Yossarian's motivation is to "live forever or die in the attempt"

I dunno, I found it worked quite well. First, it meant not having to wade through a barrage of posts to read the one's you're interested in; second it reduced the number of post of the ignored that I would actually read (maybe 1 in 10 instead of 10 in 10).

You can get a sense of topic from the reply, and depending on who the posts were between, I would open them up. I think I even joined in on a few. I'd rather not use the ignore button but at times I think it has a place.

It certainly sometimes requires a lot of will-power to just walk away.

That is what I used to think. Well, except being a big girl now. However, we have had a recent glut of posters who have nothing worthwile to say so I put them on ignore. Browsing BE has become a much better (and quicker) experience.

Ignore is excellent, it is what I would do in real life if I didn't agree with someone so there's no shame in using it.

I voted yes, because, though I'm not a wimp, some certain persistent people just make me think 'sigh, what's the point'. They are determined that, whatever the cost, their opinion is the only right one, and they gang up in twos and threes too! There's a lot of "I'm alright jack" in it. Sod the facts - our way is right! Nothing to do with the Canada forum, I just happened to see this by chance.

having been participating in internet message boards for ~10 years, nothing bothers me anymore

I can deal with anyone but I find the ban on name calling and swearing a real hindrance.

it tickles me that forums have word filters and stuff like that when they claim to believe in free speech etc

I don't think BE has claimed to have free speech...you only have to read the Site Rules to work that out. There are only two words on the BE filter...both four letter words...one beginning with F the other with C.

I used to come on here a lot for things but that Oink's a ****.

twit?

I think you have hit on something there, without the unpleasant posts and posters, the site might become moribund, there would be less traffic. It is possible that the site might become, dare I say it, rubbish. If this turns into gibberish, please excuse the post party inefficiencies of my fingers. HNY.

Ignore is a wonderful, wonderful button. It is very hard to work out if someone is intelligent on the internet. It is, however, ridiculously easy to work out if they are a cock.

I like obnoxious posters now... didn't at first but now I see them as a bit of fun...