Hi Folks,

I really don't have the time right now to be constantly monitoring this site and I know I can't do a better job than Jamie. I think Jamie is doing an outstanding job with this site and others and I don't know what I'd do without him. But, I think Jamie is far more patient and diplomatic than I might be, because he fears alienating people or hurting feelings that might cause someone to not participate, or effect the quality or amount of traffic on these sites. First of all, any decision to block, delete, redact or in any other way control the content on this site by Jamie, I back 100%. Second, the continual testing of Jamie's goodwill and his thoughtfulness will stop. I consider it disrepectful and insulting to Jamie, myself and others who do attempt to follow the rules, when several of you make "joking" or sarcastic responses to requests to stay on-topic or limit your off-topic postings. I also don't want old problems with certain heritage preservation groups to be fought out on this message board. If you can't post on this site without these issues coming up, then please, please, don't post! We have thirty-three (33) other message boards, so go there or don't participate in our discussions at all.

Several of you, will notice that your postings do not appear immediately or at all. Jamie and I will be filtering postings from several people and will filter more, until we get the idea that this site should be an enjoyable, friendly and relaxed place where people can discuss American Civil War related issues. I'm not taking this action because someone made a little "boo boo", one time and failed to post on-topic. I'm taking this action because we have some folks whose postings are continually off-topic or in some other way inappropriate to this site. Listen, I have a full-time career and so does Jamie. These sites have long-since been a money losing operation for me, though I appreciate the donations, book orders and military records purchased by some of the folks on this site. When Jamie and I have to constantly monitor, edit and delete messages and settle differences between posters it takes time and effort that I'd like to use for my work and my family.

Please, please, please, post on-topic. If you pass a personal remark occasionally or slip off-topic occasionally, that will be tolerated, but if you consistently abuse the privilege of posting on this site, be prepared to be blocked from posting or to have your messages filtered.

This is a terrific group. How about we get back on track? This is the CIVIL WAR News and Views Message Board where our visitors can discuss such things as "their views and opinions regarding such issues as the display of the Confederate Battle Flag, the "Slavery" versus "States' Rights" argument, the naming of the war (American Civil War, War Between the States, War of the Rebellion, War of Northern Aggression, etc.) and other controversial, contentious and opinion-based matters."

Thanks for your cooperation and your consideration.

Jim Martin