First, I would like to say, Shhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

Not "Shush" - just bring down the volume.

For me, and a lot of people, the best operative metaphor for the Buffistas is a large cocktail party. Sometimes you talk in the corners, but you mix and mingle, and you welcome people. You talk about serious things but if it upsets people you politely change the subject. It's witty and fun and that's the way it works best. Historically.

Voting: We used to just vote and use Mr. Poll to name the threads. So, I think voting is just like "Quick show of hands! We have to make a run to the Liquor Barn. Do we want to get Tequila or Scotch?" Still part of the cocktail party, an idea to get preferences, and most importantly all about keeping the cocktail party going.

Culturally, I don't think we want government. Even though it might solve this particular issue. This particular issue isn't so big that we want to throw out the cocktail party. The cocktail party is the point.

We only want solutions that foster the cocktail party. If everybody's yelling at each other and wants to leave the party - then something's wrong.

I just want to keep some of these ideas up front in the discussion.

Look, proposing Big Changes is always difficult. Back in the day, when a separate thread for natter was first proposed, it was met with a resounding chorus of HELL NO. I imagine the original proposer felt piled-upon. Later, it seemed like a good idea. And here we are.

Tequila.

Scotch!!!

What David Said. In notrump.

With a cognac chaser.

What we really need is a real cocktail party. All the Buffistas in a room with one whole shitload of liquor. Then we all spend one drunken evening having fun, and whomever passes out last makes all the rules.

Hey, let's vote on that.

Cold Duck.

We've done that, Anathema. There's another one coming up soon.

hastily shoves a basin into Typo Boy's corner for the inevitable consequences

Ah, alcohol. The cause of- and solution to - all life's problems!