Forum Moderators: rogerd
I don't have any comments to add, but since this issue has come up in some threads in this forum, I thought it might be of interest, especially since it gives opinions from experts in several different fields.
[enews.earthlink.net...]
I don't think there's an easy answer to this - one has to consider privacy issues, while certainly trying to do the most ethical thing. One issue with "calling the authorities" (if one gets to the point of actually wanting to do that) is that the authorities may be impossible to identify. When all you have is an IP address and an anonyomous free email address, you can't just pick up a phone to call the "web weirdo" squad.
I find the best way to deal with this is to keep discussion on-topic and remove posts immediately if they cross the boundary of acceptable forum conversation. In addition, I turn off posting for members who won't comply with the TOS or moderator direction. I.e., if at all possible stop problems before they get the the point of being threatening or scary in any way. Once you get to the point of threatening behavior by a member, other members will feel uncomfortable and may leave.
