I had to skip some of the responses for time, as I am on a break at work, but I wanted to post some thoughts. I hope that they can help.

I am at work. I like my job. I like the people I work with and I like my customers. I care about them. They come in, and they know they can ask me anything about the services my company provides, but they also know that they can come in and bitch about their day or cry about a lost loved one or laugh about something funny they heard. They know that, no matter what else maybe going on in their lives, they can come in here and get a smile and a warm greeting. Some people want to come in and be very businesslike and simply get done what they want done or ask their questions and then leave, and we are more than happy to accomodate this, but *not* at the expense of those who would rather be treated more like a friend.

The majority of our customer base stays with this firm because they *want* to be treated like they are cared for.

Most of the people I know, me included, would rather be in an environment that is caring and friendly and more casual. I can sympathise with those who would prefer a more businesslike atmosphere here at the 'Cat, one that sticks to topic, but I can't personally empathise with it.

Many others have already raised very valid points. Things like their relative level of experience/knowledge, etc. not being enough to allow them to contribute to the majority of on topic threads. And maybe this next one has already been stated, but it bears repeating.

This place, like anyplace on the web, is what you make of it. If you want more on topic threads, why not post some on topic threads? If you don't care for the ones that are not on topic, why not avoid them? Leaving is not the only solution.

I am sure each and every one of us would be able to list at least a few things we'd like to see done differently here, and for that matter, in other areas of life.

Happiness, however, is not getting what you want, it is wanting what you have.