the future of this forum

[Oid]

I've been thinking about this alot today. My conclusion is that we keep it how it is. It works so well because it?s totally free of identity. Some of the most interesting points are raised by first time posters (which because of the ability to change your name, I?m sure their not). I know that at the moment alec, phil and co are feeling overworked but remember schools go back this week so things should return to normal! Perhaps giving afew of the more responsible regulars more power (Callipygeaa, Caractacus and Matt come to mind) things may improve. But I don't think anything?s wrong anyway really. The problem is that perhaps we gave some of these posts more response than they disserved. Perhaps the fault is ours. I, for one, will now not respond to any inflammatory posts. Thanks guys, and remember it?s my birthday in about 355 days! - Joke Phil!

[Mr Magoo]

Well said Oid, I agree. I suspect that all of the recent stupid posts were probably the same stupid, imature schoolboy. Hopefully his (or her) mummy will not let him near the computer now that the school holidays are over. I have noticed a dramatic drop in the number of silly posts since the schools went back a couple of days ago. Come on teachers give these little gits more homework so that they don`t have time to wreck this forum.

[Callipygea]

Responsible? Me? I must be getting old. However, I do feel your proposal that things be left as they are has some merit, as does the point that the openness of the forum is one of its strengths. Registration would deter some casual posters, which would be a pity.
The last week has been highly unusual in the number of cretin posts, although it would be interesting to know whether the apparent increase was due to the number of posts made, or to delays in deleting them.
If the former, then there may be no need for action. If the latter, then more monitors could be a practical solution.

[taff]

I would suggest that the monitors see what happens over the next two weeks before they make a decision - just to see if it was a 'blip'
we can also see what happens during the october(?) half-term.
im not convinced it was a school kid though.

[Phil K]

> although it would be interesting to know whether the
> apparent increase was due to the number of posts made, or to
> delays in deleting them.

I strongly suspect it was a combination of both.