What was the purpose of these other forums?
I'm on a BUNCH of other forums (mostly automotive or technical) and have never encountered any hazing, other than normal.
If I want to get in a flame war, I just go over to fark and post strong absolute opinions in politics threads :-)
I can see how other 'social' forums could degenerate...however, I don't see the need for any other 'off topic' forums other than TFP