Erik,

>>How about having Sysops speak to offenders to remind them of the rules of conduct?
>
>We do.

Glad to hear it. However, reminding offenders of rules and then not following it up with action when they continue is meaningless.

>No, but implementing objective rules to prevent this is VERY difficult.

Difficult, but not impossible. It *is* impossible to devise a system that will please everyone, but you can devise a system that is specific enough and is enforced consistently enough to keep this community useful and attractive to newcomers.

>We are working to devise a new system that will serve as the UT's 'OffRamp'- where we can send messages or threads when they have become questionable. I think that this will address most of the concerns, because then members can have a publicly stated policy that they don't participate in threads in this section.

I might agree with that as a compromise solution IF it does not replace the current chatter area. I don't want to be forced to wade through the slush of insults just to discuss a chatter-type topic. If you replace chatter with a free-for-all off-ramp instead of adding a new area, you will find much more chattering going on in the technical categories.