Disco Controversy

[Bad Guy]

Controversy will usually end up in bans only if it ends up in flames.

Even then, it will probably just get closed, the flamers will get a warning or a ban, depending on how bad and how often.

Controversy by itself is not that much of a problem, its when people can't discuss properly that it becomes one.

Yeah, I tend to agree with your reasoning here. Although, personally I feel topics can be closed far too quickly and that can lead to resentment, which usually leads to the closed thread being opened under another topic and that usually ends up with a sanction under the pretense of annoying admins.

When there is obvious flaming and hostility between players "debating" on a forum topic I would rather go for warning those players to stop posting then to actually close the thread. A closed thread that has not run its course never sits well with me.

I suppose this is easily answered with a sort of, "There is good controversy and there is bad controversy." However, it isn't always as easy to tell which is good and which is bad.

And yes, your last sentence might be the very problem in itself. Engaging in light hearted debate ain't every ones cup of tea and some will always resort to insults or indeed trolling.