I have done that, I was just wondering if there was a setting that would allow me to log onto the home page and only see the threads that don't include pics and vids. There are times when I log on and they are pretty numerous. It isn't anything I can't work around. It is just a minor inconvenience.
I'm having the same problem and haven't found a way to filter specific users and topics from the list of unread messages. Currently I'm cherry-picking the messages that might be interesting, and then nuking what's left with 'Mark All As Read'. That strikes me as counter-intuitive.
Unfortunately KB’s operating software does not allow you to block specific members. So you’re going to see everything. I have pretty much used the same system you are employing, for the last 12 years. A little hack that I have found useful is to click “show most recent posts in the forum.” It is right above the karma and stats buttons. You can scroll quickly through 20, 30, 40, posts. Look at the ones that interest you, then mark all read.