Mary asked,

"As an aside...has anyone seen any research which diagnoses or somehow chronicles the "personalities" seen in various web postings? I have my theories, and like Bert, I can recognize certain "characteristics" or "adjectives" (wouldn't be polite to engage in name-calling here), but I'd really be interested in learning more from someone who knows more about psychology."

Well Mary, in my "real life" I do a bit of that, and if I was to attempt a profile- for entertainment purposes only, as the TV psychic ads say- I'd do it the following way regarding "Guest, Phantom Lurker".

The phrase "what part of (whatever) didn't you understand"? is almost always used by women. The person appears to have been here for quite some time, is often displeased with the group's behaviour, probably voices it occasionally, but seeks anonymity when really angry, so as not to jeopardize their position. My guess is that folkmusic is very important to them, and superficial talk- especially when "people who should know better" enjoy the banter- drives them to distraction. I'd look for signed postings by someone who constantly trumpets their moral superiority and uses phrases like "unflinching honesty" (and probably many others implying the same) Finally I'd check for threads started by unfamiliar names, directly or obliquely criticizing another member. (or group of members) My work often involves handwriting, but typers leave clues as well.