>> One poster disappeared after he challenged his opponent to a sword-fighting duel ...
>
>Point of fact, those threats (and there were a good half dozen of them) were made in late July 2004 by William Sanders.
>When I traded messages with Michel over this, I was given a reply about "context" and the amount of research it would take. I did not agree with lifetime bans, but definitely thought Sanders had more than deserved measurable time in the penalty box.
>
>Aside from a few supporting posts from folks like Jos Pols, most of the Fox community said very little over a person making multiple threats about boarding a plane for Allentown PA to meet up in real life at 5 AM for a sword duel. When I asked one VFP stalwart about it, the reply was, "Well, what would you like me to say?"

From my POV, even after some edge-wielding attacks getting high publicity here in the last years, the *threat* bordered on ludicrous. Why warn intended victim of mode of attack and lessen surprise advantage? While an unspecific threat to cause heavy harm might/should evoke more concern stateside due to ease of getting at least half automatics, large munition sizes and availability to train your self in advance compared to places our side of the pond, loosing much sleep over that threat might be overreaction.

Back then you had no kid, so make entrance into your flat take more than 10 secs, distribute few edged pieces, clubs or even gun in your place - or invite friends over more often for a week with clear indication of the matter.

Talk to police informally, ask them how trying to control circumstances, place and time from your end will not be seen as invitation, but risk control. Yes, even a keyboard warrior should not be dismissed without second thought, but random trouble from a guy with chip on his shoulder, semen festering instead of going vaginawheres, needing money for a shot or just belligerent drunk poses bigger threat percentage wise.

Shaping up for the occasion only works in 10 movie minutes, but a certain aquainted dev with windows mobile black belt might give you a few pointers to stay out of reach and keep most red stuff inside of you for a few minutes till police arrive. OTOH it is not a bad idea to shape up in any case, plant a few items in own flat.

And yes, getting the guy banned even on empty threat was ok - for disturbing online rules. You did nothing wrong. But prepare yourself for fish raining from the sky and chances of katana wielding keyboard warriors flying in as well. Hint: worry is not best preparation, esp. in developers - some wild streak in the best of them, only in some hidden better than in others ;-)

regards
thomas