Couldn't agree more.....
When I first joined AB, it was like a baptism of fire, as many were wary of new subscribers, due to the undercurrent caused by a certain aber. No "greenie" escaped suspicion!
Only when I posted that I lived in the same town as Pippa, (and received her "hello"), did I feel that I had been accepted. To any newbies it is a minefield for them, especially now, and believe me, when you are referred to as such "G******s" it is said sometimes (unfortunately), with such venom!
When you post a question, or even answer on a thread, sometimes to show others (who might not 'get' your sense of humour) that it is said Tongue in cheek, then we all seem to have to add a lol or happy/sad face, or like me now a ☺!
There is nothing worse than when you join a thread of chatter/banter, that your thread is ignored, even if you ask a question (sometimes remote from original Q, which does quite often happen). Some will continue to 'chat' amongst themselves, and it can be upsetting.
I have typed most of my life, many letters etc., so it is difficult for me to not use punctuation where necessary.
I am also blessed with good spelling, my God! even the great Shakespeare himself (apparently) was not! I would never dream of putting someone down for this, and if anyone wishes to 'text' that is up to them.
Having said all that, I have enjoyed joining this site, and nothing pleases me more than someone thanking me for sending a recipe or info on a matter....cos I love typing, and it gives a warm glow to know you have helped someone...
xXx ☺