As a general rule, I think we are all served best by keeping discussions centered around kayak building, however I don't mind if the subjects stray a little. A tangent to make fun of Joe Greenley is not out of bounds. A little humor is certainly acceptable. I saw the thread was going a way that didn't interest me and which I couldn't really contribute to, so I didn't read it any further.

The best way to accomplish the goal is to refrain from replying to posts you find to be off-subject or otherwise objectionable. Exchanging of insults doesn't get anyone anywhere and only tends to precipitate a flame war.

It would help people with slower connections if people modify the subject line of the post as they stray from the original topic. I know we all get a little lazy about this at times, but keeping the subject line relavant to the contents of the post is the most effective way of making the contents useful. If the post is talking about varnish and the subject says 'RE: What Epoxy' chances are the people that need to read it won't.

so:

Keep it civil,

Stay on topic,

When you get off-topic, change the subject line accordingly,

and Keep it civil.