I don't usually hold with melodramatic internet goodbyes because usually they're rather attention seeking, but I just wanted to say cheers to everyone and thanks to all the people on this forum who provided me with fascinating and insightful discussions. Recent events have forced me to realise that I'm getting more grief than joy out of this forum these days, so I'm going to take a break. I'm not sure if I'll feel like coming back at some point or not. I hung around because I wanted to learn and be challenged and share my own challenging ideas, but I'm spending most of my time defending myself and my views and my ideas are either already accepted or already dismissed. Basically, I'm tired of the bickering and narrow-mindedness and feel disinclined to share anymore because I usually end up with my back up arguing with people that have no intention of listening to me. And I'm just as guilty because when I'm not defending ideas against people that have no intention of listening, I'm pushing arguments that people have no intention of considering.
So it seems sensible to bow out. I know there are plenty of people here who do want to listen and discuss, but I feel like I don't have much more to offer those people, especially not when I don't want to share anymore lest I find myself feeling defensive. I really hate to be feeling defensive. Pretty much all intelligent discussion comes to a grinding halt when someone feels defensive.
Erm, that's it, I guess. It was nice while it lasted.