>>>Marcia G Akins
>>
>>I do understand you're point Marcia - one can always simply not subscribe to the chatter section or just not read certain posts - but it's supposed to be a tech forum - why turn it into a forum of chatter when there is facebook for that type of thing? The website owner can do whatever they want with it so no reason to take a vote on it - it's not up to us, it's up to the owner of the site.
>
>Victor, responding to your point of "but it's supposed to be a tech forum" - that begs the question why you've posted in the chatter forum on these topics? You're not required to answer, but I think it's a fair question.

For me the water cooler analogy is quite fitting: while there is the side function of off-topic/no-tech themes, it still preselects participants. I find that preselection of smart peope, but with philosophies and viewpoints all over the map interesting enough not to look for similar selections elsewhere. Because the Trump/EC topic to my taste has been flogged to death plus the tone has followed level of political debate I had expected a reaction.

Removing the water cooler totally might be worse for interest/participation in the long run (my take on that topic), but even after selling, Michael is still interested to further the site.