Healthy forum?

As a relatively new poster to this forum, I have to say that I wish I had joined in before. My perception of the forum as a fortress for highbrow conversation and unforgiving intellectualism hasn't been realised. I am delighted by the informality and friendliness of other posters.

Long may this continue.

If you liked Dr. Brodsky you'll love Devon Farmer.

I've been following this forum since last November and have noticed that pseudo-profundity and snobbery are soon jumped on.  It's been excellent entertainment.

I've also noticed that the search function returns interesting forum results.  If there's something on my mind, I try searching the artist's name or work to see if it's already been discussed and it usually has.

I'm still laughing at that Vic, many thanks.

I'm going to take a different route and go and poke an angry dog with a stick!

I agree with you, Parisboy. And, like you, I'm not pointing fingers at anyone in particular. In fact, many of the most active participants in these "debates" are members whose insights I respect the most. I love a good back-and-forth debate, but when it gets personal it isn't merely uncivil – I find it's pretty boring. And that's a shame, because the contributers to this forum are anything but boring. I'm awed by your enormous intelligence and experience.

There is a way of dealing  with contentious posters; ignore them. (And by that word, I mean anyone who either breaks forum rules, or resorts to abuse.) On a personal level it can be anyone with whom you have unresolvable issues.

It isn't working here because some obviously relish the cut and thrust of off-topic argument that is ultimately boring and meaningless to anyone else.

I would like the forum to be about music, and without personal sniping.

I can hope.