Well, it does seem to have achieved something, because it's produced a clear position from one person, that is quite probably shared by others. Whereas, imho, we have talked about this for long enough without anyone really coming down on one side or the other. So pitching in and trying it has no doubt been useful, in a litmus kind of way (which was part of my intention).

Here's what I wrote on the Open Thread:

...During our discussions, I've always felt the tension between the usefulness of reaching out and interesting Europeans, and the danger of segmenting ET into little language/national corners where sub-groups of users spend their time. That's why, if the overall feeling is that we should just stay in English, I'll abide by that and no problem. The last thing we want is little national groups forming -- and as for attracting new users, I think it's fair to say (without insulting anyone) that we want to interest people who will at least read the English content of the site, at best join in comments, therefore bilingual people (apologies to mono-lingual anglophones who are obviously also welcome (yes, Bob, and Izzy, oh my gawd, don't feel marginalized..!).

So I think I'm saying I wouldn't want to change the present structure much in order to create language corners or permanent open threads, though once again, if a strong demand for that were to surface, fine.

<snip>

I suggest we need another try or two, in other languages now. This will only work if enough people want to do it, after all.

IMHO

So my position is we go on trying this out to see how people feel after a few different-language diaries. Let me add that there's no question in my mind about English being the main language here, and that people need to at least read it, at best read/write it, to participate.