A new list was formed quietly by a couple of the members which was not moderated but where the membership was filtered and only members could post. They announced this to the list and I think the whole membership joined the new list which of course blocked the ratbags. Worked like a charm. It seems to work. It seems to work.
Gentle persuasion works most of the time.
Occasionally I'll make a public announcement if an off-topic thread persists. I did have one extraordinary situation where I was forced to switch on formal software-based moderation for a few days. Your E - mail List Review of The Day. The E - mail Discussion List Exclusively for List Moderators. Your Source For Free Targeted New E-mail List Announcements.