What made this forum the best, for me, was that mod discussion was not allowed, although I was aware that many people were using them. I feel this is better for the challenges that go on here.
However, I realise that one or two (Esther) opposed to this will not alter anybody's opinions, especially as I am more of a lurker anyway. Although this probably will not be the case, I do worry that mod discussion will become more discussed in other threads too if it is allowed in one section of the forum, and that mods will be the main solution to bugs in the game.
This is probably just me being picky, though, at many people seem to be really happy with this change. It just seems really odd to be getting rid of such a well-established rule which made this forum completely family-friendly.
Well, mod discussion in other sections of the forum is still subject to the "on-topic" rule, just like any other topic would be. For instance, if someone was asking about a specific bug, it would be perfectly acceptable to suggest that mod a is a cure for problem b. However, in a topic about how to level Gardening, there would be no real reason to mention any mods, so doing so would be off-topic.
Likewise this rule does not change how the challenges work, nor will it have any affect on the family friendly atmosphere of Carl's. Challenges will remain mod-free, and linking to mods designed specifically to break the teen rating will still be off limits. An alteration of a single rule
does not mean that we're now an "anything goes" environment.
You could start slowly. 
I think it is good to be cautious and take your time.
No.
No,
no,
no! This is exactly what needs to
not happen here. Do not attempt to do this, under any circumstances, regardless of how sound your reasoning might seem to be.
The change in this rule is not at all designed to
encourage people to use mods who would not otherwise do so. It is being done to provide valid information to people who are using them, or are already interested in using them. There is to be no pressure, regardless of how slight it might be, placed on anyone who does not want 3rd party software altering their games. It's their choice not to play with mods, just like two days ago it was your choice to play with them, regardless of the rules here. It needs to stay that way. Forever.
Our goal here is not to convince people like Esther that they should use mods! Our only goal here is to make people like Esther comfortable with the change that is happening, and to ensure her that the forum will not go into decline simply because we partially relaxed half of a single rule.
