I have avoided this discussion for the simple fact that many people are angry with me for the fact that I started the "Countdown from 100,000" thread. That thread was started as a joke, as I stated in the original post, "It must be a slow Saturday night." I never expected the thread in any way to pick up the momentum that it did from a few members. I have, in fact, more than once referred to it as "my evil stepchild."
With that said, the countdown has been more than just numbers. Those who frequent it know when other counters are out of town, what the weather is in various parts of the world, and have in fact gotten to know other FT members. In short, it has led to a sense of community for FT members, which is part of the FT experience.
If the Talk Board doesn't like "distorted" post counts, maybe the only posts that should count are those that would receive a "positive post" report, which could replace or supplement the "bad post" notification system. I just think its funny that people are trying to decide what posts "count." I made many posts in the "Unabashed Cholula Spam" thread when it was in the Delta Forum, but it was moved to OMNI when it was closed. Does that mean those posts no longer count, but my posts in the Delta Lounge which supplanted it will count? That is at best arbitrary and meaningless.
Either count all posts or don't count any. That is my bottom line.