I started out responding to every post made, but it was just getting way too long.
I understand that certain topics can bring out strong feelings, but I'm more than a bit disappointed that a couple of members here have used this topic to further their own agendas and/or express a general dissatisfaction with the forums. I always welcome constructive criticism but am tiring of the sniping. I've been very tolerant thus far but my patience is wearing thin.
I have (and will continue to) make the decisions on everything from the look and feel of the website to the host server it is run on. From the most minute detail to the most sweeping policy. I am often assisted greatly in making these decisions but ultimately the buck stops here. I have put thousands of hours of work into this site not for monetary gain (or some nefarious motive) but simply because I truly love the subject matter and I wanted to make a nice place for other signalfans to visit and talk about signals.
Not to put too fine a point on things, you are all here as my guests. Normally I am more than happy to be the happy host but when my guests start knocking furniture over, demanding this and demanding that and refusing to abide by the house rules, then it's time for them to leave.
In running the forums I've had (and continue to have) a great deal of help and assistance from moderators and other members who have repeatedly demonstrated that they have the best interests of this hobby at heart. Who they are is not as important as what they do - help me run the site and occasionally provide opposing viewpoints. Their identities aren't secret, and if they so desire, they can reveal themselves. I know that some will feel offended by not being included in this 'management team', but please don't be. I've tried to keep it as small as possible to avoid 'large committee syndrome'.
So in closing, the stated ebay policy will remain in effect. The opposing points that have been raised have been adequately addressed IMO. If you have any questions or perhaps a different perspective that you'd like to respectfully submit here, then you are welcome to do so. Repeating the same argument or lamenting the unfairness of it all will not be tolerated.
I don't want to piss anyone off, but I think that this is the reason for the "active post rule". For those of us who are not in the buying mood it's not a good rule, but for those who spend hours hunting down a good deal on ebay or craigslist this is good thing. I know that I would get pissed if I spent half a day going through craigslist, and just happen to come up on a good deal then have someone who is not interested in the item post it here in the club for everyone to see.
