why do so many discussions turn contentious?

Hmm, the original post was a Perfect Question, I read most and the third by Minke in Nc and enjoyed that, I will read all later when I have time..  So Very SAD we Cannot Be Supportive, Caring and Helpful - instead of flaunting "our insecurities" by Stating How Smart We Are and How Our Gear is Better and how we spent more money..     how Pathetic!  when you think about it when it is Really All of OUR PASSION with this Hi End World of Audio.   Our Society has gone to hell!  I used to love reading these post's - nowadays people are so many time Just Mean and Condesending!

almost like humming along, the happy idiot listener to a catchy tune..at the Hitler Youth concert….

Impossible for some to divorce the two…for the sake of “ can’t we all just get along “…

a) this forum has been around for a quite while, there is a history here (in general and between specific long time users), and while the usernames are anonymous usually, folks do get awfully tired of the ’voice’ of many others, often stuck on repeat

b) the forum is heavily populated by old men, some angry lonely old men, best of their lives in the rear view mirror, see the world passing them by, thus lots of pent up frustration and anger buried within that doesn’t take much to unleash in an anonymous forum

c) some serial posters have agendas (an equipment modder, for fee, constantly tells folks their gear will sound better with his mods), hobby-horses, old saws, or other deep-seated needs trying to fill (albeit totally in the wrong place)... as such, their comments talk down to others, turn off others, close down discussions as opposed to contribute in a way that opens minds and possibilities - often times the repetition and vitroil from these folks elicit nasty responses from many otherwise well meaning contributors (as much as they may try to resist)

d) bad behavior and bad actors on many online boards are not tolerated by mods... here at a-gon, despite tammy’s good efforts, there is not enough policing to nip alot of the antagonism in the bud, and the volume of garbage posts can be overwhelming

It’s the liberals…