After all the anger/angst, accusations and counter-accusations that have been flying around these last couple of weeks and also being flamed by a forum member with messages to my pm simply because I did not succumb to the “if you are not with/for us then you must be against us” clique I decided to leave this forum. On reflection I thought “why should I”. I have my opinions on most subjects but certainly not “vindictive” ones aimed at any particular person or persons. Except perhaps to the flamer who pm’d me but after I had slept on it I came to the conclusion that some folks have a definate problem with the human race. So I dismiss their rhetoric now that I realise that I almost became “one of them”. All thoughts of revenge or silly mind games are out of the window. I much prefer to practice my music.
I enjoy this list and the information it provides (usually anyway) so instead of leaving and me being the loser if I do I want to say “stop bickering” before we end up with no list at all. I’ll go further by adopting an “ostrich” mentality and ignoring the mails that even smell remotely of smoke. In fact one step further; I will not ask questions of certain members who even smell of spent embers or wood ash and I will certainly not respond to any opinions asked in general about this or that topic if they too have soot on their fingers.
Give us a break guys will ya. I’m fairly new here and I’ve enjoyed some of topics and I’ve also learned a thing or two (like how to make composite drone reeds that one generous member sent to my pm). I would hate to see us shut down.
Joseph (the UK one) 
The best thing to do is walk away, which is easy enough said, but requires a little self control to do it. There’s no reason why this forum has to be the battle ground for egos.
We don’t have to get along, but we do have to play by the rules… something I too have to be reminded of. They’re good rules, fair rules, and they aren’t difficult to follow.
I treasure this forum, and I truly enjoy helping where I may, and learning far much more. I’ll be dipped in doggie droppings if I am going to let a few malcontents ruin it for the rest of us.