Adding onto this, "tactful and thoughtful" means to consider very carefully how you word your responses. Think about how other people reading the thread will feel reading your post. Many people come to this forum looking for advice or wisdom in addition to starting interesting debates that give you an opportunity to show off your beliefs and opinions and learn from those of others.
Also, if you're saying something very controversial it helps to say that this is what you personally believe and aren't trying to impose what you believe on anyone.
The most important thing in this forum is to
avoid personal attacks. Sensitive and intensely emotional issues are sometimes discussed in here; when talking about these things it is easy for someone to feel bullied or overpowered. Try to proofread any post you make that contains a personal response to make sure it doesn't come across the wrong way. Reputation points can fly around in here because it's very easy to say something offensive but a lot of the time it's also easy to write a full page of well-constructed, helpful statements (fact or opinion) out of what you thought was going to be a quick 1-paragraph response. Use your judgment, and have a great time with this forum. We hope you'll benefit from it.
--Danny
