There are a fair few on this list that have a historical issues with Simon for various reasons.  While I'm not suggesting that he's whiter-than-white (he certainly needs to look at how he discusses arguments online, particularly how carefully he takes on board the impact his arguments might be having on others or the general list atmosphere), there are a decent number of people on this list who have proven themselves unable despite long UKD experience to 'ignore' and stop using every one of Simon's transgressions (and even many of his innocent posts) to grind their personal axes.  I understand that there are several on this list who through no fault of their own have been personally offended or attacked by Simon, and he was wrong to do so I think.  But there are also several members who have both thicker skin and longer UKD history than those who I consider the "genuine" victims (apologies for quote marks!) - and it is these long-standing members who should not be using UKD as a forum to air their personal grievances.

I think this has gotten worse with the web interface (the original, not the new), and also due to long history between members.  People are more inclined to want to have their say quickly, without thinking - this has in a way made the speed and intensity of arguments greater, and the quality of the arguments may have suffered as a result.

Simon has as Martin said, made an absolutely immense contribution to UKD.  He will, hopefully, in time, return, and hopefully he will be able to improve the way he communicates.  I think that everyone else on the list has a responsibility also to look at ways that we might handle arguments better.

Vive la UKD - I think we can all do a bit better than we have been.

cheers,

Dave