An Open Letter To the Members of the CCF

When I was asked to be the first moderator of this Forum, with it came some responsibility to the owner. The owner requested that the Forum be kept free of "flaming" posts and that it be kept free of political postings. At that time, this Forum had fewer than 100 members.

Over time, there were political posts, especially just before national elections, that did get a little heated. I was guilty of some of these posts. Some of my posts were deleted by a fellow moderator, as were posts by other members.

The then owner of the Forum posted a reminder to the members that the Forum was not a place for political discussion and even mentioned where there were sites for this on the internet. I have tried to adhere to these requirements as Forum Administrator.

The Moderators and I have received numerous thanks over the years for keeping the Forum free of political posts and for keeping the theme of the Forum on track. This is not always easy. There are, or have been, members who do not wish to follow our requested posting guidelines. As some of these former members are very knowledgeable on the subjects of gas pressured appliances, they will be missed.

I have communicated with people who are members on other Forums and they have told me horror stories of how forum administrators have let the political door get pushed open and the fighting and bickering that ensues. At one time, one such forum had many more members than we do. After the political bloodbath started, I am told that forum now has 40 active members. I do not want this to happen here.

The hard part of being an Administrator or Moderator is knowing where a line must be drawn. Yes, political humor is sometimes the best kind. Unfortunately, we all have passions regarding the subject but not always the same point of view.

With Cigar Mike buying Oldcolemanparts.com from Bob Hitchcock, this will be the third owner I have had the pleasure of working for as Administrator of this Forum. Mike has asked the current moderators, Warren, Nevada Ed and myself to stay on as we have for Bob Hitchcock and Frank Bebb. As this Forum has grown rapidly over the last couple of years, Mike must feel we are doing a reasonably good job.

It is our sincere desire to have a community here, a place where we can be friends without the need to use the Forum as a soapbox. And, to be the best Coleman Forum possible!

Thank you for your time.