[RussEfarmer]

as I said in another post:

Obviously thread locking is a tool to keep topic threads from derailing or getting too crazy, but if the goal is to foster healthy discussion of the thread topic then locking the thread isn't the ideal outcome and I would like to see it avoided more than it is in favor of other moderation options.

If there are a ton of people on a forum thread talking about something, that should be an awesome thing. Community regulars discussing serious issues is a strong sign of a healthy community and you want it to stay like that. Locking the thread accomplishes the opposite, the only thing locking a thread does is just bubble over the conversation into other communication channels and fails to solve the underlying problem. It's like putting a lid on a pressure cooker, it stops for a while but its just gonna blow up again.

Case in point... LemonTiara's thread "My reply to ckg's thread." WTF was the point of locking the thread if there's just going to be another one carrying on the exact same topic?

A more positive thing to do in situations where threads get heated is block the people who are flaming for a couple hours to cool off. This makes people who can't conduct themselves think for more than 15 seconds before they post something, and rewards the people who aren't rage fueled ogres by letting them keep talking and maybe reach a positive outcome. I've never heard anyone on the forums actually be held accountable for being a gigantic moron and flaming a thread.