The following has happened a lot:
1. A thread about a controversial topic is posted.
2. I read it, maybe get involved a bit
3. The thread turns into a huge flaming argument.
4. As I dislike arguing with people over the Internet for extended periods of time, I leave the thread, ignore it, and do more interesting stuff on the forum.
5. After a few weeks, someone opens a Flame and Burn thread for the sole purpose of attacking another forum member, based mostly on the argument thread.
6. Either the thread starter or the thread's target leaves permanently or gets banned. Others may do the same. As I have been ignoring the original argument since 2-3 pages after it started, I am left wondering what happened.