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[cbayer]

82. I think the best answer I can give you is that you were able to start this thread.

Again, I am not saying it's a bad thing to be a member of this club.

As to the old cliques and the clique wars, that's an entirely different thing. That was really, really ugly and I am very wary when evidence of that rears it's head.

Perhaps because clique was used in a very negative way during those wars (along with swarm and other terms), people here are sensitive to it. If that's the case, then the term has taken on a meaning that I can see would be offensive and will search for other terms (club? close group of friends that all hang out in the same place?).

As Xema Sab said below, when you have an area where threads are started that appear to be exclusively aimed at a small group ("in" jokes or those that directly address specific members), that feels cliquish to those that are not included.

Perhaps what will come of this is some effort to be more welcoming.

Wouldn't it be great if the lounge were the place where new members could introduce themselves and be welcomed. As I have access to info on where new members post (through MIRT), I can assure you that almost no one comes here first.