Hmm.. I should probably send you an Im but no harm sharing this here.

Forum interactions, unbound by traditional manners of face-to-face discussion, float between being a place to share and a place to vent.

Some people just post to read their own thoughts. I call this "Dear Diary" syndrome. To others, forums are like an online puzzle game where you must strategically outwit your opponent, engaging in exciting and heated discussion.

Many, myself included in this group, post the "how to's", tutorials, link references, info based content. This group, and definitely me included, can also be prone to sharing too much personal insight and reflection as well; intending to help or warn of course, but still...

Then there are the gatherers. They want or need or collect. They come in, go out, post fast, brief, and don't linger. They are asking quick "where can I find", etc. I think for some, forums are like a google search.

Then there are fence sitters. They always have an opinion, but never take sides. To them everything is in shades of grey and they usually post in the middle of a heated debate. Never in the beginning. Never at the end. With exception of course.

There are trolls, who also have the "game" mentality, but are in it more for sport than intellect. They are what they are and troll is as good a description as any. Regardless, trolls stir the pot for pleasure.

And there are others types too, of course, being all make up forums across the Internet. Some post to unwind and some post to wind up; either themselves or others. Whether studying, learning, teaching, lecturing, spamming, trolling, or gathering, they are on every site,server, and board in one form or another.

Being online for hours on end is like being underwater for a long time. Time, perception, and reality changes. And it is hard to judge things sometimes for what they are. Some people just poke at each other in fun; others mean it.

With different age groups, from teen to elder, various languages, and cultures, the comments of one person, which might be very normal to them, can seem offensive and harsh to someone else.

And last, but not least, many people, who have problems preventing them from interacting in the real world, favor online interactions. Online they are as beautiful or cool as they can pretend to be with no one to slug them or walk aways, or lock the door. :) There used to be a joke that the "P" in Poser stood for Prozac.

Most people take forum breaks, myself included; sometimes for days, weeks, or years at a time. Just don't get too disappointed, annoyed, or frustrated. I think i mentioned once to be wary of forums. This is part of what I meant. They aren't always rewarding. Sometimes they are.

I just don't want you to feel funny, nor think it is going to change either. It is what it is. I just ignore most things I find unenjoyable. Some I don't though. Whatever works for you. You mentioned you had been around for awhile but didn't post. Most people feel the way you do at some point. It's normal. Just consider it a break.

PS: hey does that coun't as a stray thought?

-Anton, creator of Apollo Maximus
"Conviction without truth is denial; Denial in the face of truth is concealment."

Over 100,000 Downloads....