While there are certainly people who choose to socialize with each other, a clique (at least to me) implies more negative implications.

There are a significant group of people who would be called regulars if this were the neighborhood tavern. In my time here, I have found them not to be a single minded cliques, but a group that shares a basic interest, and relies on that to sustain a community.

POlitics vary, experiences, backgrounds, socio-economic circumstances also vary. Again, similar to a neighborhood tavern. But from my first contact with these people (whether it was at a convention, or here, I've been treated in a friendly manner, and felt included.

I've had my debates, Archie Black and I went all out for a few days on a subject we felt strongly about. Very strongly. But at the same time, he educated me on the issue of inserts, right in the middle of the other discussion.

I've traded or bought chips from several people here, and had questions answered. I've learned, and expect to learn more in the future. If there is a clique, I don't see it.

Tex if you feel mistreated, I'm sorry. Nobody should feel singled out or left out, but the number of people who felt it was necessary to chime in, from a variety of perspectives suggests your welcome at the bar. If you weren't nobody would have cared.

I hope you reconsider, because I find your input to be interesting and funny. But be forewarned, there will always be people who you'll disagree with, not like, or feel a particular affinity to.

I wish you the best, and hope to see you around. And for myself, thank you to all of the people who made me feel so welcome, here, and at the convention.

Aaron