RB50, I do agree that the chat is killing the interaction between the CC members in the threads and I even commented about them getting rid of it, but it's not place to make those kind of decisions and unfortunately I just have to go with the CC flow.
As for comments in the picture threads I will have to respectfully disagree. The Admin and or mods can probably send out a mass PM to everyone (that way no one is missed) and tell them that they have decided to allow comments in the picture & video threads again under one stipulation, if a CC member submits a post to either of these threads and it has nothing to do with the pictures or videos, they are automatically banned. This will probably never happen for one reason and one reason only, it would put allot more time and effort in the mods hands and you and I both know that they probably have their hands full as it is. However, it they did as suggested and made good on the banning for anyone that made a post that has nothing to do with the pictures or videos, I don't think they would have to police those threads very long and people would see that they were serious about it and quit. Anyway, just my thoughts and once again I agree with you about the chat ruining the forum! I have to leave but I will happily check back later for any response. Take care!