I miss the good ol’ days!

Anyone else remember the days of the BBS?  You know, that pre-internet message board where you connected at 56k or less, probably knew most of the people who posted there (because it was most likely hosted in your town and was a local call,) and would occasionally meet, in person even, and hang out (Ah, Darknet / Ghotinet…  I remember you well!) 

Does anyone also remember the “understood ettiquette” that went along with being on a BBS?  Stuff such as:

1.) Staying on topic in a message thread.

2.) No flame wars (unless the message thread/area was intended for that.)

3.) Using (mostly) correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

4.) Making appropriate replies to messages.

:::sigh:::  Seems as if most of the above has been lost regarding modern message forums.  Sure, there were always people who thought they were better than others, and there were people who were just plain a-holes, but by and large, it was a much more civilized messaging experience. 

When I read through message forums now (specifically majornelson.com, 1up.com, joystiq.com) I’m reminded of just how terrified I am of living in my old age when these people are running the country.  :::shudder:::