This thought also occurred to me during a stretch of 'windshield time' to and from a meeting.

I also belong to a forum for Mopars very similar to this group. However, it is almost all technical info, there is little or no banter or joking around and not because the moderators have ever jumped on anyone for 'off-topic' posts. While the technical info is good, it doesn't have nearly the activity this group does.

I think the two are related...

While we may occasionally need to be reminded ( <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" />) to keep it good-natured and at least marginally related to Isuzus (or at least off-roading), I think the leeway given to let folks express some of their personalities helps make this place what it is and helps explain why most of us spend so much time here!

I've never seen a post there about 'what do you do off line' or 'how did you come up with your screen name'...

Hmmm, I think I'll head over to that board and start both of those! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

Jay

I agree, Jay -- the sense of community is wrapped up in the true value of the place, more than just the raw technical details.

I saw a quote today that reminded me of how we moderate, and why we moderate:
"Good judgment comes from experience and experience comes from bad judgment."

There's a good bit of experience that drives the way we structure this community, and the way we moderate. I've been participating on the internet almost dating back to when it was Arpanet (before Al Gore created it, I guess) and have been moderating, editing, and managing Isuzu sites since the mid-90s... we draw from this experience and do our best, with full knowledge, as quoted above, that we're gonna keep learning as we move forward, and that we're gonna have to always be open to new things, framed in the context of our experience.

Randii

I haven't read through all of the posts, but most floks seem happy. Personally, I think the mods do a fine job. Occasionally, I read a comment made by a mod that makes me angry, but I know that I've upset a few people myself. MY advice, stay consistent w/ your application of policy and never use knowledge to intimidate or belittle your subscribers. Keep up the good work!