Message boards that get a lot of traffic need monitors. Even those run by individuals who don't also work for a living need help because they can't watch them 24/7. Most of the other forums in which I participate have some way of identifying those who are monitors, like their names show on the screen in a different color than the general population. That doesn't necessarily mean the monitors need to be treated with kid gloves, nor does it mean they exercise any level of overt authority that can be construed as being bullies, but, they also will inform someone that they are close to stepping over the line concerning acceptable behavior within that particular forum.

The moderators are all volunteers, and it is up to the forum owner to decide who he or she wants to trust with the ability to delete posts, and in some cases, ban someone from the forum. It is not up the the general population to make those choices, though I certainly find no fault with expressing displeasure in the choices made. Greg trusts David to perform these duties, and so do I. ...and it sure doesn't hurt to have someone who is on the other side of the planet monitoring the board in the wee hours of the morning, scrubbing away the spam and other useless crap that finds its way onto message boards.

Are you going to be dressed in your traditional camouflage at the convention? It's been a while since I've had the pleasure of talking to you face-to-face...

I hope all is well with you my friend,

Bob