Maybe I'm a bit late, but I'd like to share a few thoughts on what's
been going on in MMD of late.  Other pressures have prevented me from
contributing these before this.

I'm comparatively new to MMD and some of the things that attracted me
were the detailed technical discussions contributing much valuable
expertise and experience, as well as the light, good-natured tone of
most of the contributions.  Not always completely relevant, but
generally a pleasure to read.

When the discussion concerning the legitimacy of the word
'irregardless' ran its course, I had noticed the use of the word
originally, felt it of not enough consequence to remark on as others
did, but nonetheless enjoyed the discussion that ensued.

It seemed a shame when letters appeared to be intentionally offensive
in attacking other contributors.  If people go to the trouble of
sharing their knowledge and experience they are entitled to some
respect.  As Robbie has stated that he wishes to neither "censor nor
exorcise" contributions, perhaps contributors might exercise some
self-censorship and restrain those outbursts directed personally at
other contributors rather than their views.

As an example, the recent thread concerning dark-stained or polished
timbers of pianos, and how these might have originally looked, was a
model of how such a subject could be handled.  A multiplicity of views
and opinions, some diametrically opposite views, many based on
extensive personal experience and all presented without anyone feeling
the necessity to insult any of the other contributors or sneer at their
contributions.  There is not always one correct answer, and even when
there is, other viewpoints deserve to be heard, if only to be
challenged.

MMD is such a wonderful resource for all of us, with so much
information and  sharing of  experience that it seems a shame to spoil
the pleasure that so many of us derive from the thoughtful work of Jody
and Robbie by making their work unnecessarily difficult.

Bob Klepner
Melbourne Australia