We have a handful of very simple rules that we expect users to follow. And generally, we've been fairly lenient about dealing with people who break those rules. But everyone has their limits and we've reached ours
If you can't follow the rules, don't post here. If you can't treat your fellow posters with respect, don't post here. If you can't behave like a grown up, don't post here. If you need an explanation of what behaving like a grown up means, definitely don't post here.
Most of you use the board appropriately and treat each other with courtesy. We appreciate that more than we can say. But for the handful of you who persist in behaving like kindergarteners ... enough. We're done. It will not be tolerated anymore.
One more flame war, one more snide remark, one more blatant violation of the rules and the board will be locked down again. But this time, when it comes back up, it will be members only. Which means that anyone can still read the board but you will have to be approved for membership and log-in to post. And if it comes to that, there will be no more second chances. You break the rules and you're banned from posting. Period. End of discussion.