I stay away from the Michelle threads also - for the same reason. Sometimes believe those threads are demeaning to conservatives who are supposed to “operate” on the analysis of one’s philosophy, core values rather than on one’s appearance (though they are often tied together as I clearly understand).
I tell many about FR and what a news source it is plus a place for witty and insightful commentary, as well as a place where people ask for advice and for prayer.
The Michelle threads just make me wince sometimes....so now I just skip them and hope they don’t get many posts.
Agree with the Welcome Wagon Idea. (Can’t be in that group myself - because I really don’t pay attention to who is a newbie and who is not unless there is a particularly outrageous thread where one can get IBTZ.)
Agree with giving the benefit of the doubt to newbies, even ones who want to link to their own blogs right off the bat. (I just don’t read threads where the source is a blog I don’t know about already).
Greatly appreciate all the Admin Moderators do - so thanks!
Like a moth to a flame, I am sometimes drawn to them just to see what is said and by whom. But they roil my stomach so I leave before I say something, lol. I still recall the one that caused such a brouhaha and was posted on other sites because of the viciousness.
Thanks for writing what you did, I have had a lot of people say it to me in FReepmail. Some are often quick to flame you if you criticize on those threads, they say, “we are just having fun”!
I try to get along and gladly apologize if I am wrong about something. The Mods have a hard job and we do have a great forum here.
I have seen a ‘Welcome’ thread at many other forums and it would be a nice thing to have here. Looks like quite a few have said they would be interested in working with it.
Thanks for your comments. LOL, perhaps I should change my tagline!