The key is as always in recognising that this is a discussion forum and not some member's private club or a library.

Most of the problems come from the fact that the realities of the format tend to be ignored. The limitations of this format - once accepted - are a strength rather than a weakness.

Aspects which can form valuable content to the Mudcat Cafe website - are being squeezed into the forum and this expanded and its purpose ( which is discussion) distorted in the process.

There is no clear idea of informing contributors when refreshing an old thread or starting a new one is the right thing - as both can and are now judged (by 'we') to be wrong. Something that only confuses and inhibits posting - which is the only 'wrong' thing.

Discussion is what needs to be encouraged (even if this means Catspaw having to see 200 threads containing the horse quote or about 'The Sick Note). The current idea that our forum is for some posters to pass judgement upon their fellow posters is what needs to be discouraged.