On signatures

It recently came to my attention that a certain poster has been using his sig as means to bait and attack me. Is not that his is a particular offensive attack, it indeed points to the author's simpleton mentality, a trait that has for long characterized this user and whom i have no need to name, and will not in compliance with this forum's no shaming policy. But it is the cowardly nature of such a display that strikes me, especially as it is crafted in such a way so as to not so subtly defend him of any accusation, while at the same time making it perfectly clear who is it he means to offend.

Now, although i don't employ a sig myself, i have nothing but the utmost respect for people who choose to utilize such space, and this is exactly what brings me to a dilemma on how to proceed. Let's say i was to report this user for what is indeed a cowardly and lowly form of harrassment (since this attack will repeat itself everytime he writes a post) that i was to rat him out, so to speak. Action being taken upon him by the forum staff would likely become common knowledge sooner or later. This poses a problem as the precedent could lead others to seek censoring of opinions they dislike in the signatures of others. A special danger given they have been effectively utilized as a form of speech, as in the case of packs or some players being recently banned, which regardless of my opinions upon the particular message, is certainly a legitimate use of such spaces. My trying to retaliate in the same fashion does also pose this danger, apart from also being underhanded and distasteful to me, as no doubt this person would likely escalate and may even find suport from others to aid his cause. Flaming and baiting through the use of signatures is something that can quickly spiral out of control, and lead to unintended consequences for those making a legitimate use of this medium.

No doubt some will advice me to simply ignore it and walk away from this but this is something i'm simply not inclined to do. Likely this will become a proof to my wickedness and bad behaviour for some, but i will not. Tolerating such displays would only lead to further trouble for me down the line, as has been demonstrated in previous cases in which forum signatures have been used in such a way. And i can think of two perfectly good examples that ilustrate the consequences of posters allowing such behaviour. I have not allowed myself to be chased out of this forums by posters who at least had the courage to openly attack me, i will not certainly allow this from a coward. I would make an appeal for the poster initiating this attack to drop this childish pretense and to come and openly face me, in a manner of speaking, with whatever grievances he may hold against me, but realize his craven nature would prevent him from such a thing.

All the options on the table therefore seem to lead to consequences i find undesirable, and i may ultimately be forced to choose amongst the lesser of various evils. I do come to you for legitimate advice however, please make a note this is a legitimate issue regardless of what your opinion of me as a poster may be. I have already explained precisely why i would not want to bring this to the attention of the forum staff, or why i will not walk away from it, and and while you may advice to do so regardless (and indeed i may hvae to) i think there is a case for neither of these being an entirely convenient option.

Thank for your attention, and also i would like to bring to your attention that i may not be able to respond as fast as i'm usually able to, since i'll have to deal with some work related issues for the next few days, and may even have to be absent from the forums for a while. I'll be sure to check for responses whenever i get the chance.