I think the moderators on this site are great too in helping this site stay healthy and postive.  Anything that gets too out of hand gets closed or deleted.  Then everyone moves on.  It doesn't get to that very often, but there have been some cases.  I assume a lot of other sites just let nasty threads run and it gets out of hand.

I tend to stay out of heated threads if I can help it.

I've not gone to any other MB as I have read some of them and they are REALLY heated. I think sometimes OB can seem heated, but as someone above said, some people are less cautious about their wording, and sometimes some things just come across wrong/harsh when they're written down.

Just like in 'real life' there will be people who have strong opinions, people who take things too personally, people who speak well, those who don't and people you just don't 'click' with for one reaosn or another. You don't have to love everyone on here (or their opinions) but as long as you conduct yourself well then that's all you have to worry about.

I have had a few comments that get my back up, but it's often not worth adding to the debate. I just try and keep it free of personal attacks and let it go. BUT in saying that I'd be happy to defend my POV if it came down to it. You have to remember anything you post here you should be prepared to shout from the roof tops - although it 'feels' private, it's not!

I have generally found OB friendly (although sometimes a little hard to 'break into' - IYKWIM), I hope that this experience won't put you off. I've made some good friends here.