realskiers

First, who is the "we" who drive away those who have much to offer? The roots of most of the subtle (and no so subtle) taunting of others is derived from old issues from other forums. The battle lines and players on both sides are well known, this forum just gave them a new field to fight in.

I'm giving Liam credit for this one, jbotti credit for pushing Josh over the edge, and am unsure at exactly how the credit should be distributed for Max_501's departure.  I've never claimed to be very bright, but I don't think it's a foregone conclusion that old battles must continue in every new field that opens.

Second, my read is that you are implying some members are more worthy than others, and, I strongly disagree.

It's not that they're more worthy in general than others; it's that they should be shown respect for their experience and knowledge.  In real life, you don't start a chairlift argument about ski technique with a guy who skis circles around you every day and twice on Sunday.  I don't think the internet should be any different in this regard.  I think everybody's valuable as a participant, of course, but let's keep things real.

This forum was never intended to be the equivalent of the PMTS forum or the Epic Instruction forum, as evidenced by the lack of a specific forum. It's much more about the everyday skier, their experiences and opinions, and, perhaps most of all it was intended to capture some of the joy of skiing we all experience. Like you, I'm pleased to have access to some very knowledgeable people, I'm also selective regarding what I accept as meaningful.

I don't see this as an instruction forum, either.  I love to see trip reports, equal social participation, and such from the everyday skier too, but I'm not terribly interested in seeing him argue ski technique with somebody far more skilled.  Sensible people usually know when not to open their mouths in real life.  Helping to keep things that way helps to ensure continued access to those very knowledgeable people.  We've lost quite a percentage of those lately, and I'm unhappy about it.

You are on equal footing with all who post here, although, some may be better skiers. Behavioral standards apply to all.

My suggestion is for behavioral standards to be loosened a touch for those who've been taunted and finally lost their cool.  It seems unfair to let the taunting go unfettered and only stomp on the response.

If you want access to Max, Helluva, High Angles or JB, you know, very well, where to find them, and, in a forum intended to dwell down into the technical aspects.

Sure I do.  They're not the only folks I'm interested in hearing from, though.