This is a very well behaved group. I'm sure part of it is due to the fact that it has such a narrow, niche focus: a single trail. Part of it is also probably due to the 90s style technology. But I'll put my money on moderation as the key. There's another forum I know about that has a similar polite and respectful vibe, filled with good information, and fun. It's a bit more modern (you can post images, youtube videos, etc) but the thing it has in common with this place is that there is active, but even-handed, moderation. I've seen so many groups go downhill into nastiness and anarchy. I think a group of mostly anonymous humans, particularly in the context of the internet, require that there be rules, enforced fairly and in a good-natured way. Like here.
