Excellent points svpii! A moderator, if effective, is a special person!

These are very interesting ideas violist, yet who/ how many would be willing to volunteer and do a consistently "good" job! I'd, for one, be quite reticent! And the need for effective guidelines remains at issue, as PG noted.

Yes, FQTV, "This board thrives because (of)the willingness to offer opinions and rebuttals...," but I believe it should always be done in strict moderation, with respect for all others on the boards!

If we do not moderate ourselves, then perhaps someone is needed to moderate for us!

Again, as PG notes, "What is the definition of 'inappropriate'?" I too have asked about this in the past. Once again if you'll permit me to ask, why not have some detailed rules explicitly stated up front? Why not have a verifiable, enforceable "signed" agreement by all users to abide by these rules to retain participatory rights? Even within a broad self-regulating community of the type Randy & Co surely prefers, this would seemingly be most helpful and quite workable.

-Are multiple handles permitted?
-Is personal criticism permitted?
-Are friendly exchanges like "Thanks" etc., between FT's to be discouraged?
-Is their a broadband problem to be considered so as to limit our posts?
-Is a certain degree of anonymity permitted or actively discouraged?
-Are repeated exchanges between "undisclosed" family members/close friends permitted?
-What is the policy regarding tradgeties and posting them on FT? Is this discouraged?
-What language, specifically, is prohibited?
-Are complaints and ongoing customer service issues with providers appropriate?
-Is it acceptable for FT's to disclose personal information regarding other FT's specifically against their will?

Perhaps a brief statement addressing these concerns would be helpful, IMHO!

Thanks again to all the FT folks for their continued efforts to make the FT boards work so well for ALL of us! It's very much appreciated!

BTW- There were various mini and ouright flaming wars perhaps during your "sabattical" PG, and two relatively recent cases of intercession by Randy and his staff where offending comments/threads were edited. Vestiges of these intercessions appear here:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum1/HTML/003031.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum97/HTML/000178.html

It sure would be nice to avoid this kind of "stuff." Thanks!