I like the badges alright. They can’t hurt anything. Plus you can be all like, “Yeah look at all these badges, booyah.”
question: do the like and agree buttons on people’s posts require badges be activated?
I am neither here no there on badges - but having lived with the changes in format for a few months I would go back to something like the original look. I don’t see what we get from having the categories. I was in favour to begin with but I really dislike it now.
Initially I thought the same, Snuffster, but I did not care for the change initially … and I know this site is a labor of love for you, as is snuff making and snuff … but I think now that I have gotten use to it, I like it better. I went the opposite way as you. I think the categories, right or wrong and personal opinion only, offers new snuff folks very distinct places to search, look, for information. How I have modified my site behavior is that when I log in, I go straight to “Discussions” … and it shows me all new posts, from all categories, in one(read “same as it use to be”) thread. I can catch up … and be on my merry way. I do think the organization and categories serve a purpose, is what I am suggesting … in that there is a ton of fantastic information on here … to have it reasonably parsed in find-able areas, I think, is a benefit for many. Just my 2 cents … although may be worth less than that now! 
@snuffbrant nailed the reason for the categories. When Alex first started Snuffhouse he used categories, the current system is a homage to that. If I still had access to the original theme we would be using it.
I like my 5th anniversary badge as well, keep 'em. Stefan
Whatever the outcome I am sure it will be good, the mods do a great job and I don’t mean to criticise.
Personally I’ve liked the changes so far as they’ve been adding and not subtracting things as far as I can see. In any event with such fine ladies and gents this forum couldn’t be made into one I dislike.
I enjoy the changes new looks and features .And cstoke4 is doing a great job keeping the site modern and interesting. I been here less than a year and seen members disappear; Why, did they get bored?
Maybe some people don’t disappear as much as they just enjoy reading what others have to say. Maybe some don’t always have input to give and feel it would be extraneous in doing so. Also, on topic, I’ve enjoyed the changes I’ve seen pass by in my short time here. As to the question, I initially said yes, I still lean toward that but it really isn’t a big deal. If we keep’em, good, if not, that’s also okay.
@basement_shaman - I think people may get bored. I find it hard to find things to post about when you really can’t talk about politics and the like. I mean, I understand the reasoning behind it but I think an area where we can discuss world issues wouldn’t be a bad thing. It seems the members here are respectful enough to be courteous to one another. I think discussion, debate, and reasoning about current events is a healthy thing. Again, this is my opinion and this isn’t my forum but I just wanted to put it out there.
I’ve been on this site for 4 years and I’ve never seen ONE political thread that didn’t turn nasty. Aren’t there other forums to discuss politics?
@miamimark - yes there are. I was sharing my thoughts. Consider it dropped.
Yeah it’s a nasty subject. It’s kind of like rabbies. That was a nice dog but he got bite by that issue and now he’s froathing at the mouth. Even when it goes well someone will cross the line. The main thing I want to like you all so it’s best this way. 
@bob I understand. I didn’t realize that political topics had turned so ugly on this forum. It’s a shame that people can’t act in a civil manner on such topics to reach a better understanding of the world around us. But hey, onward and upward to better things.
That’s just it…people here do act in a civil manner. Perhaps because we do not discuss politics or religion. :)) I have yet to see a board that could maintain a civil discourse on either. YMMV
The reasons I love this site is because there is no drama, members are civil, and no politics. Talking politics makes me feel sick inside most times, so I avoid it when possible.
YES …VERY NICE
If it doesn’t relate to tobacco or food ,I not interested. I don’t believe in P. and I have R. indigestion enough said
Yeah there’s Facebook for all the drama over politics and religion among other things