In spite of occasional flames, I havce thoroughly enjoyed the Mudcat since I started comeing here. Almost everyone has been friendly and helpful, and I too am happy that Max doesn't "moderate" things here. The first discussion group (which, incidently, used that "tree" format) I was ever involved with was a fantasy role-playing forum, and it was highly controlled by the guy who ran the place. Controversial posts were simply deleted on sight. It was very frustrating. Everyone sort of had to pent up their anger, and a lot of people simply just quit coming to the site. Unfortunately, the site has pretty much died now.

I see a lot of parallels between that site and the Mudcat. I think the Mudcat will make it, though. Sure, there are fights here, there are even a few people who leave, which is very sad. But most of the people here are able to work things out. And we have the chance to do so, which is most important of all.

Peace--Keli