Claire said "The best thing you can do is either use your sense & leave the site[s], try hard to not put anything on it/them that'd make people pick on you, /not use social networking sites in the 1st place........ "

The problem being is that in accepting that as the only course of action, many people will never post or comment, who could actually make a great contribution to a thread, for living ib fear of getting picked on or bullied out. It actually says that if the 'brawlers' shout loud enough then they will see to it no quiet contribution can take place. I would ask why anyone should have to accept being picked on as a part of making decent contributions in a place purporting that everyone is entitled to a voice.

Indeed people will and do disagree. It's when it is made personal that things get really out of hand and if you are not willing to get personal back then you are invited to leave or stay away as an alternative?

So, in essence, I disagree with how I read your post Claire BUT the big difference is you and I will not argue or call each other for it. I respect what you wrote. You will likely respect my reply, yet still we will differ.

Maybe I am nieive but I think that is how decent discussion should happen.

Shouting someone out must never be seen as a way of winning a discussion or point. It's not winning. It does not make anything right. It is bullying to win. It is a fact of everyday life in society, I know, but it's still not good on those quieter folk who wish to contribute without fear.