I have read all the earlier posts with great interest, and I have to say SO many comments have struck a chord with me!

As I've said on the boards before, I am quite shy in R/L, and just being online doesn't really change things all that much. I've "indulged" in cybering a few times, but only with people I've got to know a bit before-hand...... just like R/L!! The ONLY difference is, online I have been known to make the first move, whereas in R/L it's very rare for me to do that! I'm sure I've missed out on some fun times, by being so "backward in coming forwards", but all-in-all I've quite enjoyed my life!!

The strange thing for me is, that I do tend to flirt a LOT in R/L... but not so much online; anyone care to share their thoughts on that??

Anyway, what I'm trying to say is, I don't think most people's basic natures change that much, just because they're online. Sure, at first "meeting" it's easy to come across as someone you're not, but over time, if you really talk to someone, the "real" them usually comes to the fore. I think that's the point when you have to decide whether or not you want to keep in contact with them, and THAT is where the relative anonymity of the 'net can work in your favour. Of course, if that happens on a place like Pixies, things could get a wee bit fraught; as one or two of our regulars have recently found!!

Just my thoughts...... sorry for rambling on Again!!)

DM