The current comments on editorial policy are interesting in that it
proves what I've always known: everyone wants something different.

As the editor of The Key Frame for FOPS, I try to keep my comments
within, or connected with, letters or articles very short and only to
clarify a point being made or to correct an obvious mistake on the part
of a letter writer who may, say, have simply mis-read another author's
letter or article.  (I fail to resist the urge occasionally, but only
ever with people I know personally!) In most cases, they know more about
their subject than I do, anyway.

I do have a section of the magazine to myself, however, called "Comment",
which can be flippant or serious (depending on the circumstances and the
level of annoyance or humour I'm feeling at the time) but it's always (I
hope) relevant to the work of the Society, the running of the magazine,
or about the members.  I tend to cover aspects of the Society that are a
little "dodgy", too -- the sort of thing the "silent majority" would love
to comment on, and indeed do so verbally, but are reluctant, or too
polite, to put it into writing.  I'm not exactly bashful and can use a
wooden spoon with some skill.

The MMD seems, to me, to be a completely different platform.  Unlike many
society publications, reflecting the policy of the society, it is a forum
in the classical sense of a meeting place, albeit we don't actually touch
hands; a market place, a place for discussion and debate.  (Perhaps we
should draw a veil over the "court" and "tribunal" parts of the Concise
English Dictionary's definition).  As contributors to this forum, perhaps
we should take for granted the hecklers who are bound to walk into the
square just as we get into our pontifical stride and remind us that we
are seldom really as important as we think we are.  They have been a part
of debate for centuries; they are commentators, they are "editors".

Pontification over, I would suggest that Jody and Robbie have it about
right and should continue their excellent work as moderators, comment-
ators, editors and hecklers for the benefit of the mere mortals among us
and to the frustration of others.  After all, unlike the printed word, if
I don't like what they say in the MMD I can simply "Ctrl+X" their
opinions to oblivion!

As I said at the beginning, everyone wants something different.  I like it
the way it is, thanks.  Anyway, I'm just a new boy - what do I know?

Phil Benson