Quote Originally Posted by KukriKhan View Post
Think of it this way: it gives the backroom Moderator Staff a short break from having to read every sentence of every post of every thread - and dousing any flame wars that erupt. Sort of a "backroomer's gift to staff", who otherwise are on duty 360 days per year.

The first year it was closed (6-7 years ago), an informal survey of the regular posters had been conducted, and an overwhelming majority of the respondents were in favor of a short end-of-year break in "hostilities". This is in the days before a "Frontroom" or "Gameroom" existed. Regular backroomers migrated to the Entrance Hall during the break, and greeted newbies and each other for the few days the Tavern was closed.

"Enforcing peace" is a kind of funny concept, but I guess it is tried from time to time. I suppose a break could be had in July, instead of December. But about half of org membership is students, who also get breaks at year-end and often travel home to be (peacefully) with family, rather then with this internet group.

Overall, I'm in favor of a short year-end break from news-related discussions. Mind you: Like many backroom regulars, I'm drawn to them like a moth to a flame... but I can do without for a few days, freeing up my mind to focus on rl friends and family.
I'm hardly gonna start a revolution because of this, I don't mind a few days break, it's just that this is an international forum involving people of all races, religions and personal beliefs so I don't see the need to close the backroom on a Christian holiday. Not that I mind so much, it's just that I think the reason's not good enough.

Merry Christmas everybody...