dianavan describes very well the downward spiral that this kind of forum has suffered. She thinks that "I can say things that I know will be unacceptable without any real social repurcussions", but sadly, the repercussions are that we find out that our ugly underbelly becomes more and more often our outward persona.

When we have an artificial means like this forum, wherein we think that we can express those thoughts that we know would not be socially acceptable, we find out that there are others who have the same or equally ugly thoughts. The shame that should keep us civil is lifted and we have the kind of posters that are so common here and less common on moderated forums where there are "repercussions" for uncivil behavior.

Soon, instead of shame that should keep us in check, we revel in our naughtiness. Until that naughtiness is trite and cliche'. Then we have to find a new naughty to move on to.

It's always illuminating to go into the archives and read the respect with which most of the posts 4-7 years ago were written.

I think it always wiser to post in a way that would make it so that I would not be ashamed to meet any of you. And usually when I have met the few of you that I've met, it's been a delightful experience.