Quote Originally Posted by Viking View Post
Produce the rule that says moderators must observe breaking of rules in order order to act.
There is the key. Moderators issue warnings and sanctions based on the rules, but can take other actions in the interest of maintaining the atmosphere and building/supporting the community of the ORG. That is the REAL goal of a moderator - building community and encouraging discussion - not just enforcing the "rules".

I myself would not have hesitated to have closed the thread, if i was late arriving and people had already posted about thier "rivals" then I would have deleted it. No apologies. That said, I would not have issued any sanctions or warnings about it - though I would have contacted the originator to discuss it (smooth it over).

The fact is that while no rule was broken, that the thread was "not in the interest of good relations and a positive atmosphere". Even if no rule violations occurred, it was not in the interest of building the community, rather could certainly have contributed to tearing it apart and worsening those existing rivalries.

If this was meant as a means to extend an olive branch, then there are better ways to do it. If people are harrassing you, then contact a "senior" or respected moderator, tell them about the issue, and perhaps they will help mediate a solution. During my days I did this several times - and while people still may not like each other, we can all at least be civil.