I knew nothing about any moderation problems with this site and postings being deleted until I read this thread just now. Some of these problems were vaguely alluded to on the other site but never explained in detail. Point being, from my perspective, the other site certainly didn't appear to be set up as a way of taking revenge or potshots at this site.

Moderation on the other site is in the hands of a number of people, which to my mind makes it a little less autocratic than can be the case when there is a single moderator. I find that somewhat reassuring.

I've traded political blows with the other person on this site. I've voted 'blue' for decades but his particular brand of politics I found extremely unpleasant. He knows that. Whether, as he says, he's learned his lesson or it's just convenient to moderate his tone now, I don't know. What I do know is that the moderators make sure that any political stuff gets swept into a politics thread, which you have to opt into - not so you can be vetted, but so you can surf the site without bumping into blood pressure-raising postings. I steer clear of that thread, frankly.

As for P1971, she is, as she has often said, someone who says it like she sees it. I've given her free advice about the laws of defamation and I think she appreciates that we all have to be careful on social media. It's not just The Sun or Private Eye that can get sued.

I absolutely must add, however: look at how much work Pauline does for the community. The project to keep Forest Hill Library going when the council has felt it necessary to cut it loose is absolutely remarkable. Read their crowdfunder and see what financial burdens they're taking on - it involves a hell of a lot more than organising roster of volunteers. Pauline and others, in particular Michael, are doing the sort of work that gets MBEs. We should all be immensely grateful.

Finally, I admit I didn't quite see the point of the new site. I didn't see any problem with this one, though obviously the technology is looking pretty dated, now. But the openness and friendliness of the people taking part elsewhere made me think it was like drinking with your friends in a familiar old pub, and then a lot of them say, "Let's go try that new wine bar down the road!" You can stay in the boozer or you can go with your friends. So far, I'm going with my friends (though I've never actually 'met' any of them!). But I'm sure I'll come back here, if only to let Robin Orton and everyone else on the 'English usage' thread know the latest in American management drivel I've picked up.