I think people go through phases AJ_77 ,plus spring is here and everyone including myself are outside more. I still check for anything interesting everyday. I really enjoy allot of what is posted and the characters that post them!
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Although sometimes I'm guilty of being "difficult"
I think things are generally friendly and open here. I've been confrontational with my opinion several times, yet I feel I'm treated fairly.
I think some of the derogatory comments are sometimes deserved by those that receive them, including myself.
No one, I believe has ever been turned away that had a legitimate question.
I think sometimes people want others on the board to do their work for them, or want quick fix answers and don't want to actually learn anything. Or they want to brag/lie about what they've achieved. Those posts usually get flack, and in my (usually long winded) opinion deserve it. It's no different from aquarium club meetings I've been to. Newbie's are quiet at first, but the ones willing to ask a honest question are usually quickly helped by a more experienced hobbyist. After a few meetings they've learned to avoid the "hot-air hobbyists" and become part of the group. The "know-it-alls" that know nothing, weed themselves out.
After all, they created a the newbie forum so that the basic questions that get re-asked only need to be replied to once, and judging by the view numbers is well used.
Do we all know each other? No, many of the people I talk to here I've never met. A few I met here before I ran into them in a store. One day I'll be able to put faces to many of the names, maybe.
It just takes time. Remember patience is one of the most valuable skills you can have in this hobby.