my two cents...

I really dislike all the personal posts, both smarmy nice and attack-dog mean, however, free speech trumps those dislikes with ease, and, more importantly, I don't believe any moderator chosen (and the process of choice would be a 'campaign' just like the national one we are in in the States (even if Randy et al are to make the choice people will be manuevering))could not help but be hampered by bias precisely because his/her 'interest' in the specific topic is so strong (think of at least two definitions of 'interest' here). Also, as previously pointed out, that bias would also play out when confict ocurred between parties where one (or more) were 'tight' with the moderator.

In the end, the price of free discussion is spending some time listening to people you'de rather not. Interestingly, amongst that wreckage there is the occasional tidbit that is worthwhile or instructive.


[This message has been edited by myriad (edited 10-06-2000).]