But, but...I just got here! And already the room is clearing? Typical for me... "Hey, a funny (not) thing happened to me on the way to the forum..." oops, wrong venue.
But in a more serious vein, I definitely like, concur, and endorse the suggestion made by Ivar earlier on in this dialog that you turn your wisdom and experience to moderation, to the benefit of all members of this important forum. I respectfully disagree with his "hands off" policy regarding moderation. I think a zero tolerance policy towards attack postings should be a new rule. I would replace the post with a standard "slug" that explained that a moderator has removed the posting because it contained either a personal attack, over-the-top-criticism, or other inappropriate content. I would add a big happy face, a multi-language blessing, and a "Have a Nice Day!" (okay, so it is an American thing to wish everyone to just have a nice day)
In our contemporary society where nearly anything goes anytime and anywhere, and "adulthood" is now thought to occur in one's late 20s...jeesh...I submit that a responsible adult must necessarily step in to referee or moderate. Clearly, Ivar can not do it all. But I will note in passing that negativity and attack posting degrade the overall forum. The Forum is Ivar's "Brand" if you will. He should move decisively to protect it. Once you lose your core "customers" you are in decline, as the marketing experts would point out. Please say it ain't so?
My preference for the forum would be to see a "non attack" policy. Each thread or topic area (several threads) would have a moderator assigned. That moderator could delete ANY posting that seriously or uncharitably attacks another post. Personally, I have ZERO tolerance for impolite or immature conduct or statements.
I accept that language differences might make misinterpretation possible from time to time.However, English has become the second lingua franca of the Camino. That is not meant to be an imperious comment, just a statement of fact. So, misinterpretation should not be a frequent issue.
So, I would ask TerryB and Tia Valeria to PLEASE reconsider, especially if Ivar gives them the keys to the proverbial kingdom. We would all benefit from their imposition of civility, maturity and experience. I know I would.
Pretty please? With sugar on top?