I don't mean to second guess the mediators on this forum, I think that most of the time they do a fine job and have stepped up to the task when others haven't, but I believe that they "slapped" the old lock on the "President's Helo" topic way too soon.
  Sure it was starting to break down to a "mine is better that yours" debate, but how can you have a discussion over a topic like this without some of that coming into play.  If tempers begin to flare its up to the mediator to reign in the participants and steer the conversation back to the subject in question, not to just shut it down.
  I know that a meditatior can't be on line 24/7 or monitor every thread.  I also know that we're living through some precarious times right now and that national passions are running high, but atleast give us a chance for some health debate and idea swapping.  You might be surprised, we may even start policing each other!

Actually it was at the request of the poster of the thread as several rather out of order comments started to appear

Ozzy

I will echo crag here, yes that topic was going in a very bad deconstuctive direction and I too was responsible; again sorry.

 Please excuse me!!  I was unaware that the topic's originator had asked for the topic to be "locked".  I thought it was an interesting subject and that there was still more to be said on it.
 In the future it would be nice if some notification could be given as such, I think I've seen done before on this site, and it would help us out here to know whats going on.

hi mate, i personally still feel theres more to be discussed on it, and if you want ya can start another topic on it. In the end though there was only one way that specific topic was going and i didnt fancy risking my place here for it. If a new one can stay on track, i think its a good topic to hear peoples opinions on each helicopter objectivly.

Craig, it takes more than a little argument over helicopters and fighter planes to get you banned from this place.


And just to be controversial, and to finish the argument that was going on in that thread: None of the fighters mentioned could out climb, run, dive or manuvre the E.E. Lightning.

That's not a debate. Oh no. It's simple, undeniable fact.

Quote:
I think all the mods do give some warning if a thread is going in the wrong direction. The only time I immediately lock a thread is if I log on and read one that has already erupted and it has crossed the line. I have also locked a few threads without notice when a few members start to pm me that there is a problem with a thread. Otherwise I will say something just to let you know that "big brother" is watching! 

Dave  8)