John hardly -

"I hardly know you but when you say, "Many here seem read with adversarial intent -- it's nearly impossible to communicate clearly with them because their default setting is set to "argue". "

and...

"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."

Thanks for the compliment. Same to you. I don't have an ugly underbelly. I try not to attack people and most of my posts are inquiry. Sometimes I argue. Especially if its about politics or religion. Who doesn't? Whats the point of exchanging ideas if they are always 'couched' in socially appropriate (polite) dialogue. I avoid people who always 'beat around the bush." Who has the time?

Like I said before, its my best means of discussing subjects that are taboo in most social settings. I agree with freda when she says that," This ambiguity enhances the tendency to project your own expectations, wishes, and anxieties unto the somewhat shadowy figure sitting at the other end of the internet -- what is called a "transference reaction."