For me, the chipboard is a place I can go to enjoy one of my hobbies and take a break from all of life's problems. This has been a fantastic place for me to meet new friends, learn more about our hobby and sometimes talk about non chippin' issues such as the meaning of life and such.

The thing that turns me off about the board is all of the political debates and the arguments that seem to overtake it in waves. Frankly, when I see all of that stuff, it makes me not want to visit the board as often (or frankly at all).

I complained about this a couple months ago, and those types of posts slowed down. What a blissful few months it was! No arguing, no politics, and everyone getting along. Yes an occasional joke here or there. Maybe a post about their family, their car, or recent vacation, and sometimes a post about current events. It was like old times when I first started visiting this board many years ago.

I'm thinking of a well known saying, "Please take it outside". Kind of like, when a fight breaks out and it gets out-of-hand and finally someone says please take it outside. That's how I feel about this political fighting...

I know Greg made it clear this board was intended to be an "open mike" where friends can come and discuss anything. And sure, I totally understand that sometimes those discussions may be non-chip topic and may turn into heated debates. But I know Greg's passion was about the hobby.

Greg was a dear friend to me and I do want to keep these sites up and running for him. If I am going to continue to be involved in this site, then I want it to be a positive thing for the hobby and yes positive experience for me too. When it stops doing that, then I'll have to step aside and let someone else deal with all of the costs and issues to keep it going.