This message is a personal request from me to all the members of this site.  I am asking that you not participate in or encourage "flaming" or "flame bait".  If you're not familiar with this term, please read on.  More to the point, if you see a stupid argument going on - please resist the urge the join.  Joining in does no good - it just fans the flames.  You cannot talk sense to some people, no matter how sensible you may be.

We've seen in the past (and some of us [including me] have accidently, in the heat of the moment, been guilty ourselves) people who post messages with no other purpose than to insult someone.  The best way to deal with those messages is to ignore them.  If you feel the need to talk to that person directly, please message them privately.  If you feel the need to defend your honor, then simply post a message saying "I have messaged this person privately".

"Flaming" is simply the act of insulting someone, or getting involved in an argument without offering something intelilgent or constructive.  Examples of flaming:  "you're an idiot", or "maybe you should keep your mouth shut", etc.

Flame baiting is the act of saying something stupid or antagonistic, with the purpose of starting useless or unintelligent arguments.  Things like "Only godless heathens believe in abortion" is an example of flame bait.

Thanks,

Lance

Erin - every few months, a post will arise that causes tons of "drama" (for a lack of a better word), hurt feelings, ect.  I can think of a few recently...but that's better left unsaid.  overall, it's a great site, but we all have different views and sometimes arguments happen...we've had a few leave (sometimes temporarily, sometimes they never post again) because of this.

Lance - always great to get a little reminder.

Wise words. 

Hey LANCE! Nice to 'see' ya!!! Shame it is only when  problems arise. Yes, I've been guilty too. I think I've gotten better at keeping my BIG mouth shut! (at least I try) Love ya!

 Well flames will happen on the best of discussion boards, but I have to say that this is most flame-retardant site I know of.

Thanks for the reminder, Lance.  Thinking before replying is good advice. I'm a bit out of practice.

hahaha  (well said, Bethany!)

Bill... you've been known to step in a "pile of it" a time or two!   Welcome back BTW!  We've missed you!

 I would never type those about anyone on a forum where most folks are so nice! 

LOL - you got that right! I am sooooo missunderstood! I was out of town and out of touch - thanks!

Okay now I WAS going to make that joke but I thought for sure SOMEONE would be offended and it would be considered flaming.

And Pam, once again you kill me with what you come up with!