Wow, such thoughtful and considered replies! I love the sensitivity and astuteness which all the commenters have brought to this discussion, and which make reading YLF comments so rewarding. The combined effect of all these views broadens my understanding in ways which I couldn’t have achieved on my own.
It intrigues me to think that a living, breathing community of people -- strong, interacting and sharing ideas -- creates a third something which didn’t exist before, and continues to exist only with the input of its members: a culture. Angie, thanks to your very democratic approach to “managing” the YLF community, this culture is thriving, with a definite life of its own, and with its own unique and positive qualities which continue to impress new readers. I think the flowering of a culture is something really exciting, Angie, and I hope that you feel justly proud of this aspect of your YLF creation!