1day, please don't regret having spoken your mind. I for one appreciate it, because you have observed a particular tone on the forums, even without being directly involved in the conversation.

I am dismayed by how many people are saying they don't feel welcome here. This is not isolated to one or two people who are speaking out about it...there are many more who are quietly trying to find a safe corner to hide in.

Sometimes, new people are going to misstep when they first come here. Not everyone has an easy time of fitting in right away. To correct small missteps when someone is new can only make a person feel unwelcome. Some have reacted to this with anger. But returning that anger with more anger only escalates the situation, it does nothing to help it.

We are all of us human, and are all struggling with our own issues. No member's feelings are more important than another's. I would ask that everyone, old and new members alike, try to remember that the person they are talking to is dealing with difficult things, too, and maybe take a breath before responding to something that has made you angry. There is a thread right now that discusses how much better it is to use "I" statements. Especially when feelings are running high, to frame a response in terms of your own feelings instead of another's actions can keep a small disagreement from turning into a large argument.

This forum is a great one because it is such a supportive environment. I hope that everyone who needs it can receive that support.

Jo