Back to the subject - kind of.
In my opinion, subjects don't need to be moderated, but arguments and debates do. When a discussion turns into the same two or three people rehashing the same thing over and over, that would be shut down. No one likes to see it. on ICOM, I don't allow that - and people there understand that and will back off simply when asked.
Moderation doesn't have to be a big deal.
So do you think the ICOM invaders (and some of the regulars here that now resort to) behaving the way they do are the exception? Here's the reason politics were banned - they invariably result in bad behavior.
Here's the whole TOS (Terms Of Service) list:
1- Posts are to be made in the relevant forum. Users are asked to read the forum descriptions before posting.
2- Threads should remain on topic, do not "hijack" topics.
3- Do not open a new thread that duplicates a current topic.
4- Flame baiting, flaming, being abusing, being disrespectful, trolling, spamming or posting to incite or annoy is not allowed. If you cannot make a positive contribution to the thread, then just stay out of it.
5- Members are asked to not act as "back seat moderators". If you feel a post violates the forum rules, the use the "Report to Moderator" link in the post to report it.
6- Posting pornographic, drug, or generally offensive text, images, links, etc. will not be tolerated. This includes attempts to bypass the profanity filter. This is a family friendly bulletin board.
7- Cheating allegations or descriptions are not allowed. Email support@hitechcreations.com to report any issues regarding this. HTC permanently bans anyone caught cheating in Aces High. We take cheating and allegations of cheating very seriously.
8- Complaints about a player's behavior online should be emailed to support@hitechcreations.com rather than posted to this board.
9- Users are permitted to upload one of their own avatars. Avatars must be in good taste and consistent with the other rules of this board.
10- Do not punt topics. Punting would be making a non-substantive post for the express purpose of bringing the thread to the top of the thread list.
11- Members should post in a way which is consistent with "normal writing". That is users should not post excessive numbers of emoticons, large, small or colored text, etc. Similarly users should not SHOUT or use excessive punctuation (e.g. ! and ?) in topic titles or posts.
12- All posts, in public forums, should be made in the English language.
13- Threads started devoid of commentary will not be allowed (i.e. links, cut-n-pastes, clicky, read this...)
14- Posting topics or threads which are based on politics, race, or religion is expressly forbidden.
I'm interested in more detail from you as to which ones are unnecessary, why and how they hurt your (and other's) feelings.