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I joined recently (thanks to an invite from a generous Latarnia member), and, overall, I think it's a great site. Like you, Mirek, I'm astounded at the work that some enthusiasts have put into their uploads, whether it be adding subtitles or making composite prints to come up with the closest thing possible to an uncut version of a film. I've downloaded some rare stuff that I wouldn't have been able to find anywhere else, or that would have cost an arm and a leg to buy.

On the other, hand, I'm dismayed by those who choose to upload readily-available films that you can rent in any Blockbuster or buy in any chain store, especially when they're big studio releases. I saw the other day that someone had uploaded the MGM DVD of the Chuck Norris film "Invasion U.S.A." Not that I'm disparaging the film itself (I enjoy dumb action movies), but why upload this, other than to improve your ratio? Sticking to smaller, harder-to-find releases will help the site avoid the scrutiny of the authorities, which I think everyone will agree is in its best interest.

Also, while the new 12-month rule is welcome, I'm not sure how well it will be enforced. I saw the recently-released Mya DVD of "Horrible" still there after the rules were changed. I imagine the moderators will depend on users informing them of something that violates the rules, much as they do with the rule against films containing animal cruelty (which, sadly, is keeping the now OOP Anolis DVD of "La Jorobado de la Morgue" off the site!).

Another thing that bothers me is the attitude of some users that they're somehow entitled to have any DVD they want for free, and that companies who produce these DVDs have no right to complain about their films being downloaded. Some of them get downright indignant when it's suggested that perhaps a company has a right to make a profit from a DVD release. Not to get all high and mighty, but Cinemageddon users are technically breaking the law here, although it's much more of a grey area when it comes to OOP and foreign releases, which is what I'm trying to stick to. Let's just admit that and move on.

Lastly, I really wish some of the users would be a tad more sensitive when choosing their avatars. I understand that this is a site dedicated to bad taste, but I've pretty much given up looking at it while at work, given the blatantly pornographic nature of some of the avatars.

All in all, I really like the place, and I hope the new rules make it less like The Pirate Bay and more of a place where serious film enthusiasts can come to get their fix.