Hi everyone,

I think it is time to move on from ‘Avatar-gate’. I have closed all threads relating to the matter.  I have been extremely surprised that a polite and reasoned request from me to a handful of members to remove avatars that some people found offensive has caused such a strong reaction. I have worked hard to make this forum a friendly and happy place to be, and I have been deeply upset by some of the sentiments expressed in recent days. I will stress once again that this is a forum for people who want to discuss things relating to the grey nomad lifestyle, to share stories, have a bit of fun, and hopefully make some new friends along the way. 

Over the years, I know it has brought an enormous amount of pleasure to a lot of people, a fact of which I am immeasurably proud. I am also very proud of the fact that so many of you feel so invested in this site and clearly care so deeply for it. For me personally this is extremely gratifying, and confirms my belief that this is indeed a very special forum. I should make it clear however that none of you has invested as much of themselves in this forum as I have. No one loves it more, no one cares about it more, and no one gets more upset about its troubles than I do.  I try to moderate it in a fair and reasoned way, and I always try to be clear and to explain what I am doing. I owe you all that much. But, at the end of the day, I do make the decisions.

Those of you who are looking to share stories and dreams, to learn and to laugh, and to interact with many other like-minded people, then you will always be able to do so here. If for some of you, the fact that avatars of naked/or scantily clad  ladies or men are no longer deemed appropriate, means you no longer think this is the place for you, then I sincerely wish you well.  The matter is not up for debate. I would like the forum pages to return to what they were designed for, as described above. If any of you still want to discuss the avatar issue with me, then I would be more than happy to receive a PM from you.