Most of you are great. The others I'll be referring to largely mean well, but are causing a problem.
I've said this before. Stop giving responses that cast any doubt as to the legitimacy of the OP or others responding. Not even a quick side mention. It does not matter how incredible or unbelievable a post is, or how obvious it seems to you. This is whether you think a post is trolling or spam. And if you feel insulted, guideline #4 already applies. Do not respond to it if you are inclined to question the validity of a post. This is right in line with my earlier PSA about judgmental side commentary and cliquish behavior. It creates an "us vs them" dynamic when established members publicly chat in a way that questions the validity. One mention begets the next. Even when you're right, it leads others reading along to not join our forum and post here out of fear that their question will be critiqued or judged.
And you might be right 90% of the time. Or more. But it is a moderation nightmare when you are wrong. I'm seeing far too many do it.
Please send any questions of legitimacy through the Report system. I can appreciate that relying on the Report system requires some patience, but moderators are able to handle it - and review other factors to confirm or deny legitimacy - in a way that does not lead to any of the negative repercussions. It is their role to handle this, not yours. It's all part of guideline #4 to not respond to guideline violations.