I have a couple of comments on this topic. First of all, I understand where Bill is coming from. And as someone else has mentioned, there are quite a few 'FOGs' who either no longer visit or don't post nearly as much as they used to. And I don't say this to brag, but I've been around BOTL for quite some time. I love this place. I've been a part of a few boards since I got into the hobby. I've taken breaks from them all. This is the ONE that always brings me back. Always. Some friends have moved on to other places that I used to frequent, and I miss them, but not every board is for every person. I get that. But I hate to think that there are Brothers I'm missing or WILL miss because of something like this. Hell, some of the folks some may see here as institutions I'm just getting to know because of my own absences. I'd hate to miss out on that chance.
As others have mentioned, I don't see quite as much as what I believe Bill is talking about because I just don't bother with those threads. But really, should that be the best way for us to get along in this place? Most who come here and settle do so because this place offers something other places don't. I like to think that something is the atmosphere of acceptance and belonging offered to EVERYONE. There is never going to be 100% agreement in a place with this many members...and really, if there was, who would stay? I call that boring! :wink: But we can all have our own opinions and even disagree with each other pretty strongly while still offering each other respect. Regardless of the topic, there are probably at least 5 different ways to say whatever it is we are trying to convey. Some of those ways are sharper than they need to be or don't offer as much respect as they should. I think we can all take a few moments to try to find one of the other 4 ways to make our point.
So if you remember being new, and you remember feeling a sigh of relief when you found this place and settled in, try to hold that thought when you are getting ready to post something that might be controversial.
A side note and caveat: we have a Debate Room as a sub-forum. Things get heated in that room and differing opinions are the norm and expected. You need to be able to let things roll off in that room and if anyone is reading this thread thinking about that sub-forum, there is a simple way to stop seeing those posts: unsubscribe. It's an opt-in room, you don't have to be a part of it. There is probably always room for a tad bit more respect in there as well, but that being said, I think we do a darned good job of keeping things BOTL-worthy in that room, especially when compared to others I've been involved in.
