IS IT JUST ME?

Approaching US elections tend to do that. They've done it in 2008, 2004, 2000 (on Abuzz). That said, I usually leave political threads before they degenerate into mud slinging, and I'm not noticing much of a change in the first, interesting pages.

So yes, it's just you. (As far as I am concerned.)

The mood here always swings with the election cycles.

I have noticed that trend, too. This election cycle might be a bit more intense than the last few due to the impact and importance on both sides of the pond with the outcome. Not to mention how badly drifts the world economies and the unjust wars still being waged in the name of democracy(?).

I joined in November 2004, and my impression is that it's always been like that. I don't think it peaks in US election year. There have always been Americans who think there aren't any other countries in the world, Europeans who get riled at that, gun nuts, trolls, angst-ridden teenagers, Chinese learners of English, OCD sufferers, etc.

that should be "countries' " ... freedom hater



i agree with the rest. the dark cloud of the US elections is looming

Yeah, it's just you . . . and the American-hating Contrex . . . staighten up Bubbala . . .

A lot of our lighter-hearted members are no longer posting. Can't remember the last posts from Slappy, Gustav, LittleK, etc.

Oh, we know they exist. We just don't know what they're called or where they're located.

I blame the French . . .

What is a "European"? Do they live in New England?

Yes, humor has escaped from a2k - sadly so!

No, in California! It's seldom enough, but the minute I enter a political discussion, I get the Nazi bat swung over my head... so there you have it!

Thats what I miss. The light heartedness that I once felt seems to be gone. Guys like Gus and Dadpad, never took themselves so seriously that they believed they were a gift to the rest of us.

Yes, but in a light hearted and humorous kind of way.

I'd like to contend that I maintain my sense of humor (punning as I go along) regardless - however I'd be less than objective or accurate if I really thought it was 100% the truth. I do lose my sense of humor and mirth now and then.

After 10+yrs here and Abuzz, my humor seems to get little notice. It's the way it is. People tend to want to vent or stand on soapboxes pontificating .... or congratulate each other when in agreement or commonality has been reached. My observation is that, to some degree, that certain felt sense of community has evaporated a bit further lately. Losses of people like Dys, Cav, lightWiz, mary...and others, who may simply found greener pastures, sort of diminished the fun spirit and maybe the closeness.

Then again, it may be the nature or trending of any online community to migrate and evolve...as people drift in and out?

They live in Germany, which is in upstate New York.

The sense of community has not evaporated -- it has only been diluted. There are tens of thousands more members than when you or I started.

I know, roger, I never take those things serious anyway

Where the hell are they?