click 'report this post' (can be disabled for those who abuse it) etc. Maybe things will cool down once the DAZ/SM thing resolves more or summer passes or the election or whatever but there will always be something. Forum features are no substitute for common sense/courtesy or good moderation but maybe they can help.

"Democracy is a pathetic belief in the collective wisdom of individual ignorance." - H. L. Mencken