I have joined this list only a few months ago and have enjoyed most of the NJC postings until the political (and personal) discussions among very few members here started to dominate everything else.
I cannot describe how much energy I spent on NOT replying to some postings because I knew they were meant to provoke and lead nowhere. That doesn't mean I am not interested in knowing other members' opinions on politics in general. I also wish it were possible to discuss interesting personal things (whatever that is :)) without everything being archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ which is the reason why postings show up as Google search results. As an additional way of communication I offer to compile a buddy list of AIM/AOL users and mail it to anyone interested off-list. That way you could import that list and see whether anyone from this list here is online and maybe in the mood for a little chat. AIM offers the ability to send instant messages as well as create chat rooms. To use AIM, you simply have to get a free user name. It doesn't require AOL membership. More info here: http://www.aim.com/help_faq/starting_out/getstarted.adp AIM also has a "talk" function, i.e. if you have loudspeakers and a microphone or a headset, you can talk to other members. You can also directly send files etc. etc. So anyone interested please send your AIM/AOL name to me off-list. Addition of the country you live in would be nice, too. moni (AIM: kellerfrau)
