Locking threads due to insults.

Question

Locking a thread due to insults supports the negative behavior on the part of the abusers.
Now they know all they have to do to close a thread that's bugging 'em is hurl insults.
Likewise, you are punishing those who have reported the insults - don't report insults on threads or they might be closed.
I suggest banning the abusers from the forum instead.
The flamers know how to find their targets regardless of which thread has the most recent rash of insults.
The problem has nothing to do with the thread and everything to do with disrespectful people.

Answer 1

I learned some very elementary lessons from my grandfather at a very early age ... namely that courtesy should be common ... respect is earned ... you reap what you sow ...
"Flamers" come in all types.
For example: http://forums.adobe.com/thread/969410?tstart=0
Speaking purely hypothetically …
When someone has a lengthy history of relentless posts containing conjecture, pontification and self-proclaimed expertise, they are likely to draw unwanted attention when their offerings fail to produce the evidence to back up the claims made. There are bound to be those who will disagree. Posting here is not a one-way street ... Participants should be prepared to back up their findings to support their comments. Otherwise, their contributions are pointless editorializing and become a waste of valuable server space or fodder for escalation of argument. Claiming victim status on each occasion when someone disagrees with a particular point of view can be tedious and tiresome.
I have always thought this U2U forum was for "discussion" ... and that daily "blogs" were a private enterprise ... in the latter venue, the originator indeed holds the reins and can control the content ... conversely, this is a community. Those who contribute here have to either exhibit the tolerance for others to participate by expressing opposing points, no matter how prideful they may be ... or strike out on their own elsewhere and see if they can attract the audience they actually desire if they only wish to acquire completely like-minded praise for their point of view. This is after all a forum and not a vehicle for the sole purpose to create a fan club to support one's ego.
If participants here, want to be treated with courtesy, they should be courteous. If they want to be respected, they should treat others with respect. It's disingenuous to have a history of antagonistic behavior ... then complain to the mods when they feel they have been treated unfairly ... It's a bit disconcerting to witness someone kindle a fire and then direct blame to others for the resulting inferno …