In regards to the BBS posts

Many are irritated in regards to this, however the individual(s) responsible are best dealt with via silence.

The posts that we consider harassment or spam (or in this case sexual invitations and the like) can and should be treated as if the person was a forum troll. It is also possible that this person is in fact legit. Without being able to compare IP addresses we can not be sure if it is the same person as before who was leaving spam/harassing messages on the BBS prior. As such it is best that in these situations if you ignore the poster. Do not acknowledge their post in any way. While you do have good intentions of trying to either maintain peace or feel the need to "protect", the only sure way to be rid of such individuals is to ignore their messages if you find them offensive.

A troll or harasser wishes to "get a rise out of you". They are doing this for attention and because they believe it to be funny to see people get mad about something. Therefore, the only way to thwart their intentions is to not give them the attention they crave. Do not let them become aware of your annoyance. So long story short: Ignore them and usually they go away. If not then other things can be done. But that is up to the discretion of the BBS owner.

Usually the ones who do this are young teenagers and those who wish to harass the fans of the thing the BBS is for. Therefore, try to avoid diving to their level by acknowledging their harassment/messages.

Also, on a side note when on a public forum, please try to remain courteous to one another despite differing opinions and if in fact you take offense to a statement presented. Referring to a person or their statements as "stupid", "idiotic" and various other insulting phrases are not only discourteous to the other members of the forum/BBS but are also childish in nature. Even if in your mind they are stupid and idiotic, etc. and "deserve it" put yourself in their shoes and consider if you would like to be humiliated in such a way. Again, even if they are insulting and belittling to you, lowering yourself to their level doesn't achieve anything. Please remember to take things to private email if needed to avoid involving everyone in it.

(reposted from my callasbloodpgs LJ)