I have been on this board for 10 years, I used to post a lot but it is getting less and less. And yes, I am one of the people who thinks this forum has changed and not for the better.
I don't think it is so much the subject of the threads, contentious or not, it is how some individuals take this to a level of personal attacks that I think should be unacceptable. There used to be contentious threads in the past and emotions were flying high but after that everyone got along and just moved on to other subjects. No pouting, no sulking.
Now there are some posters who stalk every single thread of certain people and try to stir up another controversy or exchange, instead of just realizing that we all have a lot more in common than what divides us and that different opinions are good because if everyone had the same opinion this board would get pretty boring and none of us would learn anything.
I don't think an opinion or view is what defines a person. I have a totally different political view than one of my closests friends here on this board, nevertheless we have a lot in common and similar values. I have learned a lot from her but it is because we both respect that we can be similar and different at the same time.
Aside from that I have seen threads commenting on Cathe's personal life which I am not comfortable with. I think any thread about her business and business decision is fine but her personal life should be off limits.
I just think there is a passive aggressiveness to the boards these days that makes it uncomfortable to come here and even say anything.