Randy et al,

We've been having a discussion on the News & Views site about the "hijacking" or changing of subject on threads. I don't believe that we should never change a topic or divert a thread; however, I do understand the complaints when we, and I'm including myself, do not change the "Subject:" line to reflect that change. May I ask, that if we do alter an existing thread, that it have something to do with the earlier discussion and that we change the subject line to reflect this change. Your posting, directed to Bruce Allardice, I believe, is an appropriate alteration or redirection to the earlier thread, which was asking about biographical information on a Civil War Colonel. Your posting is also asking for biographical information about another Civil War officer and is directed to a noted authority and author, with a recognized expertise in this area. So, I have no problem with you diverting the original "Statham" thread, I would just prefer that when you do so, you change the subject line to reflect the change.

Thanks,

Jim