Our experiment with an unmoderated, any-topic-goes Lounge has largely failed. After a lot of discussion among the moderators, we've concluded that it is in the best long-term interest of the forum to "outlaw" discussions of politics and religion, either as thread starters or within posts/responses, anywhere on the forum, including the Lounge. The Lounge will remain for discussions on non-LF, but preferably photography-related, discussions and general socializing. Also, just to be clear, the same standards of behavior described in the guidelines will apply to The Lounge.

Depending on the nature of the post, members who violate the no-politics/religion rule anywhere on the forum will be warned, and the post/thread deleted. Repeated violations will result in suspension of that person's posting privileges, potentially on a permanent basis, at the discretion of the moderators.

Additionally, it appears that several members have registered multiple user IDs, at least in part to augment Lounge discussions or positions elsewhere on the forum. Multiple-ID registrations will not be tolerated and persons found to have done so, and continue to use them, will be permanently banned at the discretion of the moderators. If you have one or more secondary IDs not approved by the moderators in advance, let us know immediately so we can close the secondary accounts without penalty.

--The Moderator Team