It's not like either the 'crackdown' or the debate over administration policies is a new thing. We've been at it for YEARS..partially because Max tried to allow Mudcat to be more 'open' than most forums....inevitably, the accusations about 'cliques' and 'favoritism' and 'editing' arise....some from a couple of picky members, but many from drop-ins who couldn't care less about music above the line. If it IS mostly drop-ins, why should we tolerate them?...and if it is members logging out to bitch, shame on them!

The last couple of days HAVE been a bit quieter & more peacful....and I like it. We can still have debates about interesting subjects, but the tenor of them really needs to be moderated, and debates about how to debate and whether the moderators should really moderate are getting beyond tedious!

My vote, it should be obvious, is for continuing tight control over provocative posts...especially from those who feel no obligation to use a name.

Let's have fun, be silly, argue a bit when it is relevant....but let's end the META-argument over how to run the place!