Cyberspace is an odd thing. There is immediacy and spontaneity and intimacy to it that don't happen anywhere else. However, most of us are unaccustomed to expressing our thoughts in writing, and tone is especially difficult to convey without context. Even though we share interests and a love of music, we do not know each other, and we cannot assume that our remarks are understood in the spirit we offer them. Irony and humor are particularly difficult to convey onscreen. Many email/cyberspace veterans make do with cumbersome and awkward 'emoticons' (the :) smileyface, for example) or bracketed comments that indicate tone (, for example).

And it is a sad fact of public life today that many of us are just not equipped to deal with irony, sarcasm, or satire any more. It's a kind of emotional equivalent to multiple chemical sensitivities or something (just a theory I have). We've been exposed to enough of it already and we can't help but overreact.

Let's please just be clear and respectful with each other and utilize the personal message options for things that are off topic in the threads or are more appropriately addressed to just one or two others. It's a wonderful way to talk to other individuals without having to give out your email address if you choose not to.

Nora