for the record, i'm not an old-timer. i've only been here a couple of years, and people were moaning about dumbing-down when i first came here. i do see a difference, however, even since then, it's less like 'MN' and more like every other parenting site on the web, lost its unique identity somehow. but of course, to any newer person coming along what first attracted them here will be that unique identity, iyswim, just waiting to be diluted.
did anyone read the piece littlebella linked to, btw? that's what i'd been trying to say last night. the problem is that you post one thing, and the most 'vulnerable' part of that is responded to, or i'd go so far as to say twisted... and then you find yourself defending the minutest part of your position, then that's twisted etc etc ad infinitum. meanwhile, as has happened here, you've got people coming from established groups to pick fights that aren't being fought with them etc etc ad infinitum.
for me, i'm uncomfortable with the whole wanting/needing to know every detail/comment on the photos etc, it seems very disrespectful to me towards the child in question. but clearly other people feel it's important in some way i cannot fathom, and are working things through from that angle.
still don't think it's the worst thing in the world to keep it to one thread, though.