Just a matter of preferences, I guess. I find the friendships I've made with people here in the Mudcat very rewarding. More rewarding, in some ways, than many of the contacts I have with people I meet through other contexts. I guess that's because people from all over the world who have certain sensibilities in commone with me (sense of humor, musical tastes, etc.) are all concentrated here in this one place.

It would be extremely difficult for me to find as many kindred spirits in the "real world" as I find here in the Mudcat every day. And the friendships I make here become a means for me to get out and see much more of the world than I would otherwise be able to do, through the eyes of people who are local to that area. Best way to travel, in my opinion.

On the other hand, one of the best friends I've ever had in the Mudcat, I never even knew his name or what he looked like until after he died. I miss him a lot.

One thing I think some people don't understand about places like the Mudcat, is that mixed in amongst the every day regular people like you, who have very active and full 3D world lives, there are quite a few people who, because of illness or other physical limitations, aren't able to have a full and satisfying 3D life. The Mudcat helps them keep their sanity while they go through very difficult times of physical and social isolation.

I know everyone's behavior here is their own choice, but personally, I think the people who are going through difficult times deserve all the kindness we can give them. And it's not always possible to know which Mudcatters are going through such experiences. So for me, I choose to at least attempt kindness toward everyone. I know from personal experience what an important life-line a place like the Mudcat can be.