Trolling

[robvalue]

It’s when it’s done in a way that is attempting to disrupt discussions or to antagonise someone that it becomes a problem.

Aren’t contrary opinions by their very nature disruptive and antagonistoc?

Not to anyone in particular. If you followed a specific person around and immediately disagreed with everything they said, then that would be antagonising; or if the "opinions" were regularly aimed at forum members.

And they don’t disrupt things as long as they are presented in some sort of context, not repeated endlessly, and not randomly thrown into other discussions. This isn’t a place where people are scared of opposing opinions.

Unless someone goes ape shit here they will be given fair warning before they get banned. They have to be trying hard and willing to keep pushing to get flushed. I’ve been here a long time, and I used to be on staff, and every banning has seemed fair to me. I’ve even pushed for people to be banned who haven’t been.