From a Mod's point of view, a larger contributing membership would almost certainly mean considerably more work: more threads and messages to keep up with, and many more people to keep tabs on. It would also almost certainly cause something of a fragmentation of the constituency into smaller groups to the point where the unity of the board would dissipate. Mr Grew has never shown any real interest in the social side of the board, but for many other members it is an important part of the place's appeal. With a few piecemeal new arrivals, it's possible to get to know each one as they join: with a major expansion, there'd be likely to be larger influxes, which might well affect the equilibrium of the place, especially if not all were necessarily of positive intent.

 Each time we have had flare-ups, they've frightened established members away: perhaps I'm being over-cautious, but I really suspect that on a board with more contributors, where a lower percentage will be aware of others' foibles and idiosyncrasies, the likelihood of misunderstandings, offence and other mishaps will be greatly increased. Most organisations which experience sudden expansion lose much of their original identity, and undergo a metamorphosis into something rather different which rarely satisfies those who appreciated the unique nature of the original. If that's what others want, then so be it, but I for one would be very sad to see a major upheaval break the community as we know it apart.

This forum seems to have established its' natural equilibrium. With a solid core of members seemingly ever present, others coming and going as life dictates ( some much missed, a few not ), a regular trickle of newcomers ( some who stick, some who don't ) Given that the main source of expansion would still be from the official BBC board, I can't say that there are many over there who I would want to see invade ( as ever with a few exceptions )

I don't think having a preference for the status quo is being cliquey or exclusive, rather echoing Mort's view that if it ain't broke don't fix it. It's not as if we are hiding or putting up any barrier to new members. In fact often when this forum is mentioned or linked to at TOP, it seems to provoke adverse comment about touting for members.

You're a member of an S&M forum? 

You said you wouldn't tell anyone else your escape phrase.

Ron, you make a lot of sense here, as ever.

John, thanks for increasing the number of 'recent posts' on view. Very helpful.  


Well, inspired by Baz's humorous one*, I thought it might be fun to have an animated Inquisition, at least for a while. Just wait until I get the comfy chair out...

*Although I see Baz has changed it again. It was rather amusing...

Another voice raised in support of Ron's reading of this, and of Mort's 'if it ain't broke' outlook. This forum seems to grow/ adapt at its own pace, and I much prefer that to a huge influx where the 'personal' touch is lost. It's not cliquey, just friendly. We've had several new members join recently (Ruby, Descombes and some of the R3 jazz boreders for instance) who have leapt in with posts and already feel like part of the furniture. Let it evolve at its own pace, sez I.

Ha! No offence, D'combes. I like furniture. 

Those jazz guys refer to the 'bored' all the time, so it doesn't originate with me by any means. I think King Kennytone started it, but I may be wrong... And anyway, yes I DO like jazz, but I'm very ignorant about a lot of it.