Honest to goodness Max, some of us guests would really like to see you succeed.

First off, I think you need to review the Core Rules of Netiquette (www.albion.com/netiquette/corerules.html) with special attention to:

Rule 9: Don't abuse your power

Second, you might want to review the excellent tips on running a successful website message board here:

http://www.internet-tips.net/Msgboards/index.htm

And finally, I suggest looking to one of the best examples of moderated discussion groups on the web, The Well, found here:

www.well.com/aboutwell.html

Then, perhaps you can find a reasonable way out of this fine mess you've gotten us in, Ollie.

We won't ever get the old Mudcat back, and that is just as well, IMO. But with a bit of effort, and collaboration with the scores of volunteers who have made offers to help, you might find that having a collective doing the moderating here might be just what the doctor ordered.