I will read anything posted by Broomstick because it is always so sensible.
I haven’t seen him lately, but anything by **Stranger on a train **was always so informative.
I’m always glad to see Kimstu in any thread I’m reading. She’s intelligent and articulate, occasionally side-splittingly funny, and seemingly posts to share ideas and argue points, rather than engage in internet pecker-flexing. Anything she writes is worth reading, especially on feminism, gender issues, and ethics.
iiandyiiii is another I enjoy. It helps that we have similar politics, but his posts have a positive honest-debate-to-flaming-vitriol ratio.
I very much dislike his politics, but I enjoy Shodan’s posts. He’s a flamemeister and snarker in GD debates, but, unlike some other political posters, he also participates in other fora like MPSIMS and IMHO. Got a sense of humor, too.
Stranger on a train was my initial favorite to binge-read. I heard of a lot of the more notable posters over months and months and never joined, but reading one or two of his posts really got me interested in attempting to post on the mighty Straight Dope. At the time I was a lot more afraid of making mistakes in accuracy or somehow revealing myself to being a buffoon, and yet somehow reading these incredibly accurate, razor-sharp posts that don’t shout for prominance or dig a gleeful barb, yet stood apart as utterly informative and clean somehow influenced my joining the board. I felt like he did not tailor his posts to be more persuasive or entertaining, always adhering to a standard that stood on its own. He appeared to post not to socialize but rather to hone his skill. At least, I make it sound that grand, but I remember thinking that.
Obviously, no one is truly that flawless. But yeah, I was pretty stoked on this guy. I also think I vaguely remember there maybe being somewhat subtle sarcasm in some posts, but I would have to really dig into his posts to be sure. Just wanted to contribute to the thread meaningfully.
And yes, Beck, I think I am catching on that I should (if I believe it myself) say something here about you. You have always been utterly kind and genuine. I really appreciated the lack of snark and bitterness. It’s refreshingly unpretentious and non-competitive and really human the way you write. I think the board can play host to a few different cultures at times, and sharing triumphant stories (at least I heard of one about a warranty purchased) can provide people more room to just relax and be human on the board. And, I think that’s secretly what most of them are on here for to begin with in at least some sense - connection.
I, too, don’t care to name names, as I don’t think that’s necessarily fair, but there are a lot of people here (including in this thread) whom I consider to be friends, and who brighten my day when I read your posts, be they funny, smart, witty, or touching.
hugs
Thanks very much for the kind words! And I enjoy your posts as well.
As for other posters, I’ll add to the praise for Stranger on a Train and hope he returns. Others I greatly appreciate – monstro, LHoD, Kimstu, you with the face, and Richard Parker. There are many more, but those jump out to me. Thank you Dopers!
I do believe the board provides connections to other living souls. I further believe it’s a wonderful thing. In this time of social media and families spread out that connection could be the only link someone has.
I’ve spent many hours alone. I have a really large family and a Husband and 3 grown kids. Lots of of folks are aware of me. Doesn’t mean I see alot of my sibs or extended kin. My kids have busy lives. They don’t necessarily wanna baby-sit Mom.
I’ve made some good friends here. I’ve worried and mourned, laughed and poked fun at many. I know odds are I’ll never meet any in person. I still care and consider them friends.
Beck, I have pretty much no family at all. The Dope is my family, along with the regulars at the sports bar. You have made some good friends here, and you are family.
TY, Spoons. I consider you family as well.
And many others here.
Love all you guys and I love this place.
Is “Hmph” a username yet? 
I appreciate all those who post in the different threads. This keeps this place alive and interesting.
I especially appreciate those who can post and be nice. There’s a lot of meanness “out there” and it’s nice to be reminded this is not everyone.
<----Die-C- i agree about the nice posts/posters. I’ve spent way too many hours of my life fretting over ‘meaness’. Where I’m at today; I’m just tired of it.
I realize election wars, scammers, spammers, and other bad actors deserve pitting and flaming. I don’t have to like it.
I just want love. (:))