Been her, on & off, thru some computer-less times, etc., for some years, frequently lurking. In my first few years here, as best I can recall, there were some (relativly rare) major disagreements, but for all practical purposes, NO flaming. NO asshole behavior, & this place was a strikingly hi-class improvement over any other web space I was involved with, even one specifically for medical discussions.

The tone & quality of interaction here was fabulous - really impressive erudition abt music & folk music & realted history & similar issues. There was a lot less of non-music threads (actually hardly ever, as I recall).

Having said the above, I obviously feel the 'cat has been somewhat degraded by the flamers & other twits, but I also think it's still the best. So, as many others have said - ignore 'em. Their psychopath cravings for attention will only be fed & worsened by attention.

Cheers, BK