I'm not concerned about
having things said that may offend some people,
Foxy,
That doesn't make sense. You say you're not concerned at statements which offend people. what then are you on about ?

Dear Individual,

You accused me of talking nonsense.
And you refuse to explain which part
of what I was suggesting you regarded as nonsense.

Perhaps you should go back and re-read what I
am suggesting - or
alternatively perhaps you do regard my suggestion
of having a discussion forum free of toxicity -
as nonsense.

Also - what suggestions do you have for improving
the forum. Apart from calling things others suggest
as nonsense that is.

Foxy, you can already "Recommend this comment for deletion" if something's seriously over-the-top.

individual, I presume the many silent users are redundant.
They joined once years ago and never bothered deleting their account.

Perhaps users who haven't commented in a year should be sent a message asking them if they want their account to continue. If they don't respond affirmatively within a week, account deleted by admin.

What is prompting this change, GY?
You spent years developing this site, and it would have (hundreds of?) links from other sites directing more potential users to it.
Those links would now lead to a dead end.
Change URLs? Branding no-no #42.

I agree with Ludwig about the opening page for comments.
Opening with the last page might be better for those already involved in the discussion.
Or perhaps an option when opening comments: first, last or all pages.

Bold/italic would be useful.

GY, keep it as it is. This site is a world wide think-tank.....with the best thinkers.(yes we debate hard, but we are all what we are, and you cant get better than that. A great site is built with the passion that all members give without question.

That's all that needed to be said.

Planet3

I do not see many if any, of us showing the skill and understanding to truly address what GY is asking.
Yet some here are not learned enough to have input on tec matters.
I count my self as one not truly understanding the tec stuff we can have.
However opening a thread at the last page works against as many as it favors.
After all we can after opening pick the page we want then open it.
I open all,every time,go back to my last post then read all after.
Knowing what others have said helps keep on subject, or to follow the new direction if you wish.
I use Italics as highlight when it is there, do not intend to post an avatar or tell my age,well ok 68 but my inquiring mind is just ten years old and interested in every thing.
Like likes it gives evidence to conform or deny.
Individual is proof we must not stop posters just because we do not share their views.
Indy works extremely hard to force people to be uninterested in him, that may have solid reasons we do not know of for being his way.
We recently said no! to a call to ban one of us,if we call for that we lack back bone,some go because they are unhappy with us some because they feel, not forced, they have warn out their welcome.
Last? come on you tec blokes and girls help GY out.

you refuse to explain which part of what I was suggesting you regarded as nonsense.
Foxy,
I'm at a loss what your problem is. On one had you say you want to prevent offending comments yet a moment late you say you're not concerned of having things said that may offend people. That (at least) to me doesn't make sense hence my use of the term non-sense.
Belly,
you're going slack, no Abbott blaming in this thread ?
Shocadelic,
I think Bold/Italic would help greatly to emphasise & yes GY is doing a great service to the community.