OK Peter, sorry for reacting the way I did. I think I understand you a bit better now.

The problem I have is that I see the same old things crop up over and over again and believe that there are always the same causes of friction.

My own position in terms of what I would like to see here is a balanced mixture of music and off topic stuff but I appreciate that there are many different views as to what should and shouldn't be here and of course what constitutes a balance. I also believe that we should always remember that the only guaranteed common ground we all have is music and for that reason give it some specail consideration.

It remains my view that the real troubles start here when a number of a certain type of non-music thread are running at the same time and although I do appreciate the "free to say what we like without feeling inhibited" arguement, I really do believe giving a little thought before starting a thread would prove to be a healthier approach for all of us. I also believe that a number of people do show this restraint.

Jon