Yes, Shambles, we all do know you. Probably better than some folks who have met you. You have given us 7+ years of exposure to you and your real thoughts. Kendall is right on the mark. You have taken low self esteem to a new level

If as you judge, my self-esteem is low, perhaps you would accept that you (and Kendall) have done very little to raise it?

Bert, I love ya, but give it up. Shambles will never let up. In fact, IMO, it bothers him that you would try to end this. If you end it, he won't be able to claim "high road victim" status. He will go on and on incessantly. Once, the forum displayed some decent discipline and ignored him for the most part for several weeks. He lived with it, but after a few days he started tossing out the bait again. You could almost feel the desperation. Eventually someone took the bait and it started all over again. I have even fallen back into the trap.

I have a view I wish to discuss. I am always willing to be persuaded in reasoned public discussion to alter that view. But whatever the subject may be - is it right that I or any other poster should be bullied by some of my fellow posters into silence? There is no trap. It is quite simple. If the thread receives no posts – it will fall off the bottom. Posts that only judge the thread or fellow posters (or on other subjects)– will only result in prolonging the thread and at a cost to the credibility of our forum.

Bottom line is that the place is what it is. And Shambles is what he is. I used to suggest he go somewhere he could be happy. I have come to realize that he is very happy, and really doesn't want any of his demands met. If they were, he wouldn't be able to feel like the martyr. In his head, he believes that the great majority of Mudcatters accept his views and he is a heroic figure. The reality, IMO, is just the opposite. And that is sad.

What the place is – is a public discussion forum. It is not (yet) a private members club. Whether the great majority of Mudcatters accept my views or not – I consider they have a right to read and discuss what these views may be and to decide for themselves. Do you think that they should not have this right?

Trouble is, it has caused some great folks to leave the place and has given us a reputation.

Any reputation our forum may have will be as direct result of the example of posting that is set. If you now set an example that encourages bullying – this example will attract and encourage bullies. Many posters have left because some of their fellow guests feel they have some right to invite them to………….Others have stayed – (partly) for the same reason.

But if you do not think that the public are are entitled to post to discuss what they wish - perhaps those who think this would be happier posting elsewhere?