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LauraABJ,
You seem to real-life-know at least one other commenter so some of your comments felt more casual. Discussions with people you know rarely follow the same path that discussions with strangers follow, but I didn't see that you directly called anyone names or accused them of manipulative behavior. "Pity fucks" would be the stand out, but I wouldn't throw anyone under the bus for their style choices if the substances is there. It's just one thread after all. Neither courteous nor rude, based on this thread, I'd say you broke even.
What would drive me away is more interesting to posters than what would encourage me to read on and to post? Ok. Hal came across as welcoming and open-minded. I don't need the painting changed but the offer is appreciated. The majority of comments seemed neutral in tone to me and that's reasonable and reassuring. Eliezer's intervention and support of civil discourse is also appreciated. (Apparently, I am finding if very difficult to muster up The Don't List.) The openly hostile and assumptive style of some comments is a negative factor for me. On the whole, I've seen much worse on just about any other site and look forward to reading more of the blogs and comments. How much I would engage in discussion/commenting? I wouldn't have posted this if I hadn't found the overall tone to be calm, courteous & genuine and the topics to be of interest.