I suggest that it would be better if we all contributed on equal terms.

   

A sane, thoughtful and fine suggestion. I submit for reflection that all those who post here DO start out on equal terms.   

All posts are not the same though, and if the extremists want to argue that vilification is equal to edification, they are just being obtuse.

Reputations are not all the same either. They are built slowly with care (or not) for truth, humor, a decent respect for the affinities of the community, accuracy, value, and so on.

But the posters ARE all eual and can change their posts and their reputations at will with a little effort.

This is very much like "real" life in tthat respect.

A