In reading some of the posts that came in since I had started my previous post I noticed one response that addressed an issue that I had forgotten about. It is a good point that the slabbing issue may have something to do with the changes that you have noticed. I didn't address it before since it wasn't mentioned in your post.

I will agree that the Slabbing issue has been a very contentious one. People are very passionate about their views. I know some have been very hurt by things that have been said. That may play some in peoples lack of interest in tables at the convention. Some serious grudges may still be active between some members and certain members of the board. As was mentioned though, I do not get the impression that it has been that harmful to the hobby as a whole or that it has driven that many people away. Like was said before, the outpouring of kindness and friendship when THE CHIPS ARE DOWN(sorry couldn't resist)indicates that as nasty as some of the exchanges may seem there are few hard feelings. I know I have received many tonguelashings for things that I have said. Have I taken them personnally? NO. That is one of the costs of a constructive debate. Everyone will not always agree.

I would like to add here that I would oppose the advocation of quashing the debates on slabbing either. They too are constructive and important issues that should be addressed here.

It would be a point well taken that we can have these debates and still be civilized.