The only way to win an argument

[monster]

Originally Posted by Cloud

an arguer focuses solely on himself or herself, instead of listening. Perhaps that's why I've not been made to feel welcome here, despite a pretty diligent effort on my part to contribute.

Originally Posted by Clodfobble

Really? Sorry to hear you feel that way. I thought you were pretty well included, and even thinking about it I can't remember anyone arguing with you on anything in particular...

Yes, you surprised me with that comment too. I haven't seen any evidence of you being unwelcome and I am sorry you feel that way. Maybe you just expected something different?

This is a long-established site with many veteran members, so there is a lot of history that can be opaque to newcomers, and it has a character and sense of humor of it's own which I guess can feel brusque, maybe... ascerbic, perhaps. Sometimes the most inane threads take off, sometimes interesting questions go largely unanswered. But that's what I like about it. It's unpredictable and the fluff is avoidable if you're not in the mood and available by the bucketload if you are.

I've found other forums where I guess people are just trying to be friendly but to me the atmosphere is cloying and intrusive and the chatter inane because everyone feels the need to ask personal questions and answer every post, even if it's just to say "I don't know". But I think I felt that just because it was not what I expected/was used to.