While skimming the first I came across the idea of a "time out" room.
What if instead of banning, when people do something "bad" they are sent to time out
Not sure if it's even possible, but let's say it is. They essentially loose all posting privledges except:
1) They can see all boards but can only post in the time out room. This room will have the rules, examples of positive posting behavior and can even be the place where the DoW or whatever it is is held- the article says this can backfire because the offender doesn't get to explain, but in this board they could explain and work through the issue until the time lapse or we feel they have transformed.
Or
2) They can't see any boards except for this one board. Maybe it is read only? I think this may cause frustration, but an option.
This way we don't have to worry about someone going on a warpath, but they sitll get a chance to defend themselves and maybe show that it was just a case of miscommunication?
This should really be in the "Debates about specific topics" area. I'll move it there!