I have such mixed feelings right now, as I am sure many of us do. Over the past few months I found myself drifting into this controversy. On one hand, it is a personal issue between Shambles and this site - but on the other hand it does involve all of us.

While it is easy to say that no one has to read any thread, it becomes difficult when disagreements start poping up in a variety of threads and when civility is thrown out the window.

Shambles made some very good points, and I do think that at time the moderators should have used restraint and not argued so much with Shambles in public view. One person shouting on a street corner does not interupt traffic until a mob forms around the individual. I think all of us like to feel that equal treatment makes for a welcoming forum and when the balance appears to shift - even if there are legitimate reasons, the place turns to chaos.

Some of the comments that have been made to Shambles (and others) would probably not be said if people we talking face to face. If some of those comments were said, I guarantee you that there would be physicial confrontation.

Still, this is Max's site and I highly respect his wishes and the wishes of his chosen moderators. It is nearly impossible to make this site fit everyones wishes. We have to respect his rules because this is NOT a public forum in the terms that some people expect it to be. A private website is not a public soapbox - there are rules and expected behavior. Shambles overstepped his bounds and he refused to see it. He has turned himself into a martyr for a cause that was never there to begin with.

While earlier I said the moderators should have used more self-control, I have no arguements with their behavior.   In many respects, this website is an ongoing experiment in social behavior. We are human beings and we will make mistakes. We will also take our direction and run in ways that may not make everyone happen. Our biggest crime is that we are human.

If I had a vote, which I realize I don't, I would ban ALL guest postings. The idea that it encourages more people to post has no validity.   The moderators can trace any posting (as has been proven in the last few weeks) so no one remains anonymous. The ability to post as a guest allows for people to say things under a hood.   I freely admit that I have done so on occasion. It is very easy to get angry and use the guest login as a way to say things that would normally not be said. While some may see that as a benefit, I feel that it flys in the face of Max's statements that we will all behave as "adults". What is the definition of adult? Where is it written that adults behave with any sort of civility? Pick up a newspaper!

Sure, there are some that will still post remarks that will tick off others. Look at Shambles, Clinton, Martin, etc. Still, I would bet good money that we would see a decline in arguements - especially if moderators were free to delete such comments.

Mudcat can be turned back into a pleasureable place to spend time and make friends - at the cost of some "freedom".   I don't think that is a problem as the site is not a public soapbox. I could not walk into your home at anytime of the day or night and spout whatever is on my mind without following the rules and wishes of the host. Perhaps when everyone respects that and stop acting like martyrs that the fun will return to Mudcat.