IMPORTANT UPDATE: Please read

Dear Forum Members, Welcome to the forum. I hope you are managing to get the hang of the system. If you have any queries please ask. The vast majority of you are engaging in lively and respectful debate, and I am delighted to see such useful discussions unfolding. Sadly a very small number of people have been treading a fine line between debate and insult. The comments being made are clearly designed to irritate, whilst being phrased in such a way that allows those making them to attempt to justify them. As a result, today I have issued a revised version of the forum rules with much clearer stipulations on unacceptable language, and clearer sanctions for those who ignore the rules. We are all intelligent people, and the benchmark is simple: if the comment would be deemed unnecessary, unacceptable or impolite in a face-to-face conversation in a public place, it has no place on this forum. Everyone who posts here will both treat others, and be treated, with respect. If you would object to the language used, don't post it. If you THINK the language used might cause offence (and as intelligent people we are all perfectly placed to judge that for ourselves), don't post it. These rules on appropriate language also apply when discussing a particular school of thought, an individual who is not a forum member, or the work of others (living or dead). I am more than willing to suspend and even permanently exclude members who cannot discuss and disagree in a respectful manner. Some are already coming close. I will not have the enjoyment of others spoilt by discourteous behaviour. Can I take this opportunity to thank the VAST majority of members, who are being perfectly polite and respectful. As I have said many times, vehement disagreement is part of the fun of studying history. Being unpleasant to one another is not. With Warmest of Best Wishes Zack Website Owner