It really kinda defeats the meaning of the word "Community" to have to self censor all the time. We aren't able to get a real sense of who we are - a diverse community with wide ranging interests. Instead, we get a flat, one dimensional view of each other, and, to the outside observer, probably look like clothing obsessed narcissists.

I really wish we had a "Basement" where any and all subjects could be discussed openly (except "adult content" of course). If a thread did get heated, it could just be sent there. If it were segregated from the "New Posts" option, then only people that wanted to participate could see the updates, via email notification; the rest could just ignore it.

I guess leaving the "Penalty Box" threads open and cutting the ties to the "New Posts" button would do it.