I'm glad to see enthusiastic greetings for our new volunteer moderator. But I'd like a little reassurance on what this new policy means.

There's a big difference, in my mind, between a post that displays bad manners and a post that displays polite, principled disagreement. I'm all in favor of improved online manners, and new sheriff who helps enforce this is certainly welcome! But I would hope that the statement "As a moderator my actions will be driven by what is best for the Equipped to Survive Foundation" would still allow for those who might disagree with Mr. Ritter or ETS, either on a technical detail or a philosophical outlook, to be able to express those opinions, as long as it is done in a polite and appropriate way.

That's a good question and you've already answered it with the word "polite". We are all adults and should be aware that a difference in opinion does not require a personal attack. There are always going to be times when people either 1)need to agree to disagree or 2)use the "Ignore" button. Either works for me.

Sidenote: just because a post can be taken the wrong way does not mean it should be taken the wrong way. Give everyone the benefit of doubt in that they really weren't attacking you ("you" used generically). The benefit of this is that if they weren't attacking you you won't look foolish and if they were attacking you it will really irritate them that they weren't successful.

-Blast

Blast,
Thanks for volunteering and helping out!

BTW, I still use those pictures you sent me in a couple of presentations

I still get over 100 hits a day on my blog specifically due to that incident.
Damn cat.

-Blast

Welcome to your new position Blast. As a relative newcomer I wholeheartedly agree with your rationale and support the decision. I will do my best personally to keep my conduct in accordance with your standards

As soon as my wife downloads the photos, I shall be sending you images of our cats swimming. It wasn't their idea, but I wanted to prove it was possible.

Yes, there was some minor blood loss, but no ER visits.

Duly noted. Thanks Blast--like everyone else here, I prefer to build Doug's reputation and company rather than hurt it.

Well written Blast! Glad that you took the job!

Blast, you hit the nail on the head. This forum does seem to have some rather passionate points of view, but in my experiences, there's been very few (relatively speaking) instances where it's turned ugly.

I can't remember once where Blast was on the offense... nor when he actually was attacked. Another reason he's the right new guy for the job.

Oh, I've been on both sides of that coin. There's more than one reason I'm called "Blast". My biggest fear is leting DR down by slipping up like that again.

I just keep reminding myself that I've never learned anything from someone who agrees with me.

-Blast