We'd like to cordially invite everyone, even if you've never been to our Forums before, to come on over to our new and improved Reader Forum. While it may take some getting used to at first, we're hoping that the overall benefits it offers will outweigh the small number of negatives.

First, for you Forum faithful who've been with us forever... the bad news is it is time to register again. Sorry, porting over our current user info into the database just wasn't practical for a large number of reasons. The positive though is that these new user accounts will open several new functions up to our readership... so think of it as an investment of your time.

Just for a quick summary here are the various features our new Forum offers (some of these may be open to argument as being good or bad):

• A MAJOR improvement in the aesthetics department

• Talkback functionality returns. Any new news posted on the site will immediately be available in the Forum's news section for discussion!

• Threaded discussions (as a warning, with the ability to ban by email as well as your IP address we won't be kidding around on this subject)

• Spiffy user icons for you to enjoy

• Polls!

• A bunch of little things... with even more on the way once we have our single and standard User database to utilize

While I'm sure there will be parties upset with the changes I hope the majority of people will be happy with the changes. Here's to hoping... Enjoy!