Welcome aboard, Byrd_Huntr.

I learn something new from these folks nearly every day. It's a great resource for all of us. Looking forward to your ongoing contributions.

One of the great things about this crowd is that while we have definite and pointed opinions, we don't feel obligated to swing at every pitch. A bit of civility is the result.

BTW, hats off and three cheers for our Moderators, who show enormous tolerance for our various peccadillos, and tactfully steer us back onto the road when we go feral. No doubt they've been overworked since the Haiti disaster, where every post is potentially political. Sincere thanks, guys, keep it up.

Have to agree with all that was said up to this point. Friendly, knowledgable people that are as varied as the post that are discussed here. It is nice that people can agree or disagree with each other and not loose their minds about it. The Moderators are tolerant and informed. Unless the discussion is going in the wrong direction, they are just as likely to lay down their .02 in the discussion like any of us. It is that attitude and behavior that makes me respect and admire most that post here.

I could have done a lot worse then picking this forum. Welcome Byrd_Hunter, grab a cup of whatever keeps ya going and make yourself at home.

Welcome home stranger.

I find _I_ don't generally have to do much steering. I'm actually pleasently surprised how LITTLE I have I have to do. The only place I've seen as civil (that is open to the public) is the old CompuServe, and there, no one was anonymous, so the Mods knew who everyone was (remember, you HAD to pay, so...)

I actually have to thank the MEMBERS - they keep themselves, and each other in line

Welcome, and thanks for the compliment.

I have to agree - seems like nearly everyone here does a good job playing nicely. Even disagreements are settled civilly, which is amazing.

My thanks too to the new mods - picked up the torch nicely from our former. Wonder what Chris is up to nowadays.

Welcome Byrd_Hunter,
I also lurked for a while and ETS is the first and almost the only forum I post on. Sometimes we differ in opinion here, but you never get any hassle.

Mike

Exactly my situation as well - welcome

Hey NightHiker, lighten up will ya'? I lurked here for 3+ years before I joined and nobody had a problem with me.

what, do we have a punishment chicken or something on this forum?

P.S the punishment chicken is a SOSAK forum reference

No, something much, much worse: wet cats.

Be afraid. Be very, very afraid...

-Blast