Guest 07 Jan 07 - 01:39 PM,

While it may be true that most forums don't tolerate criticism from the hoi polloi, it is also just as true that many forums have clear, concise, simple guidelines to follow. There is also a process to follow for registering complaints, etc.

Looked lately at the Mudcat FAQ?

And secondly, it isn't enough for forum moderators to get along with the people they like and agree with, as a moderator, it is of paramount importance to find a way of aligning themselves with those they don't appreciate, understand, or agree with on any given thing.

To do the job of moderation well requires a very highly developed sense of impartiality, something the personalities who are moderators here largely don't possess. They have many good qualities, mind you, but a highly developed sense of impartiality isn't among them.

And Ron, the log-in procedure isn't what determines whether the forum has the feel of a country club or a gated community. The tone is set by the site owner, site administor(s) and moderators.

There are plenty of examples of excellent online fora that are member only AND democratic AND dynamic, interesting, provocative, etc.

It just isn't an either/or sort of thing.