I don't post that often---but I do monitor what is being said on this forum and by whom.

[tech3149]

4. Good advice

I hung out at DU for years before I ever posted. Once I decided to get involved in the conversation, I proudly put my DU stickers on my car, got involved in conversations where I thought I had a viewpoint that needed to be considered.
I don't really do OP's but my part of the conversation is generally well received. I've been hammered for a few of my thoughts and argued my position fairly well. Other times I found myself without a counter argument and had to rethink my position.
That's one of the things I love about DU. The other major reason is that I get to hear ideas from people from so many different backgrounds and viewpoints. One thing I can say is that most conversations are about serious subjects in a serious manner. There are subjects and viewpoints that I avoid with a passion because logic and reason seem to hold no value in the discussion.
To add to Atticus, I would say if you want to get into a serious discussion on any subject, be sure you have a well thought out counter argument. If you're just posting a flame bait post, you'll get no serious response and get no recognition as a serious poster.