I disagree Shambles, our forum is very much LIKE a party. You are entitled to your opinion, and I hope someday you will be able to share it in other spots.

No, you cannot always avoid someone you do not care for at a party. If you are in a small room and the person keeps interjecting in conversations, you are stuck. Often words are said.

Sometimes you can go into another room to avoid that guest and hope that he or she won't follow.

Often, conversations that appear to be going along are hijacked by someone who wants to make a change.

Of course, all of this is approved by the owner. That is just the way things go and the partygoers have to deal with it.   The enjoyement of the party will ultimately be theirs - they can try to have fun. Often, it is up to the host to determine how things go.

Yes, Mudcat is very much like a party.