I like this bowl projection...

[Flooded Timber]

Banning does not work. We just see new poster names. Some folks have more lives than a cat. If we can't stop the verbal fight(s), which appears from past experience we cannot, then I say we implement rules for the fight(s). Just start a thread entitled "OT The Melee on the Message Board" and whenever the first back and forth starts, the participants are reminded and shall agree to take the rest of the squabble, attacks and name-calling to that thread. The back and forth can continue on that one, always-present thread and whoever wants to watch or participate is welcome. I really don't care if it even gets pinned for easy location. The other threads can then remain somewhat clean of the trash. Of course participants would have to agree to switch to the fight thread when things start to go south and therein lies the rub to an otherwise acceptable resolution. Sadly, I am only half kidding with this idea.