I really didn't want to post this. Maybe it's because I'm having an (otherwise) crappy day, but I do need to get this off my chest because it's been bugging the heck out of me. It's nothing MAJOR or anything, but I feel like I need to point something out.

Normally, the XMTS rabble is a very friendly, outgoing, helpful bunch of people. Goodwill and acts of philanthropy and charity are fairly common, but I would also HOPE that this is not just a selective attitude that applies only when it somehow benefits them or pleases them.

I won't mention names or details, but the regular readers will know exactly what I'm talking about... Recently, we had a new person offer some advice on another forum in XMTS. What he had to say was not received very positively, with many members disagreeing with his take on things.

This is all fine. But just because I do not espouse the same values as another XMTS member does not mean that I should slight them or give them the cold shoulder. That just smacks of a high school clique where if you aren't like the rest of the group, you may as well just take a hike. Not very neighborly or friendly. I would HOPE that this group would aspire to being welcoming and friendly to new members even if they make life choices you don't necessarily agree with.

I remain friends with MANY people in real life (and online), and when we encounter issues, sometimes we just have to be grown-up enough to say "let's just agree to disagree." In fact, sometimes I wonder if there aren't more issues that I DISAGREE with my friends about than the ones with which we find common ground.

The reason why I bring this up is because I was sent a PM that brought this fact to light, and I felt compelled to pass along the message. Again, my point is not to single anybody out and I'm being vague on purpose. But this might be some food for thought. Take it for what it's worth or ignore it -- up to you. After this post, I won't speak about it again either.

Thanks for reading my rant.

Jim