Not altogether certain whether Clifton resides in Melbourne proper. Might there be a Mornington or a Dandenong South Forum? Aussie Rules still apply, of course!

While Clifton and I did not always agree, at least he would usually respond if challenged and do so honestly. I am sorry to see him gone. I would like to meet him in real life.

In addition to the vitriol being spewed about in the lounge, Clifton also expressed that he is quite simply very busy and thus was going to limit/deactivate his account here and spend time in more positive environments. I hope he returns, as he could express disagreement in a reasoned voice. Something others seem incapable of doing.

Yes, he does also visit Fodors Friends on Facebook. This is not an official Fodors site, just another place for Fodors people to interact, and generally much more civil. But it's not the same as also having him here :-(

I've just realized that perhaps I should not have spoken for Clifton. Sorry.

No worries Toucan2, it's good to get an update.

Thanks for the update. Clifton is the canary in the mineshaft for me. When he thinks enough is enough you have to pay attention.

I wonder if canary in the mineshaft means anything to people in Australia/NZ.

Totally cold and actually I think that that is a very good analogy.

Dearie me you're being sensible. I'm not used to that!

Uh oh. Is there another defection in our midst??

I have given up on contributing to the Lounge. The threads about what sort of toothbrush to buy, or how much to pay a dog sitter don’t hold a lot of interest for me. Other threads seem to degenerate into name calling within a handful of posts. Watching those “conversations” is like watching a bunch of drunks fighting on the footpath outside my front window – observe maybe, but don’t get involved.

.... in this petty pace from day to day
To the last syllable of recorded time,
And all our yesterdays have lighted fools
The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!
Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage
And then is heard no more: it is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing.

Yep, maybe Clifton is my canary.

I'm sorry to see Clifton go too, but I take his points. With the new year, I'll be busy elsewhere too.

I've made some great friends on Fodors and received trememdous help in my travel though, and will pop in to the travel boards from time to time to see if I can help anyone else.

And yes, Cold - the canary in a mineshaft is a well known term in the Antipodes, too ... although the vision of Clifton as a little yellow bird fluffing his feathers & flapping his wings as he twitters away doesn't quite fit the Clifton we had such an enjoyable dinner in Melbourne with a couple of years ago!

Perhaps those on Facebook may kindly provide a link so we can catch up with him there occasionally.

Stormbird the last person to call me dearie was a nurse telling me "this won't hurt a bit". I have had trust issues since then. :((

Speaking of nurses ... Gruezi I can't go anywhere as I have too many travel questions. Though the folks over in the Europe forum often seem a tad serious and refuse to offer any advice other than "Paris". And they aren't very good at playing spot the troll.

I can take the Lounge oddballs. I just don't get the people who fly off the handle and hurl 5-6 insults in one sentence. That's what three year olds do. I am starting to thing ((D)) may be a factor with a few people.

That's funny I would mispell the word before ((D)). Innocent though. It's 4:40 in the morning here. Another day of enjoying 5 feet of snow.

Cold I wasn't actually calling you 'dearie' just the expression 'dearie me' - you can trust me ( wanna buy a watch?) but your suggestion of a drinkie or two being a problem could be correct but was wondering if everyone is going stir crazy over there cooped up with all that cold weather!

I want five feet of snow!

My theory is that since the Great Recession people have less travel money which causes all sorts of pent up anger and jealousy and boredom. Not to mention the re-using of paper towels.

Bokhara, there isn't a link per se. If you are on FB, search for Fodor's Friends. It's a Closed Group, so ask to be a member. You will be asked to verify that you are a Fodor's member, then bob's your uncle, you can read posts and share posts.

Stormbird - I believe you get to stuff as many people into a cubicle as possible. There is no top or bottom with more than three people inside.

Libretto has left now too.