Well folks, I think we need to bear in mind what an open forum means, I.e. that anyone, anywhere, in any situation can join in.
There are those of us who have witnessed relatives who suffer from social problems, for instance I have an in-law who is on tne autistic spectrum. Whilst he is very intelligent, and indeed very well known and successful in his career, he lacks everyday social skills. Faced with a comment on his computer he will pull it apart line by line in a weird analysis, resulting in an amzingly distorted view of it. We frequently rephrase things to pacify him and great understanding is needed for him to feel comfortable. Even a chair misplaced can make him nervous and he then appears very rude indeed to anyone unaware of his condition. There is a whole range of things that can affect people and they can be absolutely medical, not intentional.
Obviously I am not saying that anyone on our forum is like this but maybe we need to be aware that we are entirely unaware of our contributor's situations.
Kindness is (nearly) always the right way forward, I think.
Nick
