why on earth do people get so touchy on this forum

Stringer,

Hang in there - having anyone drop out of the conversation just reduces the overall value of the site. I think a lot of "disagreements" are simply the result of misinterpretations of the written word. This happens so often now in the "modern media" like texting, e-mail, etc. When one can't physically see the other in the conversation, important cues for normal interaction between people are lost - such as facial expressions, tone of voice, volume or inflection of speech. Then when you add into the equation the diversity of our members' native languages, with many members writing in English as their second language (or 3rd or 4th), the problem gets compounded. Of course, there will always be the individuals that want to attack or contradict anything posted just for the sake of arguing, or self-inflation of ego, but they really are the minority here. I've found that so often in life the person the quickest to argue usually ends up being wrong in the end. The key is for everyone to read... then read again... then carefully craft a response... and then read once more before posting. Hastily written responses can come off as brash or "know-it-all" when they're not meant to be so at all. And when it works, a lively discussion back and forth about any issue having two sides ends up with everyone learning something new.

Cheers!
Bandrow

There are other parameters that come into play. Some members do not speak fluent English (which is not Mother Language), which bring different situations
- posts written with some degree of mind by english speakers are interpreted in the first degree by non english speakers (and inverse) ... with the results one can expect
- Others that are written by non-english speakers are misinterpreted and sometimes they look aggressive (as the posts written by "basic bad English speakers")... unintentionally

Then for all of us that are not fluent English speaker and that tried to do their best ... allow me to apologize for the unintentional disagreement !

Yes some people take this all too seriously,it should be enjoyed as a hobby or an interest.
It should not be your 'life',but i suppose there will always be people who get their 'jollies' from trying to put others down.
They need to stop living with their mum,get a girl friend,and most of all get a life.
(The last paragraph by the way is supposed to be a joke)

You think people are touchy here? Try the photography forums at www.dpreview.com. A lot of snobbery going on there! If you make a tiny error in your photographic knowledge then beware. They are merciless!

Pete,

Like the other guys have said, I think in 99.9% of cases, this is probably down to the fact that this is a fora used by members the world over and many members don't have English as their mother tongue.

Like every situation, you'll always get one that "knows best" and wants to argue with everything you say...but the very great majority of times you'll find people friendly and appreciative of any help you, or anyone else, can give.

Stick with it and if someone annoys just stick them on the "ignore" list ;D

Simon