One positive I have noticed about the separate forums is that the threads stay on the front page longer, so even if we are not on top of our computers all day, we don't miss out. If 3/4 of these threads had been on the News Forum I would have missed them. I think that gives more time for some of the discussions to evolve. One thing I would like to see added perhaps is some sort of box on the News page (like Breaking News) for the Religious Forum. That way, people could get an idea of new/breaking posts and then click over as desire warrants. It might provide enough of a 'link' while still keeping the forums separate. Anyway, there have been some good ideas posted on this already. The point being, we can work this out. Perhaps we can start a separate thread and constructively list any ideas for change and concerns we may have. We've had this long enough to know where the kinks are and are not.
Speaking of kinks, the haters and the bigots will find us wherever we go: different thread, different forum, different website. They're not going away. I for one would miss a lot of you. I've learned a lot here and enjoy the community with intelligent people. It's also strengthened my faith. Please don't go.
I do think we need some criteria/clarification as to what goes in the News forum and what goes in the Religion forum. Something concrete would offer an antidote to suspicions of bias or inconsistency. Based on my own feelings and what I seen expressed by other Catholics, tempers and frustrations are running high due to the current situation, as well as our own everyday personal problems. It's tough out there right now and this place, for good or bad, is here 24/7 for us to let off a little steam. Most of us are not our usual diplomatic, patient, adorable little selves;)
Jim, I'm sure there are days when you think you have an impossible, thankless job trying to please 80,000 plus people. I for one am glad you try and am grateful for this forum. Thank you. Personally, I would've whacked someone by now but hey, I never did figure out why the ER security guards left so quickly when it was my turn to go out to triage.........
P.S. When you are finished solving the mysteries of the cyberUniverse, a 12 Step program would be much appreciated for those of us FReepers who have developed a little problem.........