[MajorDave]

The tenor of commentary leans a bit toward the holier than thou side by some. The lack of camaraderie by some on this site is a big drawback for this forum. I have never understood why some posters choose to be so negative toward others. I agree that some posters deserve it when they start arguments, ask the same dumb questions over and over and argue with advice when they sought the advice in the first place. However, the lack of compassion, understanding and downright nastiness of some for no apparent reason puzzles me. I have learned that several of the "regulars" or "old timers" on this site have grown intolerant of the relative ignorance of some newer or more inexperienced posters. I do my best to ignore it. Commenting on it, even like I am doing now, never helps anyone, even me. I write to help me clear my head, sort out complex (at least to me) concepts and inform others when I can. Others apparently just like to give some a hard time. It is easy to do anonymously or via the internet with the hundreds and thousands of miles between many of us. Also, the avocation, as I like to call it, demands a certain level of skin thickness, stubbornness and ego that most jobs never come close to. So, consider the source of some of the commentary and ignore it if it doesn't help you get better. I still get a lot of valuable information from the postings here. I try to give some of it back as I strive to get better every day. Both in my umpiring career and with the rest of my life. Good luck. My two cents.

D.C. Teater