a keyboard doth not an expert make...

[Chateau d'If]

So, you love to argue and have the means to own a nice laptop and/or Ipad? Then welcome to the wonderful world of internet forums where anyone with loads of disposable time can congregate with folks with somewhat similar interests.

A few things to consider:

1. A keyboard doth not an expert make.

Your ability to type extremely long posts does not prove that you are more intelligent than everyone else, or even anyone else. Further, increasing the frequency of your posting does not prove the "rightness" of your argument. Readers judge posts according to quality, not quantity. Want to be viewed as an expert? Then perhaps it would be best to post only what you know to be true, with occasional shots of opinion added for flavor, instead of the converse.

2. Internet relationships are poor substitutes for family relationships.

So you've found a few people who admire and respect your prowess at verbal warfare? Who cares? It's not as if they actually care about your spiritual, emotional and/or physical well-being. Internet forums are wonderful connecting tools, but they can't replace the love of a family. Don't neglect real relationships just to stroke your ego. Your posting buddies won't hold your hand when you're in the hospital, or on your deathbed. They won't pay your bills or cook your supper. They won't be present for the major events in your life. Your family will.

3. This is not a church.

So you've found two or three people that agree with your whacked ideas about God and the Bible? Bully for you, I say! However, this is not a church (which is good, because half of the forum hates church). You aren't an internet pastor. Your opinion is as valuable as the poster's you're interacting with. No more, no less.You have no spiritual authority here.

4. AFF is not a pulpit.

Want your message heard? Then be a gatherer. That's marketing 101. Influence comes through respect, not bullying.

Finally, as a former forum addict, I feel qualified to say that it's possible to waste huge chunks of life worrying about winning stupid internet arguments. Life is way too short for that. Enjoy this experience, but control it. Control your keyboard. Don't let it control you.

Selah