Which abalone thread? I don't remember that- I need a jog for the memory.
There will be more changes. After 2 years and so many people reading inaccurate posts, no matter how witty/lofty. It is time to segregate the questionable posts. I will no doubt, come along and remove the off topic posts from this thread too.
I try to stay on top of the mean posts, too- and delete them ASAP. This forum is really for pearls and especially pearl education, not for gossip nor for negative comments about people. This place is unparalleled on the web. A no-nothing about pearls can actually become an expert by reading, looking at pictures, and asking questions.
Its also a good place to make pearl friends, esp. with PM's and emails, as many of us have done.