[Mike Irwin]

Exactly.

If people are joining to be willful trolls, no rules, admonitions, stickeys, etc., are going to stop them.

Just like no law is going to stop a criminal from committing a criminal act. Most times a new member's nature will show from the outset. If it shows troll, we'll deal with that person quickly.

Sometimes, though, otherwise good natured members will start sniping at each other.

That's when a moderator will step in and tell them in a very pointed fashion to knock it off. If the exchange was egregious enough, sanctions may be levied.

But, it's pretty much impossible for the moderators here to maintain a constant watch on the boards, every forum, every post, to make sure things aren't spiraling out of control.

We do our best, but we also have lives to which we have to attend. And that's why there's a "report post" button.