The policy is that we DO delete Spam, and we DO delete messages that are threatening. Pene and I are the only volunteers who are allowed to delete messages for other than technical reasons. Max and his employees also will occasionally delete an offensive message. However, we usually feel obligated to refrain from deleting the responses posted by Mudcatters who respond to Spam and flaming. Once a Mudcatter has responded to Spam or flaming, it becomes difficult to justify deleting the original message.
You will notice that there have been several useless threads this week, started by unnamed guests. These threads have generated all sorts of useless responses from our "regulars." I'm sorely disappointed that many of those who have responded are people that I call friends.
As long as people respond to flames, the flames will continue. I ask you all to follow the established regimen and not respond to Spam or flames.

Guest, let me assure you that you are not welcome here. You are taking advantage of our hospitality, and you do us a disservice by failing to identify yourself. We like to welcome occasional visitors who come to seek information, so we do not require membership. If you participate in discussions here, you do not fit into the "occasional visitor" category. Your leering anonymity is perceived as threatening by many people, and rightly so. If you would like to participate in discussions here, pick a name for yourself and use it consistently. You don't have to register and you don't have to give your real name, but courtesy demands that you identify yourself by a name that you use consistently.
This particular guest is not welcome here. I ask everyone to refrain from responding to unnamed guests. It is the only effective way to control them.
Thank you.
-Joe Offer-