I sent out my challenge , and stand by it. Regrettably, some drastic measures have forced action, i.e. departures such as Dr. Williams. Looking through the posts tonight, I started thinking about the enormous freedom and wealth of knowledge this forum provides. Then I realized I wouldn't have it any other way, even in light of the recent upheavals. Before you all form a lynching party, ("Hey , Kym , YOU challenged us !"), look at it this way. We have , each one of us on the FML, an incredible powerhouse of information, contacts, and support. More importantly, WE GOVERN OURSELVES. This list is solely what WE make of it Maybe we needed a sharp kick in the ass. It's awfully easy to get sucked into that dread lull where people just become names on a screen, without a face, a life, an identity. Type out a rash thought, it's just words on a screen, and easily forgotten. After all, it's not like you're responding to someone face-to-face, just an email. The email age is a great golden time for communication, and also the perfect shield for communication. Everyone is beautiful in cyberspace, and if not, well, there's always the delete key. It's very, very easy , and it's a great way both to share your thoughts, and a weapon to hurt with virtual impunity. Look at it this way - the FML has been around nearly as long as the web. It's now in the rowdy teen stages. Fractious, and often difficult. Censorship is not the answer, because we're ALREADY censoring ourselves. Just like an adolescent, we as a list are learning the hard way, cause and effect. We've run off some good people. We've probably scared the hell out of a lot of others. Lately, the FML has come off as the lumbering schoolyard bully. So, are we going to take the lunch money, or are we going to back off ? As I said, maybe we stubborn , highly opinionated folks needed this quick and brutal reality check. Up to us , now, whether we listen or not. All the best, Kym Zorn Long Wayward Weasel Ferret Rescue 1800 Shady Lane Louisville, KY 40205 (502) 459-9950 [Posted in FML issue 3335]