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We may need a FAQ
Tee,
You've been an internet umpire much longer than I have, but I've been involved with a variety of internet newsgroups and boards over the last 15 years. This problem is typically solved in three ways:[list=1][*]The big dogs can growl and snarl at any new dogs that don't belong in the pack and chase them off.[*]You can get a moderator that moderates for content as well as cleanliness.[*]Use a Frequently Asked Questions list.[/list=1]If the problem is the number of threads on subjects that you don't like, #2 is the best bet. If the problem is that you don't think that you need the contributors that would even ask certain questions, than #1 is your bet. If you just want to reduce the length and the energy needed to deal with some topics, a FAQ can help.
Even without a FAQ, a library of well-written, authoritative articles on the basics would help shorten down the repetive threads. For example, your "10 things umpires should never do" series would have been an excellent response to this thread, and worth re-reading, but it appears to have disappeared from the internet. Perhaps they'll be future Strikes & Balls articles.
Unfortunately, proposing a FAQ-list is a little like proposing a bell for the cat. It has to be maintained by a recognized big dog, or it has no credibility. Even a simple library might run counter to the business objectives of this particular site.
I guess we'd better be ready for more snarling.
-LL
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