It seems to me that over the past several months, maybe a year, there has
been a steady decline in postings.

Speaking strictly for myself, I think the whole "tone" had been uncomfortable
for some time. All the political debate in the last year made me cringe. All
the International Pot Shot Exchanges have dampened my enthusiasm for
discussion. All the arguing and sniping back and forth give an armed camp
feeling.

I don't for a minute think the ONLY topic should be needlework. I would just
like to see a return to a friendlier environment.
Earlier this year, there was quite a bit of Bash America(ns) going on. Having
been quite honest regarding my love and admiration for All Things British, my
feelings were hurt enough that I just withdrew, rather than try to post any
response.

I'm one of those "evil" smokers, and while I respect everyone's right to an
opinion, again, knowing how considerate I try to be with my bad habit, having
it constantly harped on, causes one to withdraw.

Reading the ever constant bickering between "regular" posters, all of whom do
have the "right" to post, wears a person out. All the squabbling about who
called who a nasty name seems so beneath us. Or it should be. The "I have
So-and-So killfiled" remarks just seem to add fuel to the ongoing spats.

It's not that I want to see this become a moderated group, or never see any OT
postings, I would just like us to remember there are flesh and blood PEOPLE on
the other side of the monitor. People with feelings. People with valid
contributions, who could make them, if they didn't feel as though any post at
all would or could result in an attack. I realize I tend to over-analyze my
postings, in effort to make sure I don't unintentionally hurt someone's
feelings, and I can't expect everyone else to do the same thing.

I suppose this is where I do my Rodney King quote of "Can't we all just get
along?". Simplistic, I know, but there it is..

Tegan

Who we are never changes. Who we think we are... does.
- Unknown