As others have written, hopefully that
could be achieved without complete moderation of member posts.- Harry
Harry,
I applaud you. You have hit the crux of the problem. IF.. there were other groups as successful as this group, then one could "tune in another channel".
However, this is IMHO one of the best groups for VP conversation, database and general information. Tom doesn't need to put even more time into a project he obviously cares a lot about.
We can accept some off-topic discussions, just not the inflammatory remarks that some seem to throw into the argument. Having now been a member of the group for nearly a year, I think that QZ is one that has a pretty good handle on that elusive "gray area". He's able to make a strong point, but seems to stop short of the name calling. He doesn't hesitate saying, "you are wrong," but without calling the person an "idiot" or "stupid" etc.
My suggestion to those who've apologized for past digressions, and those who still deny making any improper posts, is to do what I do... Write your post or reply. Close your email program, and come back 10 minutes later and re-read your post. You, a generic "you", will be shocked how often you will edit or tone down, and in some cases, eliminate the whole issue.
I've been as annoyed as the best of them during the last couple of weeks. As I said in a private post to Tom, "I'm ready to quit"... but why should I, or the majority here, be punished for the possible errors of a few. I am NOT speaking to anyone specifically, or any specific thread or post. Most of us are old enough to have raised kids and taught them tolerance and manners. Maybe it's time we all, myself included, take a step back and review the rules of good taste, not just Tom's rules of etiquette on this board.
Maybe Tom will consider a postponement of the moderation, especially since I'm sure he didn't get a lot of volunteers to be "hall monitors" [didn't we all hate those people in school?]
I tend to agree with either moderating new members for a short period of time, or just putting repeat offenders on warning that they will be moderated if they can't control their fingers on the keyboard.
ADR