If a person is the problem, how does one say the person is the problem without it being an ad hominem comment? Heck... even when one addresses the issue outside of finger pointing, the ad hominem accusation raises anyway!
This is why we have a moderator. Ideally, we want the moderator to be the only one to address these problems of ad hominem arguments. If you step in more and identify the ad hominem arguments from both sides and try to guide both parties away from it, then the discussion can get back on track. I have addressed some of these problems because you are new to moderating and I am trying to help out, but ideally you should be the only one to address these problems. Obviously, correcting an "ad hominem" argument is itself "ad hominem" which is why the moderator should designate his post as being one from the moderator when he issues a correction. This is a signal to the rest of us not to argue with that particular post of correction on the list itself.
Peace be with you.
David Miller.
---------- "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4:6) http://www.InnGlory.org
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