I am sorry, the only people this thread was intended to be critical of was " those who would insult, provoke or in any way, intentionally attempt to disrupt the positive nature of The Mudcat Forum".

INTENTIONALLY was the important word. There are other issues but this thread was addressing this one only.

My thanks to those who did understand the subtleties and also the spirit in which this was meant and to those who were already (quietly) ignoring the above mentioned posters. This was a chance for them to say "I am ignoring you".(smiles)

I am now going to be gently critical of some…. In the past and especially over the past couple of weeks, I have read many posts, urging others not to respond to flamers (definition above). I have seen later posts from these same people, then responding to the very people they have urged others not to. No big deal, we are all human, it is a big temptation and mistakes are allowed. (smiles)

What these and some of the posts to this thread are saying in action and effect is, "I reserve the right to respond when I decide to but for the good of The Mudcat but you (meaning everybody else), must not".

I understand that all of us would not wish to have conditions imposed on us. That is why I imposed the condition on myself and asked you to remind me if I strayed.

The wisdom of ignoring these posters seems to be pretty much accepted, if with some sadness. The difficult part is actually doing it. It will not work if we do not all try and ensure that all such posts are ignored.

The only true conscience of The Mudcat is yours..