Hello Jay! I stay pretty busy on a couple of other forums. I do check in fairly regularly but don't like the whining about prices and the like. Or a probe was cheap and failed after a couple of years, or the folks at CS don't listen etc. This site had always been about sharing our passion for good Q as well as asking and giving advice; maybe celebrating a birthday or sympathy when a member or family member passed. It was just a watering hole for techniques, photos, recipes, and the inevitable failure. Call it family. I honestly cannot remember any negative postings on the old forum. People and times change. Sometimes not for the better.
Like anything, social sites started off rather benign and a quick way to stay in touch with family and friends. It quickly became a way to reveal ones innermost secrets to be held in confidence (but not for long when a 'friend' wanted revenge; and it got ugly with bullying between kids and some parents getting involved; and far too much unproductive time at work. It became a way for hate to spread and terrorism. I could go on but my blood pressure is rising. As is Zuckerbergs wealth. 'nuff said.
Smoking and BBQ sites remain friendly, free of politics and hate. And are rather informative and politically sterile. cooking/food sites like Chowhound. And for internet security, programs from AdGuard and MalwareBytes are the ones I use and they have dedicated forums.
Dagnabbit! My soapbox just fell apart!