Hi Dien:

A tip of the hat for taking a firm stance.

As you now I am pre Bill Myers era, and I did watch as the board deteriorated as well as several others.

The sad part is that some of the attacks on those boards that disaappeared were purposely started to facilitate attention to certain person(s) and their product(s). Others were just down right vicious. Others well deserved, but could have been done behind the scenes.

I am currently moderating 2 boards (one private) and soon to be 2 more (one private). Thank goodness we haven't run into this negativity or attack scenario yet and hopefully won't.

The negativity you are referring to could definitely have been done in a non negative way if the person(s) posting had been a little more diplomatic in the negative response and actually could have made it a positive response if some thought had gone into the post before hitting the post message button....

....I'm not trying to open it up here again....

I too in the past have occasionally been pretty quick to fire postings on boards without thinking things through first and the repercussion that could follow.

Now when I get those urges for a touchy post I compose it and then leave it for at least a half hour and then re-read it and make amendments....it is amazing how a quick to rise response seems so wrong a few minutes later, or can be reworded so as not to be offensive.

To lose the old-timers once again from a great board would be a total disaster not only to us other old-timers who enjoy their input, but also to the newbies on the net and just beginning to find the gems.

Again I commend you on your stance and believe you have the support of all.

Cornell