I realize this could be it's own thread but in response to a relatively new member leaving I thought I would share my opinion on happenings of late. More than anything, the ability to have written a well thought out post (for Lexi - that is grammatically and syntactically correct with no misspellings - I tease because I prefer reading them as well) precludes the types of misunderstanding which can be created by snarky, or tersely written snippets, often where the tenor of the author is completely lost (is it meant to be humorous, is it purposely critical, is it satire, etc.)!

Although the ability to either wholly quote, or to quote a portion of a previous post within a thread exists, not everyone uses that, and then follow-on posts are left to be interpreted by a string of subsequent readers. And while a number of posts may be done in quick succession with a certain frame of mind or reference as they are written, it is still left for later readers to catch up in order to be part of the on-going discussion. Don't get me wrong I know that's the way it is, but what I have witnessed lately (it seems) are less than mature individuals with really thin skin frankly twisting these discussions into un-entertaining drivel.

Realistically, not everyone will have a gem to post, and I am not suggesting we limit anyone's participation, but as a consumer of the forums, I prefer either entertaining or informative discussions. I may be in the minority of people who don't enjoy the "cat fights" or tit for tat exchanges, but when I log back in and see 157 new responses and no new threads, I almost dread opening the new posts. I know it is my decision to be here in the first place, I also know it is my decision to read or not read a particular topic or thread, or even posts within those threads, and I have skipped them en masse lately. I guess what I am saying is that this forum used to be both informative and enjoyable, and lately it has had moments of jr. high antics and cliques bickering. I know we are all adults I look forward to adult exchanges. Thanks for letting me vent this morning.

I realize this could be it's own thread but in response to a relatively new member leaving I thought I would share my opinion on happenings of late. More than anything, the ability to have written a well thought out post (for Lexi - that is grammatically and syntactically correct with no misspellings - I tease because I prefer reading them as well) precludes the types of misunderstanding which can be created by snarky, or tersely written snippets, often where the tenor of the author is completely lost (is it meant to be humorous, is it purposely critical, is it satire, etc.)!

Although the ability to either wholly quote, or to quote a portion of a previous post within a thread exists, not everyone uses that, and then follow-on posts are left to be interpreted by a string of subsequent readers. And while a number of posts may be done in quick succession with a certain frame of mind or reference as they are written, it is still left for later readers to catch up in order to be part of the on-going discussion. Don't get me wrong I know that's the way it is, but what I have witnessed lately (it seems) are less than mature individuals with really thin skin frankly twisting these discussions into un-entertaining drivel.

Realistically, not everyone will have a gem to post, and I am not suggesting we limit anyone's participation, but as a consumer of the forums, I prefer either entertaining or informative discussions. I may be in the minority of people who don't enjoy the "cat fights" or tit for tat exchanges, but when I log back in and see 157 new responses and no new threads, I almost dread opening the new posts. I know it is my decision to be here in the first place, I also know it is my decision to read or not read a particular topic or thread, or even posts within those threads, and I have skipped them en masse lately. I guess what I am saying is that this forum used to be both informative and enjoyable, and lately it has had moments of jr. high antics and cliques bickering. I know we are all adults I look forward to adult exchanges. Thanks for letting me vent this morning.