I too have been involved with threads that got locked. I can see EVERYONE's opinions on this issue are completely valid.
One point that I think we may be overlooking here, in addition to the other reasons, is the simple issue of data storage. I've noticed that MODs will tend to lock a thread once they realize that nothing new or productive will be forthcoming from it. Like the argument (or the bashing) would just continue on and on with no end. And all those words use server space. CC survives - not on banner ads, selling e-mail names or allowing pop-ups - pretty much SOLELY on the support of us buying their products (and by the way Jackie and Heath - I DO have a full shopping cart up there just waiting for payday...just thought you'd like to know 
) And I think we forget that data storage costs money, and I'd be willing to wager that neither Jackie nor Heath (or any of the other folks running CC) are trust-fund babies with nothing better to do than just keep buying servers! (Jackie and Heath - nothing derog was meant by that, I was just making a point - if you are a trust-fund baby please don't be offended, OK?!)
While I don't like being locked, and I can see why others wouldn't like it either, I joined CC with complete knowledge, understanding and acceptance of the Terms and Conditions, and have to trust the judgment of the MODs to lock threads as they see fit.
And that's MY 2 cents! Have a great day everybody!
Delights, I see your point but with all of the "like" threads, wouldnt one just combine them? I know a few of my posts have been moved to other forums or renamed- I dont see why why they couldnt be combined. Maybe it's something worth bringing up to the head honchos. 
Well in an ideal world, everyone on the planet would have been given the memo on how to critique other people's work. I have been part of creative writing workshops and have been witness to some really useless thoughtless critique but also some really valuable stuff.
The way I see it, it is just as much an art to learn how to offer constructive criticism as it is to receive it. Some cultures are not as bent out of shape by dishing out or receiving- and given there are many different people and personalities and countries and maturity/life experience levels here on this forum and anywhere else, it's not going to be that 'ideal' world where everyone knows what we mean or we know what they mean. Effective communication (face to face/interactive) is becoming a lost art form on this end of the planet, thanks to technology and people not practicing as much.
Anyone who has taken a business or interpersonal communication course knows how cheesy they seem but only because of that lost art form.
Active listening and what not.
Now I'm not defending that rudeness is justified- I think we can be critiqued on that as well and as I believe we're in one giant classroom called Life, I think we need to sit down and evaluate our own behaviour, how we react to criticism, how we dish it out, do we give praise where praise is due?
I'm sure there are a variety of reasons the threads get locked- I don't know all of them, I havent been on here long enough and would venture finding out by going the source instead of posturing why.
In an ideal world, when someone says 'what do you think, honest opinions' a person could give their professional/constructive critique including positives with no personal attacks.
In an ideal world the person posting would actually sincerely be wanting feedback to learn how to improve, or ask how others would have done it differently, not expecting a bunch of praise to puff out their chest with.
In an ideal world, the person receiving the critique would accept it graciously, positives and negatives and understand themselves enough that if they DONT Think they can handle the truth, not to bother posting.
Working towards that ideal is not actually impossible if we all eat a bit of humble pie and realize we have areas that need improving and that we CAN all just get along LOL
Oh and I don't believe in the adage 'if you have nothing nice to say...' - nor do I believe the truth has to hurt (and in the end not being truthful hurts more- just that there are INFINITE Ways to be honest without being a rude pr*** about it 
I agree. first I would like to say that if I have ever done any damage to anyone's psyche in any way I truthfully apologize. I know that my writing style is sometimes misinterpreted as being mean, when my true 'voice' doesn't necessarily come through. I NEVER, EVER intend to be rude, mean, disrespectful, et cetera.
Second, I also agree with what people have been saying about combining topics. Management should perhaps maybe consider making more categories. I sometimes find it overwhelming to sort through, even if I have done a search I sometimes come up with 18 or 20 pages of topics. Maybe a category for fondant, or BC, or FBCT only, for example. That may make it easier for us to not have a re-run. I know people have told me many times, "oh we already discussed that in so-in-so", or they say, "just look on the so-and-so site, the answer will be there". Well, I didn't see it and was frankly sick of searching, I feel like saying, "oops, sorry to bother you, sorry I asked" and walk away like a dog with my tail between my legs. When I realy just needed an answer, know what I mean?
So, I will also take this opportunity to apologize for anything that I may do in the future which may be construed as rude, flip, condescending, cold or otherwise not with the true spirit of the site. (there is sarcasm here, and attempted polical correctedness....I hope it is apparent!! 
I really enjoy reading and looking, and I have learned so much. This has really become an outlet for me. I know we all have something, but this has helped me with my kids, unifying them and having them learn to work together and stay involved (one is ADHD the other Autistic, the 3rd, well, just terrible two right now!)
Okay, now I have REALLY gone off topic, SORRY 
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