Webwork - 12:47 pm on Apr 24, 2006 (gmt 0)

I ask hesitantly, for I'd rather focus on the positive elements, but in case any of us are currently laboring in a cloud of negativity I'll leave the door open for contribution by asking:

What brings out the worst in you?

For me, some of what brings out the best is

• Signs of intelligent life - interested in discussing issues of general interest or import - versus signs of self-interested life, that is, interested in discussions that only work to one's own advantage, such as promotional posts
  
• Moderation that extinguishes flaming and similar nonsense and distractions
  
• A sense of respect or tolerance for divergent views
  
• A sense that the place is about doing some good
  
• Evidence of a commitment to a sense of humor
  
• Clear ground rules (TOS) that are fairly applied
  
• A sense of a welcoming community