I don't have a problem with the F&G section persay, and at one point spent a fair bit of time for myself. BUT... I do wonder sometimes if it takes away from the site (note, I said "wonder".... and am not declaring this such.... this is as much an open ended question as delia's original one was). If it was taken away (again, not proposing... just thinking outloud) would everyone just disappear, or would that activity just move to other areas of the site?

For me, if removing F&G results in MORE BDSM discussion, I think it is a fabulous trade. (Notice I said "If"? I don't know for sure what would happen one way or another.... just musing outloud again.)

As for the post-count awards, I am all for getting rid of them and definitely not for adding more. Before the Hall of Fame people would strive for their first 150 posts in order to get into the Cellar. But then the "bar" was raised to 1000 and the quantity vs. quality balance seriously shifted. People would come into the chat room desperately looking for someone to go play F&G with them so they could win their awards. I am personally aware of members who stayed up all night for the SOLE REASON of winning their award.

I don't see much value in the contributor awards either, but only because giving them out becomes a huge nightmare, and how can you possibly compare one good contributor to another? Personally, I get more out of someone commenting about what I have said in the thread (not just hitting the Thanks button) or when I get PMs from people thanking me for what I have posted.