JohnH wrote:

Is rec.boats.cruising a 'monitored' group? I think not. Yet they manage
quite well. Why? How often do you see a political/religious thread over
there? How often do you see a political/religious thread here that doesn't
become a name-calling free-for-all.

It just won't work here, John...for many reasons. The only hope for
alt.sailing.asa and this NG is democratic monitoring. Monitors who allow
off-topic, differing views and lively discussions, but keep it within
bounds. I think we all know when it goes to far. Sans monitors, there's
just no reasonable way to bring it back from the small-minded off-topic
chatroom and flamefest it has become.

--
Skipper