Connie, you left out the possibility that people who read the thread and do not post simply do not find it that important in the scheme of things.  Too many people are facing or know someone who is facing unemployment, health problems, family issues or the apparent threat of war with Iraq directly impacts them.  If you are someone looking at a discussion about the existence of a smite or applause button and have these other concerns hanging over your head, you can understand why they don't want to be bothered and feel it's not worth the investment of time or energy.

That's a good point, Nancy. And this may be off base, but I wonder how much external pressure might actually contribute to a certain amount of strife in here (and anyplace where people interact). Folks have come to feel that the DS board is a constant, comfortable place, and when it gets shaken up, it rattles people's nerves more than usual because it's just another thing that's changing and it's out of their control.

Or maybe not. But I know when I'm under stress, I sometimes react badly and take it out where I ought not to. These days, there is so much happening "out there"--to us personally and to people that we know and care about--and the fact that most of it is beyond our control can make you feel like there's a lead weight on your back. I don't like things that are beyond my control. I'd rather drive a car in blizzard over a sheet of ice than be somebody's passenger on a beautiful sunny day.

All I can control is how I react to things that I can't control. And sometimes, it's not as well as I like to think. These are the times that little, insignificant things (maybe like curses and cures to some people) look like great big roadblocks that have to be busted up RIGHT NOW.

Just a thought. And all of this is general and hypothetical. It's not aimed at a single individual in this place. If anyone takes it personally, I will curse the lot of you. No, I'll go one better. I'll call on Angelique (I have her phone number, you know), and we'll see how you like them apples.

--Mark

My own view on the matter is to remember this is a fan forum for a television show.  There are enough real world problems that face us now, and stand to directly impact us strongly than to worry whether or not someone likes the subject being posted or not.

Hear hear, Nancy.

--Mark

Actually, Ringo asked about this in his "Gotta risk my Karma...." thread. The answer is that I haven't found a mod for that feature in YaBB SE. However, the ever astute Dom pointed out something none of us had realized - if you click on the "new" icon at the end of the titles of each topic, you'll be taken to the most recently made post in that topic that you haven't read yet.

Well, that's certainly good for a pound of cure, but I've already smote you with a positive for the day. Can't hit you again till later.

--Mark

Don Briscoe is quickly moving up my list of most annoying actors but he still has a way to go before he's filling Roger Davis' shoes.

Boy, that remark is sure to generate some negative karma from the women.

--Mark

I dunno about all this Karma jousting stuff, but MB and Midnite can consider themselves smitten just because it seemed like the thing to do at the time.  Besides, I've been known for doing things bass-ackward.

--Mark[/glow]

Yeah, Julianka was way hot. And spirited. I liked her.

--Mark[/glow]

I'm using the Sygate firewall, and haven't experienced any problems at all. Things seem to be running very smoothly for me.

I do notice that when I check new messages, the lines of text are double-spaced instead of single-spaced, which is a little harder on the eyes. Know why that is?

--Mark[/color][/b]

A quick search of Ebay returned 20 listings for the Gold Key Dark Shadows comic books. Beginning prices were anywhere from $.99 to $29.99, depending on the issue and condition.

--Mark[/b][/color]