I, having read this entire thread and had, and consequently lost, several responses and thoughts on the subject, would offer:

These forums are a wonderful place to speak, and usually be heard. (I guess it never occurred to me to read only the last post or two and respond to those. That's too much like coming in onthe end of a conversation and saying something that was said in the first two minutes of the conversation. While it might be, in John's words like shitting on the head of the person who said it, it also points up your own either rudness or unintelligence-- no matter how well thought out the posting.)

BUT, that said, when you post, it will show up in its entirety and no one can step on your lines or interrupt you or overtly ignore you. That feature has given me the courage to say some things I might just quietly THINK in a 3D group of people. (Yes, I am a bit shy when I feel I am not up to the quality of thought or ability in a group. Sorry.)

Perhaps flamers feel that they can say what they wish here, and people will at least have to START to read it. If they spoke that way in a #D group of us we might likely show them the door. I usually don't react, but then I'm not the one being flamed, (and when I was, my daughter stood up for me before I could react. Again it was a GUEST posting)

I must admit I have been called enough names in my life (heck, before I got out of High School!) to never wish it on someone else, so I can't quite get into a flamer's skin, but these are my thoughts.

BTW Liz, glad to see you up and posting! (I've not been around much, except to check in on Barry...)

CamiSu