Generally, I am interested in understanding issues from many perspectives, and am not offended by anyone (who posts nice) with a different viewpoint. I have learned from other folks perspectives and have broadened my views from some discussions. However, I doubt that I can say that many of my personal views on issues have made a major change from discussions on this site. In some cases, my participation on some discussions have encouraged me to think them out more and look into the topics (from outside sources) in more depth (that is a good thing).

I sometimes feel it is unfortunate and a loss to everyone here when a poster has something important to say/express - but, they blow it by being: overally sensitive and argumentative to those of a different viewpoint, are verbally abusive and disrespectful to other posters, or have a poor command of the writing or English, or express or take their case well beyond logical reason. A few times I have tried to lead a couple of posters away from that - as I have felt there is someting important to discuss. But, I don't recalll ever being successful at that.

Some topics are like "snake pits" with those with strong opinions waiting to pounce on the innocent who enters with different perspectives on the same topic. I have learned to avoid these, except when I "want to", and "am up to" having a bit of fun. And, yes, I have gained knowledge from those discussions.

Sometimes I have noted a "pecking order" of posters - with some who have been here awhile having developed a "posting circle" of the likeminded who tend to ignore those on the outside, or "the newbies". But, I guess that is not much different from other social aspects of life.

Would one expect middle aged people (common here) to make a total U turn on views that have taken years to solidify?