Thinking about what Rich said, when I respond to a post, in my mind I assume that one day I might meet the person who I am posting to. I respond to a post as if I was chatting with that person at a party or over a cup of coffee or a glass of wine.
There is no difference for me.
Mind you, if I did as much socializing with you guys in person as I do on the Mudcat, I would be exhausted. It takes so much more energy to socialize in person.
I'd have to make sure I brushed my teeth and had clean underwear on.
That is one major advantage of Mudcatting. I get my private time, yet I have all you buddies.
Kind of an odd concept, but I guess that it part and parcel of the new paradigm we are creating with cyberspace friendships.

Bonnie