I consider chat, where one is more into the "just talk" mode and adds nothing to the conversation. I think there is a section of FR where one can just talk about things unrelated to the subject here at hand..its just more chit chat between FReepers. Therefore I meant, I try to stick to the subject at hand and "avoid personal attacks, talking about my dog ;), my summer vacation, ;) etc or he said, she said on someother thread blah blah" type scenario.
I learn more from those that comment, than what is in the story at hand. There is a vast amount of knowledge on FR that you do not get on other sites of this kind.
I thought that was what you meant. How much of the childish banter and soap opera type nonsense do you believe is purposeful political distraction vs. thoughtless rambling?