I'd better report on two private replies I received to my survey. Further replies to my survey should go to the list. Here were the two replies.

First reply: Issue 1: Yes, it is a serious problem and it exists. Issue 2: The Moderators Option

Second reply:

ISSUE 1. The problem or lack thereof.

I don't agree with either your pro or your con. Yes, there is a problem, yes people can often be guided not to be a problem, yes it's happened before, no it's not happening now (and I'm part of the problem in that regard, b/c I've not been active on the pedia lately and would have made considerable strides towards calming e.g. Lir if at all possible).

ISSUE 2. What to do about the problem, if anything. The Status Quo, Plus Clearer Principles Option: We need to debate and settle upon some clear principles about when sanctions are to be meted out by our sysops.

yes. we do. I think we've grown past the point where community norms are obvious, and the more we grow the less obvious they will be (and the less normative also).

The only consensus I see developing is the need for more clearly stated community standards. I certainly agree with that myself.

Larry