I find it amusing at just 'how far' this thread has gone.
I also find it weird that people seem to see this forum as something you have to subscribe to, or unsubscribe and that the 'owners' and mods have some sort of active control over its members, content and direction.
Its just like a pub, who's doors are open to anyone. Folk can enter the pub, sit quietly in a corner listening to the conversations going on around them. They don't even have to introduce themselves to the other folks in the pub (i.e. registered on the forum). They only technically need to introduce themselves (register) if they want to chip in, if they feel they have something to contribute, or ask around to see if anyone knows anything about such and such.
If they don't like the tone of the conversation, or they're bored by it. They are free to walk out of the pub, and if they wish, never return. They don't have to do anything. just leave. just dont ever type www.ukcaving.com into their web browser ever again. simples.
The owners of the pub just simply provide the room. They don't have to do anything (not even serve beer). They don't really have to get involved in the conversion.
Only if things get a bit rowdy in the pub, perhaps an argument/fight breaks out, or someone who's had far too many, gets a bit obnoxious and starts offending others do they have to get involved, with the help of the moderators. Just as you'd expect in a real pub. If the culprit is a repeat offender or the , then they'll get 'barred' from the forum, just as they would in a real pub.
I find it just plain odd that people get grumpy and 'announce' that they are leaving and sometimes demand that all their posts are removed, their account deleted etc. I personally think that shouldn't happen. If you've registered, made contributions, had your say, they you should have to stand by what you've said.
I also find it odd that people blame 'the forum' (and its owners by association) for its content. Pub owners have no sway over the conversations of its clients, just as tim and jane don't control the content of the forum, unless its to break up a brewing fight or halt something thats becoming offensive to other members.
If the content of the forum is not to a members liking, then that can only be down to its members.
Should speleotel ever need ask for some information on anything, they are of course welcome to pop on here and ask. Perhaps more likely to reach a wider audience get an answer than asking down her local.