The human race spent thousands of years learning to communicate face-to-face...and did a mediocre job of it in many cases. When writing and telegraphy were added...along with telephones, some things were lost..(the 'body language' that can help in understanding)...now, in this medium, we have multiple, complex interactions the would put the United Nations to shame...and we are making up the rules as we go along! Some things have evolved to help..('emoticons' ;>)...acronymns.. NOI, LOL,BS, etc.), but it is NOT always clear or easy to discern what is behind a remark.

Some have mentioned their chagrin at being royally flamed in some forums...I have seen that happen, and it is not pretty. I am truly amazed that this forum continues thge with basic civility and care that it does. Yes, there are cases where some just do not wish to make the effort to separate the wheat from the chaff..(it takes TIME!!)(Bruce O. is a (mostly) serious collector, student of old music, and he wearies of some of the 'stuff' that goes on...but don't think for a minute he is 'gone' *grin*...those who know can spot an occasional answer to a serious inquiry that could have come from no one else!)

Personally, my mind simply does not work fast enough to create witty, ribald, and/or timely responses to every thread going!. I sit and ponder and compose many times..only to find the topic has 'thread creeped' out of sight. Add to that being a 2 finger typist and I DO get frustrated.....but leave? naaahhhh...been here for 3 years, and have made friends online and met some in person, and there is nothing like this anywhere!

Did I start to make a point up there? well, no matter...Mudcat remains in the upper left-hand corner of my bookmarks, and always will...you're a weird bunch, but fun....