That is kind of one interesting thing about atheists, no real set form of beliefs outisde of doesn't believe in God. And yes like everywhere else, there are most definitely jerks in the group. Find the grouos you feel most comfortable in and post there and leave the rest out. There's only so many hours in the day...

Every community requires its participants to implement filtration. Even in one's own family such filtration is necessary and often automatically applied. I don't know why anyone would expect this group of people to be somehow above it.

Information: IRL = in real life, so RL = real life. You're welcome

Atheist, Agnostic people here are just like people in the society. They have anger, narrow views of issues and other personality traits. People will get offended instead of disagreeing, they may block you and call you names but just like in real life you need to stand your ground. I did not expect this to be a bed of roses.

I hope you will change your decision and stay in. We need free thinking and differently thinking members to continue good, open discussions on all issues, not just politics and religion. It only contributes to making it a lively and vibrant community.

My experience has been largely very good. I have talked to and met wonderful members and have only good things to say. But there are also members who I have not talked to or met who prefer to begin blaming, blocking but that behavior is on them. Each has to decide who he or she wants to be. I for one, like to stay in, stand my ground on matters I think I have valid views while being open to views of others.

Still, one doesn't have to participate in or even read the negative items. I often filter what I read as here, in our archipelago, this sort of vitriol is uncommon. There are plenty of other groups on can join to use the site as a way to learn and participate in a more pleasant way. Your posting exactly expressed an op-ed I just posted.

R.L.? Why bemoan leaving? Why did it "seem like a miistake"? Where did you assume a "tendency for the community to enforce a conformity of thought" ?

That's a pity. I have to agree with your observations. I've enjoyed our occassional exchange of thoughts & posts.

i don't know what RL is , but good luck. if this group isn't a fit, don't force it

People are people. As far as I am concerned we are all idiots just trying to swim our way through this crazy world the best we can. Good luck out there.