Locking a thread

[SoupDragon]

Is it possible to have the facility for a thread be "locked" so that it can be viewed but not posted on any more? Obviously not so that everyone can lock threads but so that we can request it.

Sometimes threads degenerate from an interesting start into a Them v Us scenario with people getting defensive, aggressive, upset... It's not right to delete the whole thread but being able to request that it be locked against further posts would be good.

Oh it kicks off; people fall out; it blows over. Life's too short for getting all aerated and flouncy. I didn't post on the thread as I could quickly see where it was going and I couldn't be bothered. Sometimes I will throw my hat in the ring but I just didn't feel like it this time

OK thanks

I didn't post on that thread as I don't have strong views either way and my experience is not usual.

DS was fed by drip, then tube fed ebm.

Hi there

Funnily enough we have discussed this at length recently at mumsnet HQ and decided against it -namely because we just don't think it would be effective - people could just as easily start
another thread and it may even be counter productive as it would put the poster at the centre of attention and all of a sudden everyone's talking about why the thread's been frozen etc etc
Talk has a habit of self policing and very often people will resolve things themselves - what's more people often get to appreciate an opposing view during a heated argument so it's a healthy thing. We are a discussion site so we want to encourage discussion and difference of opinion, albeit in as civilised a manner as possible.

We're always grateful to the wonderful folks who intervene with calming words when things get really bad - so many thanks to many of you for that!

Hope that answers your query SD