Addendum #2:  I seriously didn't intend to stir up so much of the brown stuff with my initial post and didn't expect this topic to explode the way it has; perhaps too much was read into it or maybe some people saw it as an opportunity to really say what's on their minds.  But I'd like to clarify that in no way am I saying that I think the quality of the reviews have declined.  I mean, that's a very subjective thing to say, and some people can get very insulted by it as well.  Sometimes I'm in a serious mood and come here to  write posts on politics and Iraq and sometimes I feel like killing a few brain cells and write a post about Paris Hilton....I don't think there's anything wrong with it - we do the same types of things in our everyday lives.  And I also don't think that in general, things aren't moderated strictly enough....Magellan does a great job, and I have always thought that.  I was only referring to a few instances when I've seen newbies who seemed to have some really good things to say not be given a chance in hades because the attacks came so fast and furious - probably too swiftly for any type of real moderation to even have taken place.

Addendum alert!!! First, I'd like to make it known that everyone who has posted a review on this subject has my utmost respect. I've read reviews by each and every one of you and feel your reviews are well-written, thoughtful, and often fun to read as well....but I'd just like to clarify what I meant by my original post.... The instances for which I feel a three strikes rule should be instituted on this site are actually few and far between. But when they do happen, I think the people who instigate them should be treated accordingly. Now, I'm not talking about the use of curse words, which are sometimes almost necessary - at times I even feel it's the only way I can get my point across! I'm talking about an instance where a reviewer gets angry at someone because they have posted something they disagree with and follows that person around relentlessly, getting more and more abusive for no good reason (and I'm talking about something more than just being mean-spirited) until that person decides to take off. I am not one to point fingers, but I've seen it happen here two or three times and feel something more should be done about it. But let me say say again that it doesn't happen often. And the reason I feel something should be done about it is that everyone who decides to come here with good intentions and respect toward others should have the right to be here without being taunted by anyone. I'm sorry if I seem to be rambling but what I'm talking about goes way beyond bullying, and it seems to be happening more and more on the internet in general. I just hate to see it happen here, because I like it here. When I first started coming here, I really liked it, and still do, but what turns me off most is the fact that there are some raters, and veterans at that, who are mean bullies and seem to get away with too much crap. Are we adults here, or a bunch of chilren on a playground at recess? I've seen feelings get hurt, and people attacked for their sexual orientation and political views. I had made a suggestion several weeks earlier concerning a three strikes rule, and I think it should be taken into consideration. I've never personally attacked anyone here and have no desire to, but at the same time I don't think I or anyone else should have to put up with it from someone else just because they disagree with me or are having a bad day. A lot of intelligent people with interesting things to say seem to have been run off and I don't think that's what this site is all about. But of course, this is just my opinion (: