What we're really talking about here is converting from an unmoderated forum to a moderated forum. You can talk all you want about 'self regulation of the group' but in a group this large in a setting this informal that regulation at best will be loose and informal itself. The only way to get the kind of demarcation under discussion is to have it imposed by a moderator.

The idea of separating into two forums has a certain face validity. However, while I have yet to see it tried I have never seen it work. Eventually the entire collective group gravitates to one area and talks about everything there. On reflection its easy to see why. Splitting only works if the division is between separate groups. If there is no clear natural division in the group, if the division is only between topics, then its like asking a group of people in one house to only talk about one thing in the kitchen and to move to the living room when they want to talk about something else.

So as long as its unmoderated, a forum is like homeroom before the bell rings. The only way to get it to be like a classroom is to have a moderator. That means taking the effort that we individual 'catters exert to find threads of interest, and putting it squarely onto Max's shoulders. I don't know about anybody else, but I don't see that as a reasonable solution. Max's efforts on our behalf passed the 'above and beyond the call' level many many many moons ago.

Best regards.