As a fairly recent member, I have been following this, and related threads, with considerable interest.

As a result, I have reached several reasoned (I believe) conclusions.

1. Shambles,

Posting the same argument multiple times, in slightly different word order, and with different examples quoted, does not seem to improve your chances of achieving your desires, and, in point of fact, becomes somewhat tiring even to those who might be inclined to agree with you.

2. In any enterprise, as workload increases, it becomes necessary for the principal to take on staff to cover that load. You object to Max choosing catters whom he knows, and trusts not to misuse the limited, and supervised, powers they are given. Do I correctly infer from your posts, that you would prefer this forum to be edited by people who know nothing of Mudcat, or are you stating that everything should be allowed, including racism, sexism, personal attacks, and libel?

3. Xander,

You are suggesting a series of changes that correspond rather closely with what I see happening already. In what way would that improve the issues that disturb you?

3. On mature consideration of my experience of Mudcat, I would say that Max, Joe, and Big Mick have the mixture about right, and I'm happy with the site as is. In fact, their forbearance, and patience in putting up with some of the more obnoxious personal attacks is little short of heroic. Not naming anyone, I will just say that I doubt if I would have allowed certain posters to continue as long as they have.

I think that proves that they are not the bullying despots that they have been called.

Mudcat is fine and needs little alteration except in the minds of those who cannot convert others to their point of view. For myself, I don't seek to convert, but to converse, and I can do that without any worries about being bullied here.

Don T.