This happens every year to every virtual community I've ever been a part of (and I've been a part of too many to remember). I guess anyone who knows me even a little knows that I spend a lot of time fishing. Well, in fishing circles in the Northeast US, we refer to this time of year as the shack nasties -- an ugly and dangerous time when egos run amok and wives place locks over fish tank lids. It's a form of cabin fever I guess -- that feeling that, even though you've measured it four times, you'd swear the walls in your home office are six inches closer together than they were in the summer. Some believe physical space defines everything in human culture. (By way of example, look at what happened to European cultures after the chimmney was invented and private rooms within a home became possible).

In a virtual setting, the confines of differing opinions and perspectives seem to close in on people and fights break out on a daily basis. Cyberspace is limitless, but when personalities clash, it can seem like a broom closet.

Going for a walk sounds trite and simplistic, at least to my ears, but it really does help.

Peace unto to the monks and tight lines to my fellow fishing freaks.

---- I am what I read