Reactionary ??? I fail to see that. It's very hard to convey humour, and as for fish in a barrell, it's about having a laugh. There's only so many references to Scandinavian Death Metal that a fellow can take. I've been accussed of being po-faced, ha ha!..when there are so many other more worthy examples of po-facedness on this forum! :-)

The usual problem has returned, where folk can't hear a tone of voice or see an ironic smile from the person posting. Astalcat, knowing you, as I do I can visualise that, but some of those posts you put in there, if you detatch yourself from knowing who you are, might come across as a bit... erm, snippy.

I've often had to read and reread some of my own stuff before posting it, for that very reason - and often go and quickly edit posts, before anyone can read it.

True, there does seem to be a few alliances, where somebody may jump to somebody's defence a little quicker and more aggressively, but that's just the real life thing creeping in. We deal with it 'out there' easily enough, so just have to utilise such equipment here, too. Avoid conversations with folk you've had any unpleasant exchanges with for a few weeks - and then try conversing with them later. By which time they may have read some of your other posts and be more responsive and cordial.

Some folk continue to 'leapfrog' my posts, preferring to reply to the post before. It may be because they think I'm a dick - but, it may be because I was in danger of steering the thread elsewhere. It's like being down the pub a bit, really. Only with a better jukebox.

Hahahahaha, well hello again Zebedee! :-) I do think you're quite reactionary, and I'm not coming from any position of strength myself. :-) Your patented Acme tut-tut-o-matic setting is quite high, I feel. :-). But this is the internet so I have no real sense of irony in your postings. :-)

Right. Now he's gone down the shops, let's have a quick vote to see we think he's a dick.

(raises hand)