Thank you for your sage and rational advice, Jon Toner and NJDavid. Every time that I read disparaging posts I develop the immediate impulse to either defend who is being attacked or respond with contempt to the aggressor. Thank you for reaffirming the positive values of this board and how we as a community should react to such individuals. The only thing that can come of such bantor is to further incite and fuel the fire.
I agree with every item that NJDavid addressed. I do not think that it would be that difficult to implement, and I think that it would go great lengths at “weeding” out those who are not truly dedicated to the integrity of this forum. I particularly agree with the idea of having temporary passwords that expire in two weeks, and then sending out a new one to a valid email address. This is not quite on the level of a waiting period to purchase a gun, or the like, but I think that it is the same concept; those who really want to take part of these boards will wait, and provide a legitimate address that can be tracked by the hierarchy at WebFlyer. I also do not have a problem with a nominal membership fee. With the advice, ideas, and relationships shared- it will more than pay for itself in the long run. Even a nominal fee ought to discourage those who are not interested in our common good.
Hopefully, Randy and others at FT can find a way to reconcile this.