I keep reading how various people say that because of all the "bickering" on the chatboards, they almost or have or are thinking about quitting the hobby. BEEN THERE DONE THAT!

ALL hobbies have disagreements, whether thy're on their own chatboards or in their meetings or at their events. THAT'S HUMAN NATURE!!! That's MAN'S nature...to fight, argue, conquer, etc. I've been a male ALL of my life and from Day One a football was shoved in my hand - by my Mom!!! - and I've known nothing but destroy, maim, kill, score, run, pass, tackle, etc. THAT'S FOOTBALL!

Here's my point - and I had to sit back and take my own medicine one day not too long ago - mannerisms, voice intonation/inflection, body language, fingers crossed, smiles, winking the eye and all that we would normally SEE when talking to someone cannot be seen in text. Some people use bold and italics just because it looks cool, not because they're yelling or whispering.

WE shouldn't be THAT sensitive to let WORDS affect who we are or what we love to do. I HAVE - but after stepping back and taking a break and then making a few phone calls to clear things up, it's all good.

'Member the old saying: "Sticks and stones will break my bones, but names will never hurt me!" Maybe a bunch of grown men - myself included - should use that pre-pubescent mentality. That means life was so simple before we got hairy jewels!!! We just played for love of the game.

Peace out.