[HarlemsFinest]

i think that most of us here have no credible credentials to flaunt and people coming here for news read things in the context of fan opinions. which is not to say that there is not a healthy abundance of really good posters on here who can contribute while having different opinions because they are able to discuss things in a cival manner. even at that, i think that in your plausible/semi hypothetical/semi present reality of larger masses flocking to HF for news and what not, people can still decipher what they're reading between a journalist and a poster. they take more seriously someone who is writing for a website, not just on one. although there are a lot of bright posters who are seemingly eons more levelheaded than half the clowns writing around town with their agendas and egos...

so to answer your question, yeah i think what goes on on the boards is acceptable. trolls will always be around, and IMO are needed and don't take away from constructive conversations. it's not like trolls are audibly yelling between your conversations, they are merely posts. i read them, i chuckle, and i continue on following the topic at hand. because the internet should be entertainment above all else and i think there is more than enough good quality content and discussion (doesn't have to be great american novel posts, 9 pages between 2 posters), and all kinds of different thought processes, and good points to be brought up by any side. i always start in the middle in terms of view. and i can always find things that are interesting or that give a different perspective on something to consider. but if people stopped getting all insulted all the time over the smallest things though, this could still be a happier place.