I guess it depends on what type of message board is wanted here. I am a member on a couple that the owner makes very clear what will and will not be tolerated and in that case if he perceives the discussion to have become personal, topic is ended. Others seem to allow anything and thus they get off topic. I leave those boards because I see little worth in it. If it is simply left to someone posting an opinion and others stating theirs, I see no problem, and I see no problem if someone makes a comment that says "I disagree based on . . . " because that is not personal, nor is it snide or rude. I think that is what drives others off. So if you want a measuring stick I would state if the post gets personal or become rude or snide that the topic is considered closed. If it is intelligent, respectful, even of opposing views, and polite, then if someone is offended that becomes the other issue. Perhaps we just need more people posting topics of what they would like to discuss, learn more of etc. Just my two cents and feel free to disagree, I'm use to it, I'm married and more importantly have two teenagers . . . ;o) On 2009-12-10 04:10, Patrick Wiggins wrote:

On 09 Dec 2009, at 16:24, David Rankin wrote:

...

Chuck,

This discussion had nothing to do with what you perceive as "fact".

Actually Chuck has left the list (another victim of our recent climate change flame war).

He certainly was not the first which has me wondering about ways to keep such things from happening in future.

One option would be to have the system set that if a certain numbers of folks post, either to the list or to the administrators, that a discussion has gone on too long the administrators would cut off the discussion.

The liberal side of me sees that as a form of censorship. During the recent war I found myself using the "delete" key very liberally.

But, then again, if a discussion becomes so heated and drawn out that it drives folks away, maybe such an option should be pursued.

You opinions (on this and other way of handling wars) would be much appreciated.

patrick co-admin