Catman,

I've missed your frequent presence here.. And as a relative newbie - only three months - I've already noticed a deterioration in the level of tenor and critical comment - it still exists, certainly - but is increasingly nestled among the trite and the trash.

I think it's a problem of success. This is the best forum and the best collection of personalities, wit, and experience available. There's little we can do to 'legislate' behavior without limiting the very essence that has been appealing to the core of this group and those of us who have found a real sense of community here.

But I do believe - and we talked about this in chatroom last night - that we could all do more to boycott the offensive, devisive, and aggressive posts - just as we do the unimportant, unintelligent, and worthless ones. And yes, I'm including myself in a big way in that admonition.

I suggest that we all refuse to respond to these posts, that we studiously ignore them - pretend they don't exist! Skip over them in an otherwise good thread - ignore threads they start, etc. As a parent, I know that to over-acknowledge outbursts in an errant child is to essentially reward them with your attention.

I understand the difficulty in doing this, and I understand that it doesn't quickly or permanently erradicate the problem. But perhaps it's a small way, using only our own self-discipline, to regain the high standards of tolerance, community, and useful information this board represents.

I, for one, would try any experiment to regain access to the thought leadership of the stewards of our boards (you, among many others) who are quickly retreating!

This is an only a minor idea - But I believe we need some strategy before our frustration exceeds our attraction to this space. I have little ability in my current demanding environment to build new friendships or maintain old ones. This community has come to mean a lot to me, and I am signing on to make any contribution I can to the common good.

Before this gets too sappy - I'm outa here!