Well said, gnomad. I think you nailed it. Thanks.

Ron, I am surprised, because I know you've been here a fair amount of time. Yes, we had bickering and the occassional crap from the like of gargoyle and others, but I do not for a minute believe it just APPEARED to be more congenial. Folks just plain were nicer, less likely to take or give offence. I remember we even used acronyms a lot more to make sure folks knew we were were just joking as in **BG** (Big Grin); NOI (no offence intended), etc. And, most signed off with some kind of good wishes.

Maybe it is partly ebcause there are so many new folks, but I don't think we can blame it on them; most seem like good folk. There are a few who post as themselves, and, I am sure, as guests, at times, who always seem compelled to bring others down, stir the pot, flame, troll, whatever you want to call it. They are consistent and if Rick were still here, he'd give you a breakdown of their times, styles, etc. as he delighted in studying posting habits, language used, etc.

Almost makes me long for the days when garg was all we had watch for.

kat