It is difficult for a newcomer to learn the unwritten rules of conduct in this forum. They seem complicated.

Are there some topics that are off limits in the BS section?

How do you decide whether a post was intended to create a thoughtful discussion, or to inflame?

Would a topic be more likely to gather responses if it were posted by one of the long time contributers than if it were posted by someone who is new to this forum? It sometimes appears that the interaction between people who have established connections and relationships here, (both "positive" and "negative"), is more important to participants than the actual substance of the posts.