Weighing in on this, as I have received several pm's on the subject, civility is an important and vital aspect of our community.

Some people are better at greeting than others. Personally I tend to avoid "greetings" to newbies, as a general rule, as I prefer to help people with my experience, strength and hope (and besides there are much more qualified and compassionate people on the "welcoming commitee" then myself).

I also tend to be straightforward and into the science and accuracy of the information and opinions I put forth (not that I am always right either).

I am also a passionate person so I often edit my posts and also typically preview them before I send them. Sometimes I delete them before sending. In any case, due to the frightening aspects of this disease, it would serve us all well to be sensitive to the feelings and fears of others and put ourselves in their shoes. This has to be a place of solid information, hope and support. Not a place for cynicism, judgement or getting personal in any manner.

I tend to take periodic breaks to resensitize myself and I recommend to the other senior posters to do the same. If you don't take the time to take care of yourself, you won't do a very good job of taking care of anyone else.

Dumping your stress on the forum is never a good thing as you might well push someone over the tipping point (but venting is perfectly OK if that makes any sense - especially if you are new or a caregiver).

While we're on the subject of forum etiquette I should also add that hijacking a thread is not appropriate (although we have all done it) and also, if you are new, please don't post the same information in multiple topics. It'll be much more efficient for you and responders.

The last thing I want to add is don't take others inventory and always look at the similarities rather than the differences.