maybe topics that are that much off topic could have a "2 minute warning" for those who want to comment... before the door is locked.
I am currently off topic as this thread has nothing to do with salamanders, but a lot to do with how an international Internet-based organization can function. A set discussion period of X days might be a good policy for any given topic to keep the discussion from becoming out-dated and to keep off topic or inflammatory dialog from getting out of hand. My objection is to locking a thread without warning the users first. I have, on lists I moderate, locked threads, deleted entire topics, deleted users, etc. but always after warning and getting a consensus from the users.
given our open door policy to users who can be non-donors (non-members?... non-registered users) we do need to have word filters in place as well as picture post filters in place. but other actions may require a more democratic approach.
Just the thoughts of an American pseudo-anarchist, pro-free speech person.
greg
PS "salamanders" is not in the spell check dictionary