We must not allow these threads to jump tenses. Either we stay in the 19th century and discuss it or we stay in the 21st century and discuss it.

... and that, John, (either / or) is how it would be in a perfect world, but this board is populated by imperfect people who do jump tenses - a sad reality of posting on CW N&Vs.

As a type this, I do not think I can remember a thread of any length and significance that was able to stay in either the 19th or 20th centuries.

Hmmm . . . once again, you have me thinking.