Personally I like it this way, it cuts down on having to flip back from one to the other. But I do totally see your point Dove - I'm interested to know how others feel on this subject too.
I'm not sure I understand "separate threads", but if it is what I think it is, I think I agree with kimbaby - all in one. that's just my opinion, i don't know any other way but this way.
I much prefer it this way - as one catagory, since this is primarily a cooking forum. Appreciate admin tightening up the chatter. Would like to see another topic added in the food/recipe part of the forum. I will suggest it in a separate post. BTW, kudos on all the hard work the admin does in keeping the site organized.