I certainly don't know who most of these folks are, as I usually only read 4-8 forums here. But I do know some. Within those forums I have learned a few names (actually, 2 keep coming to mind), and I will not post if they are in a thread. I know there is no data, no experience, no knowledge that compares to theirs, and I will either be "corrected" or just get some inane comment (and I really don't tolerate "inane" very well, so I stay away)
I know what I don't know, I know what I know a little about, and I know what I do know. I do know the gray tractor market, I do know the gray Yanmars, I do know the implements that we use/sell and some we don't, and I do know parts for our tractors. I often pass an opportunity to caution or advise someone because I don't want to be told by someone with less than 1% of my experience with these units that I am wrong, with nothing more than their assertion to counter what I said. I can handle it once, but some posters I know will not quit unless they have the last post ...and it just gets old. Their disruptive and erroneous posts confuse others, particularly newbies.
A few months back I gave up on a thread after several posts when an individual repeatedly said I didn't know my derriere from an excavated opening in the earth despite my being supported by several other stalwarts including Bird. What's the point? This person didn't want information...they wanted an argument and a victory. My concern is that the person actually seeking the info was a bystander and was ultimately presented with some questionable info because I gave up.
My $.02 worth is that most of the chronic troublemakers are people who have some major personality issues, who have no friends to speak of (would that be a surprise?) and come here (and likely other forums until they're booted) to meet their needs (confrontation and comfirmation that they are right). I do not say this to be mean, I really believe it.
If it were mine to decide, I would have at least 2 or 3 moderators communicate with a person (hey, not everybody hits it off) and if the majority feel they are not getting a good response from the person, put them on double secret probation. Anytime 2 or more moderators agree they have violated double secret probation, they are gone for 3 months, then 6 months, then for ever. I realize this would be a lot more work....but it's my suggestion. I really think weeding is all that will work. If self awareness were a potential these folks would only step in it half the time like I do. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif