>>So, we have good solid technical advice getting lost in the BS. The question is then, is the "soap opera" and mudslinging the result of a lack of civility or oversensitivity? (or both?) (or neither?)
>
>I think it's a combination of many things. Plus I think many folks take the virtual community for granted, and forget that unlike a real community where you see people face-2-face, communication depends on interpretation of text. Factor in "reading between the lines" and you have even more room for differing interpretation. I am a headstrong, big mouth, over-achiever type most days. And many times I'm seen as overbearing and aggressive. I never intentionally try to be that way, and when I get it shoved down my throat that being aggressive is unbecoming for a woman... I get pissed. In that state of mind me, or no one else I would suspect, thinks clearly. Adds fuel to the fire... to much flames, not enough time given to let the fire burn it self out.

Well... It is like almost 2000. I heard a rumor that women are allowed to vote, carry weapons, join the marines, and be as overbearing and aggressive as they want. Of course, this was just a rumor, maybe in the hills of PA things are a little different. (Do I hear a banjo?)

As for the fire thing. In respect to all the New Year's partying coming up I suspect that we could put out some of these flames with a few dozen brewskies and everything will be OK!

Peace