Hi John. I would agree this is one of the more gentle newsgroups for me as
well.

There were quite a few of us for years that participated in this group.
Several years back there were 3-4 persons, I will allow them to be nameless
for now that seemed to think they were the crimewatch for this group.

It started out when someone posted and said, "I have some really nice
Laguiole corkscrews I that are bone and surgical steel you can find at
www.so-and-so.com if you like." The initial response was from a self
appointed crimewatch group "This is a non commercial Site" Do not post
commerical posts here. Then when the person responded back and said this is
not commcerial, I am sharing....he was then told, he was a troll. That he
did not have the right to post here. blah blah blah and they chased this
person and their company away.

Then we went from going after commerical posts to going after the perceived
troll and commercial posts. Someone in this group would use IP tracking
technology to identify where the person was from, what county, city, state
etc.

We went from a kind group that enjoyed wine to a group that started to doubt
anyone that posted if they were not already known here.

I for one don't miss postings that limit any discussion on wine including
anyone that wants to sell legitimatly any wine, wine accessory etc. The
person missing in this group was most adamant on the commercial post issue.
There were 2-3 others that lead the charge.

Fortunatly for me most of them have me blocked and that is fine with me. I
have been a member in this group almost since the beginning days and found
this group has changed from being really good, civil etc....to less civil
for a while. I think is back on a better track and those that were the
"king of the hill" mentality and self appointed police have pretty much
moved on and I wish Ian the best and I am not upset that he does not post
here. But if he did, and he kept it civil I would not have an issue either.
When he was civil and it was about wine...he was really a GREAT contributor.


"John T" > wrote in message
.uk...
> My view from this side of the pond, is that this is one of the more gentle
> newsgroups, a few trolls, yes, but usually well mannered.
>
> I have witnessed the death of one fine newsgroup overhere,
> uk.rec.birdwatching. It has been poached by the vegiwarriors, who cross-
> post crap.
>
> another, uk.rec gardening has seen such vitriolic personal attacks, that
> one wonders what goes on in British gardens.!
>
> I have been here for a few years now, and read but do not post much.
>
> My monthly wine club tasting is at my place tomorrow, theme is Pinot Noir.
> Will post notes on Wednesday.
>
> John T
>