Thanks for the input. The “forum” does remain open – indefinitely! It’s just another blog post ultimately and anyone can comment at any time. There’s no shut off point.

Having said that I’ve found that the comments always dry up in the days after the posts in question, so the “ongoing thread” idea (good as it is) doesn’t really work.

What I’d like ideally (and what we had until the last few weeks) is a lively “Live” conversation on a set night where the comments flow. The days after would have the odd comment being popped in as afterthoughts to the discussion – or even getting a new chat up and running. I’m keen to keep the live & spontaneous feel, to make it as close to a face-to-face book club as possible.

I’m more than happy to bow to collective opinion though, if people feel differently. Lots of parents of young kids involved, so I completely understand that time is precious!

Well, when you put it like that, one could say we owe it to the country as nothing less than our patriotic duty to continue!

I think that’s fair to say. In fact, if anything you may be understating the case. Forget rain forests and ozone layers – this is the real preservation issue of our times.

Wednesdays are fine for me – as long as they don’t clash with the Champion’s League…

Whatever gets the punters flocking (or even dribbling) back.

I’m a bit anxious though – I’m currently doing corrections, which involves drastic frantic work in the evenings to try and meetdeadlines. A wednesday might suit me better? I fear I need my Monday evening.