I'm coming out of lurkerdom to add my 2 cents.

I agree with Polaris--a final comment by the mgmt stating clearing why the thread is being closed and then locking it seems to be a better policy than removing it entirely.

Part of the controversy seems to be around the issue of transparency. Whenever people don't know why things are happening, they assume the worst. In a forum like this, with so many differing viewpoints, the worst is usually a fear of being silenced.

As a community, we value open and honest communication. Not being able to find it here, is disturbing and just adds to the feelings of mistrust and resistence that people naturally feel around change.

I do a lot of working for change with my clients and there are five lessons:
#1: Get started, no matter how much it hurts.
#2: Expect doubt. Just don't let it win.
#3: Reach out for advice AND follow it.
#4: Take opportunites to savor the fringe benefits of change.
#5: Be prudently flexible.

It looks to me that we are moving forward--Torq has done well and, working together, we can achieve wonders. My only plea is that we keep the dialogue open and respectful.

Thanks,
Euryleia