The new moderator's long-winded stream-of-consciousness position about this thread is:
* Off-Topic comments, jokes and other "nonsense" are always welcome on the forum in appropriate threads, but not on the melting season thread, one of the highest-rating threads that is home to many lurker readers.
* Personally-charged comments and slights of honor should be avoided (even when justified...), as they necessarily create back and forth posts and increase clutter. And are of course impolite.
* Comments about comments, i.e. meta-discussion, should be minimized. Not necessarily avoided, but reduced and used with care. Use "report to moderator" or PM me about posts that you believe should be dealt with, but be aware that I am monitoring this thread continuously.
* General long term predictions about the season ("I think a BOE is impossible this year") are better off in a separate thread, and I am happy that such a one was recently opened. The exception is extrapolations of current data and situations ("I think the high CAB thickness precludes a meltout, based on average melting patterns").
* Deep discussions about scientific issues, which certainly could impact the melting season, should be held in separate threads. For example, contrails and their effects on sea ice, aerosols or lack thereof, La Nina, the Blob, soot from China or the fires soon to be in Siberia, etc., while a few comments on each such issue are welcome on this thread. Once it becomes heavy and arguments are flying around, or various papers posted, move it elsewhere. Here it will be lost and will disrupt the news flow.
* This thread is mainly about actual developments happening during the melting season, and comparisons with previous melting seasons.
* Comments about the data posted by JCG and Gero in the data thread should be posted in this thread, rather than in the data thread itself.
* Posters wishing to thank others for exceptional contributions (of which we happily have many) should consider using the Like button for most occasions.
* The moderator will use moderation in moderating, so as to avoid creating dissent and hurt feelings, and in consideration of his inexperience in such matters, but will act as necessary to ensure smooth and fruitful discussion.
* Often sporadic or borderline comments will not be dealt with to avoid disruption by the moderator, but similar comments might get the edit later when something becomes a repeated phenomenon.
* Should you undergo a moderation edit, please don't take this as a personal attack or as a hint that your contributions are unwelcome (unless specifically stated.....)
* If you are a lurker and are afraid or hesitant to post because of all these rules, be aware that new posters are treated more gently and are very welcome in their initial posting efforts. Bear in mind there is a "stupid" questions thread where you can ask most anything.