Do we scare people off the forums? Wow! I started to filter through some of this and decided it wasn't going to be pleasant, so I'll just comment on what I feel right now and save myself from reading a lot of disturbing interchanges.
I look at this place the same as I look at any public place. And being in a public place, I would assume that a certain amount of social respect should be offered. Personally, I tend to shy away from confrontation, at least when it comes to recreation. Some may find it entertaining...I do not. That's my choice. I can tell when a thread is beginning to head downhill (so to speak) and can exit gracefully. Newbies, on the other hand, might be intimidated.
I'm here quite often, and always enjoy the time I spend here. I don't always participate. I feel that a person does not have to join in a conversation to enjoy or benefit from it. But when a person does make a comment or share an opinion, I think it should be acknowledged by someone so the person making the offering feels as though he was heard. Even a simple "thumbs up" will suffice.
I don't believe that the subject or "chit-chat" should be limited because this is a forum after all. There should be something here for everybody and people should learn to accept that. There are plenty of threads to frequent and no one should feel left out.
Try to think of this as mingling at a social gathering. People group up according to their interests. Newcomers should be greeted and included in the groups they choose. Flutter from group to group and get to know people. Listen to their debates, add a few of your own comments, participate in some idle chit-chat, but above all...respect them as individuals.
I'd better sign off on this now. I'm beginning to ramble on. Take care all and enjoy your time here.
Whew!
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