Why I hate discussion groups

The first and foremost reason is that people who post can do so with impunity. They can say anything they like, be it hurtful, nasty, or even a complete fabrication. Of course they can, it's the Internet, and they don't have to stand face to face with the person, and back up their claims. They can just spew rhetoric (ad nauseum) and know that they have a captive audience. It sure must be an ego booster.

There are usually only about 10% of the discussion group members who a) have the chutzpa to post, or b) just like to hear themselves "talk". The other 90% lurk, as they just don't want to get into it with the other 10%.

Then there are the topics, OH MY LORD, can there EVER be an evolution? Does the same topic have to be brought up day in day out? The WORST part about all of this is that the same 10% that always preach, preach the SAME THING. At this point many of us can tell you what person A will say before they get a chance to type it.

The sub-groups within the 10%, consist of 7% nice, decent folks who just like to chat, and then there's those 3% who are downright abrasive. You know, the ones who like to write rude, terse retorts, with an air of superiority, or, the ones who like to write really short very insulting one sentence retorts. Again, back to the bravery on the internet illustration.

Please do the silent majority a favor preachers by sticking to these wonderful little suggestions

1) if you find yourself writing something for the 100000 time (or more), please just stop, the other members do NOT need to read it AGAIN- it's a waste of electrons

2) if you find yourself being nasty, and terse, then please don't type it

3) if all you can do are use cute little acronyms, or one sentence retorts- don't waste the page space

4) if you find that your critical posts are far outweighing your positive, then, please examine your motivation for being on the boards.

5) this is to the silent majority, and the 7% who do post, don't accept rude, nasty treatment. Discussion boards are for enjoyment, and if they aren't enjoyable, then get away, FAST. And, please, don't argue with someone who is Jonesing to get back on the pulpit, PLEASE! The rest of us folks just may DIE of boredom.

6) this is the most important rule- life is to be lived, and enjoyed. Preaching is for Church. Unless you are ordained, please refrain.