Not to dwell on this too much, lest it become a soap opera. But if there's one unexpected lesson I've learned from these synthesizer forums, it's that many people take instruments, not only seriously, but quite personally as well. When I see an instrument presented for discussion, I instinctively go at it without another concern; it's an object, so let's pull it a part. I'm commenting on an object, so I feel at liberty to criticize it without mercy. Meanwhile, someone else on the forum who likes the instrument is offended by my - or some one else's - posted critical comments. It tends to come to me as a surprise, because I forget how personally people get with instruments. Honestly, it's a lesson that's hard to remember, and it tends to make one, not merely conscious of other peoples' feelings, but overly reserved in expressing views on an instrument.
A prime example of the complexity of the problem was the old DSI/Prophet Forum. It was a forum for learning lessons, for certain, but our discussions were also more colorful and interesting. By contrast, I find this new forum to be polite and reserved - all of us having cultivated proper forum behavior - but it's also quite a bit more boring. Maybe you guys would disagree, but some times an excessive politeness is stifling. I'm accustomed to quite a bit more frankness in my relations with others, with few apologies necessary. Whereas, the whole internet universe is so socially artificial as to make it awkward and frustrating. Hence, those little emoticons, which are so often used to try to keep yourself out of trouble for a comment you're about to post.
It is difficult to balance substantive debate and discussion with sensitivity towards other peoples' feelings. Some times I wonder if it's even worth the effort, since the end result is often polite but superficial conversation - light chatter.
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