It was pointed out in The Lounge that Clifton has de registered. That is just too, too sad. But really who could blame him? Such a bucket load of total crapola on that forum. I sooooooo bite my tongue and refrain from saying what I really would love to say.

There are some seriously nasty, narky folk over there. Why can't they all be like us Aussies who really just don't take life that seriously.

Talk about needing a few chill pills.

I shall really miss Clifton though maybe we could encourage him to just chat to us folk here on the Aussie board?

That is terrible news... he's one of the very few decent people here.

Was it something in particular that prompted this act, or just the cummulative effect of all that daily slurry?

Dr D.

The daily slurry has been disgusting lately.

That's such a shame!! Things can get soooooo nasty in the lounge!!!!

I'm really sorry to see that Clifton has left the Board. He is a lovely bloke with a good heart.

I've never really bothered with the Lounge as there does seem to be a lot of nastiness over there, often over the most trivial of issues, so have no idea what has been happening in the Lounge. Went to have a look today to see if I could work out why Clifton had left and couldn't believe some of the comments (completely unrelated to Clifton) about the "Switzerland gone Mad" post.

If you are reading this Clifton, all the best to you regardless of whether you decide to return or not.

Clifton is one of my favorite posters. Maybe he made a New Years' resolution to spend his time in a different way. Fodors can be a real time-suck.

All the best to you, Clifton! Happy Travels.

I hope he returns after a not too long hiatus!!

We miss you Clifton - YOu have a wonderful history here.

oh, NO. I did so enjoy discussing this and that with Clifton. But maybe he just needs a rest? I do hope so. Clifton, if you read this, I do wish you the best and hope you will return some day.

It is a strange thing... When posters I love such as Clifton or Cold leave us, I'm sad for myself not to be chuckling or chatting with them, but at the same time happy for them that they are busy with other things. Fodor's has its place, but let's face it, there is a big, beautiful world out there that does not have an orange and blue border on it. I hope Clifton has a great time away and of course I will welcome him back with joy and my Snoopy dance if/when he returns.

Sorry to read that Clifton has left Fodors. I do not usually check this forum, but came across it as a new topic. There appears to be nothing about this in the lounge.

Best wishes, Clifton. You will be missed.

Marianna

I'm just so sad and so shocked that Clifton has left!

His was the voice of reason and will be sorely missed. He was able to rise above the angry shouting and rationally and kindly "agree to disagree".

I'm afraid if more Fodorites like Clifton leave, there will be even more vile posts, even more cliquey behaviour, and bullying.

What can we do? Is there anything we can do to prevent this happening?

I've thought of de registering, too (not that I'm comparing myself to Clifton in any way), but will just wait. I've found even confining myself to reading posts I think will be OK can still raise the blood pressure as they take a nasty turn, often for no apparent reason.

The Lounge used to be interesting, challenging, fun and amusing. I don't understand the recent turn of events that caused Clifton to leave, but I sure know the tone has changed for the worst.

If you are reading this Clinton, please reconsider, even if you post only on the Australian page. As others have said, you have been a voice of reason on the Fodor forums & will be sorely missed.

gruezi, you are quite correct of course, there is a 'real world' in which we live, and we must always keep this in mind, since it helps to keep this forum in perspective.

Libretto, we can make the Lounge as challenging and amusing as we want, but inevitably that means cultivating the art of selective deafness, of reading and responding only to posts that one feels meet that 'challenging and amusing' criterion. And of course, to try to respond, oneself, only when one has an intact sense of humour. (That I don't always manage this myself, doesn't mean it isn't a good idea.)

How about just a Melbourne forum? All that Sydney chatter turned him off.

I'll miss him.

What are you doing here Cold? I'm a little surprised to see you here.

I'd happily start a Melbourne forum if it would bring Clifton back. He does live in Melbourne so it might work. Or we start an Australian Lounge with Aussie Rules.

We'd let you talk about 'curling' Cold but definitely no ice hockey. Definitely no politics unless it would be to deride our ranga Prime Minister.

I'd welcome other suggestions for topics that would be allowed.

Clifton was always the gentile tone in the lounge.
I hope he get lost will are that crap will return when we can get rid and those negative, selfish,attacking posters.

He is on Fodor's FB page, I think.

I'm very sorry to hear that he's left. I've been off Fodor's for a few months (living my life!) and I have been really shocked by some of the venom in the lounge.

No, no, no to a Melbourne only lounge!