Please allow me a little rant.
One of the joys of this forum has always been the really strong sense of mutual respect and willingness to help. No matter how basic the question, or how often it has been asked before, some kind soul will do his best to provide an answer.

Recently I feel that threads have decayed almost instantly into slanging matches, usually not progressing the answer at all but descending into pointless personal punch-ups. And I really don't understand why.

Now some forums have a flame culture and thats fine, I go there for entertainment now and again, but here I look for information and intelligent discussion. I hope most other members feel the same.

I don't want people banned, I think that is too dictatorial but perhaps if we all try to be more understanding we can get along better.
Remember:
Not everyone has english as their prime language.
Misunderstanding is not stupidity.
What you think you said is not always what the other guy heard.
Written words always read harsher than you think.
If you can't add to the original question don't post, don't respond to rudity or flaming, they'll go away soon.

Thanks for reading: I have my intumescent underwear on and no I'm not a preacher despite the evidence above.