Well, the simple answer is, we took it down. But more to the point:

We've been noticing for awhile that the bulk of "issues" that arise on the site (mostly behind the scenes, so you probably haven't even been aware of them) have centered around the Shout Box, and it was becoming obvious to us that its public and immediate nature contributes to hurt feelings/misunderstandings between members, people getting unhappily "spoiled" with regard to developments on the show, etc.

So for now, the Shout Box is offline. That may or may not be permanent - it depends on what *you* say.

What we need is feedback from all of you, in the form of PMs to our admins (FairiesMasquerade, ikkleosu, and me, subversivegrrl), telling us what you might like to see in its place on the front page - ways in which we can improve our little community and maybe avoid stirring up drama.  We'll be looking for your input for the rest of this week, through the end of the day on Sunday, Feb. 22nd.

To send us a PM, click on our username (above, or in the Members or Authors list) and click on the little blue envelope next to our name. Tell us what you think is missing from NL; tell us what you loved about the shout box, or how happy you are that it's gone. Be honest, even if it's negative. We're grown-ups - we can take it!