[pooh]

Hi Trish,

I understand your feelings...we make "friends" with the people we interact with on message boards. Sometimes some forget that there are flesh and blood people typing and interacting. Strange how not seeing who they're corresponding with can make some respond in less than charitable ways.

I'm a moderator on another board and over the years, we've seen people come and go. It's always sad to have someone you've enjoyed interacting with, leave, though many times they do return. On our board, for years all posts, no matter how vile, were allowed to remain. No matter how much we admins suggested that others not respond to something unworthy of response, people would continue. As the years passed, removing posts and banning has been allowed and it works. A number of our posters are from different countries so spotting the offending posts took a while because of the time differences and people being people, they would just continue on, degrading the entire message board. It's amazing how quickly people can "get on the wagon" when a negative post stays. I'm all for free speech, but not when it starts to erode the structure of a perfectly functioning board.

I miss those who've left, but alas, it isn't an uncommon event....maybe here it is, but in general, it happens. Hopefully, our members who've moved away will return to us and of course, we'll welcome them back with our arms outstretched. Sometimes people just need a break, need time to relax and recoup. In reality, it's just a message board and it should be fun. If it's not giving you enjoyment, it's time to get your priorities back in order. Once equilibrium is achieved, then, maybe it's back with old friends....oh, I do hope so. I miss those who've needed a break.