Florian,
I echo everything that has been said about our appreciation to you for this website.
Count me also among the strong supporters of LAMS and her contributions here.
That said, I would urge that you make no changes -- at least not in the near horizon. I would prefer that first you give the site the opportunity for things to calm down a bit.
When I first came to this website, I would have found it very disturbing to be required to e-mail someone I didn't know just to be allowed to post. I doubt I would have bothered. And I would have missed a wonderful experience -- both here and through interaction with other Gord fans.
Early on, some of my posts discussed lyric changes that I might like to see. It was obvious that many disagreed with me, but I never felt "flamed" by any disagreement. Moreover, I hope that my views were considered thoughtfully, even if rejected. Upon consideration of the responses, sometimes I agreed with the response and changed my opinion, sometimes not. That's what opinions are -- mere offerings in the marketplace of ideas.
There is a difference between the opinions I offered and some of the recent posts. I hope that within each of my opinions was conveyed the great love I have for Gord and his music. I compared him to Shakespeare once, noting that even Shakespeare's writings are subjected to critical analysis (e.g. for possible anti-semitism in Merchant of Venice).
The recent posts differ with respect to the absence of love and respect for Gord and his muse. These posts derive from hate, not love, mockery, not respect. They have no place here.
My remedy, which I propose to all lovers of Gord, is that the mocking, evil posts be simply ignored. No response, no argument, no attention at all. These evil pranksters thrive upon attention. If they don't get that attention, they will search for new fields to infect.
If anyone is particularly offended by a particular post, such as the despicable attack on LAMS, and is unwilling to simply ignore the idiot, that person should have the right to e-mail you to request removal of the offensive item. You would then serve as the arbiter of removing posts rather than of screening them.
My guess is that my more moderate suggestion would have the required curative effect. If it does not, the more drastic measure of changing the character of this site is still available as the next step.
Anyway, thank you again for the very valuable service you have done us all. I'm sure I speak for all who can appreciate what you have done for us when I say that we all trust your best judgment.
2M2L
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