When the debate is over, slander becomes the tool of the loser.
Socrates (469 BC - 399 BC)

Debating the solution to a problem is a good way to find the best fix.
Some people are overly sensitive when others disagreee with their point of view online. It's easyfor that sensitivity to blow up and turn into a flame. It's just the comfort of distance. To suddenly start shouting at someone in your office you disagree with risks a smack in the mouth, no such risk in a forum.

I've not been looking round here for that long but my impreesions are that the flames that do come out are generally more intelligent and have a bit more wit than usual.

Newbies seem to be helped out in most cases if a reasonable question is posted and even stupid question seem to be treated with indifference at worst ("how to I hack hotmail?" being an exception). It is a laudable act to take the time to help someone with considerable less skill and knowledge. Newbies can't give out APs but I'm sure many of them would like to for the help they've received.

To turn the forum into a place for the Elite only is taking a very narrow view. Dealing with the computer illiterate is something many have to do regularly and it is a skill in itself.

Simply slagging things off is too easy, if people want to moan they should present some ideas of how to fix the problem as well. Then that can be debated in the usual fashion ;-)

[puts on aspestos jacket]