Welcome newbies, and my .02

[pearl]

i think we'rre up to a dollar now.
i'm guilty of coming because coyote came here. i did post on current members' threads, plus new ones. then i lost track, just went where i wished.
the "fix" i felt was factions trying to convince each other. not fun.
the famous religion thread. i was told my beliefs were wrong. then, i admittedly joined a gang-up and posted on something i have strong feelings about, and good knowledge about, dog breeding. it wasn't OK to post opinions about that but was OK for others to tell me my religious beliefs were wrong. felt like the ol' double standard.
and, i am a card carrying liberal and treehugger, but i don't force it. so, then it was posted that this was mostly an older women's conservative forum and it was wished to keep it that way, well i'm older and woman but not conservative.
now, more chiming in say all views are welcome.
i do enjoy forums, have moderated more than one, been a member of several; have moderated a jumpin' rowdy one that 6 mods couldn't keep under control. i know what can happen.
if many views are welcome, if respectful, i really enjoy an exchange of views. i learn that way.
i too have been hurt by members of the born-again fundamentalist way of life, rejected because i wasn't "good enough." but i think it was more their emotional and psychological shortcomings than the rreligion. jesus hung out with tax collectors, hookers, rampant sinners. i think that's more the message.

the etiquette on forums usually is to first hang out, read, be in the background, and come in slowly and let others get used to you. i'm afraid people used this place to be with a friend instead. which, is not a bad motive, just didn't use a lot of common sense. many of us arre sorry for that.