i have been reading through all the conversations and threads that I've missed, and I am sad about the vitriol and general unpleasantness that seems to be emerging in several areas. I do think I recognise the instigators and stirrers, the peacemakers and those who try to divert a thread out of nastiness.
I have been a member of GN almost from the beginning, and there is nothing surprising going on as far as I can see. There are those who can debate and discuss, and see different perspectives on an issue, those who can't and those who have to castigate others when they don't get their own way. And those who are just unpleasant. I'd say it was situation normal but the nastiness does seem to have reached a new level lately.
Nevertheless, despite all this, I also see, on other threads, the affection and support that is so freely given, with sensitivity, to those who really need it, and this is the essence of GN. I hope it will continue thus.