ken_b - 4:56 pm on Sep 6, 2004 (gmt 0)

...don't allow members to comment publicly on other members in a negative way...

The problem is that others members perception of what is negative can be quite different than the mods perception. We may not like it, but perceptions, right or wrong, matter.

The main problem is that annoying members seem to rarely break the rules, at least in my experience.

These folks are frequently experts at staying just inside the guidelines while still being way outside the desired tone of the forum.

It's the old "spirit vs letter of the law" thing.

It's much easier to deal with those who break the letter of the law.

Dealing with those who violate the spirit of the law is more problematic. But not dealing with them is worse.

Your members will quickly come to realize whether it is a spirit or letter oriented forum.

The forum pays the price in the long run, and it may be a hefty price.