I stop by several times each day. I don't logon every time.

Like yourself, I examine "Community Content" (which holds all the Essays); if I find material needing more substantive attention, I logon and comment and upvote accordingly.

I logon and comment/upvote at least once a day.

And the Front Page isn't just the "kool kids kollection", either. It's the Essays which admins feel best express what we're all about. I've made it a time or two. You can, too. The one exception is the nightly "Evening Blues", which is front-paged because "c99: Home Of The Evening Blues", a relationship as old as the blog itself.

By the way: the appropriate tag for this Essay is: "Meta". You might want to consider adding it!

discussion group on the Internet. I wish I could articulately say why, but I think it's because the abundant humanity of the site is a reflection of the people who take part and that they are here to read and write about serious issues, but they don't let the horror of the issues break them down. Instead, there is honesty, humor, and compassion, and tolerance for all kinds of views. Eyes being on the Prize, I think caucus99percent is a pathway to peace. But I mean actual peace, like a world living in peace, like Norway. I believe such a world is achievable.

Instead of Community Content. The "essay list" page just gives the post titles (no 1st paragraph teaser), but all the other info is there (author / #comments / #new comments / #thumbs up). I keep that window up, then read posts off that in a new window. Sometimes the titles alone aren't very descriptive, but I'm OK with that…

I think the essay list loads quicker, there's way less scrolling, and I don't really miss seeing all those clicky buttons on the screen.

Find it under the "Navigation" tab.

I don't think we need a Front Page. It's just an unnecessary page swap to the CC page.

Usually check site out a couple times a day.

Yes, go to Account to check any feedback on essays or comments.

I hope I'm not abusing it.
I only FP an essay that I've put a lot of work on.

Since I write so much I usually spend my time managing my own essays, and even then I often miss comments that I should have responded to. (sorry)
Sometimes I purposely don't respond because the comment is/was confrontational.

Since I write so much I figure that people don't need me in their essays as well.

"What's hot". That's not so cool.

... far more so than I actually post comments and essays. Unlike DK - when a few years back, I was very active both visibly and behind the scenes - I haven't had as much free time in the past couple of years. Some of it is also burnout from spending a great deal of online time for well over a decade and how the 2016 Campaign ended, with shenanigans galore from the usual suspects. Hopefully, that'll change once the 2020 Presidential Campaign begins in earnest early next year.

I always have the Community and My Comments pages open. That way, I can not only monitor and respond to my posted comments but also read comments from others that interest me -- particularly if they pertain to history. Overall, the blog discussions on c99% are healthy and vigorous although I sometimes wish that those who are harshly critical of the political system, parties, politicians, and other aspects of political life also offer solutions and a coherent plan to persuade people towards their viewpoint. My approach is fairly straightforward: being a critic is one of the easisest things in life to do. Ultimately, political discourse should have a purpose; sitting atop an isolated hill and simply convincing yourself that your solution is the only viable one just isn't sufficient. If you desire to be taken seriously you must demonstrate the ability to persuade people in convincing fashion, regardless of whether you choose to work inside or outside the current political system.

I also try not to let cynicism get the best of me. Ranting and raving all the time isn't productive and contributes nothing, let alone resulting in life getting a bit better and bearable for others.

Thanks for writing this essay, edg. As to your comment about opinions...

unless there is something else going on in my life. I use the Community Page for several reasons which I will list shortly. But I want to discuss the Front Page first because my take on its purpose is different from what I have read in this essay.

IMHO, the Front Page is not intended for us regular members, but is for those who may casually see this site. The essays listed on the Front Page are there for one of two reasons. Either a writer has demonstrated that he or she regularly produces work worthy of being on the Front Page so that author has been granted rights to Front Page his or her own work. Other authors who may not write as often can be Front Paged if the board owner feels the work is something that would be of interest to the casual observer.

The reason I come to the Community Page is that I get to see everything. I also link essays to our Twitter account on a daily basis and link nearly all essays from the Community page other than the Open Threads, site business, and essays of a personal nature.

I'm extremely glad I found this place prior to The Grand Shunning at TOP.

I come here sporadically; used to be more, as in addict more. I see it almost like family. Love almost all of 'em and sometimes want to hate 'em too, all at the same time.

I rarely go to the front page. I go to community content. I also let the recent comments lead me. I check my comments for replies too, but haven't today.

I don't like . . . what comes across as pro one party, with trusty old jabs at the other one. Team A vs Team B. And yes, one particular author takes center stage, facts at times be damned, usually drowning out others who "made" the front page. One of "The Cool Kids", as you say.

I will add, I'm guilty of not adding worthwhile essay content to, perhaps, give a different perspective. No promises on changing that fact, but I'm thinking about it as I tap this out on my phone, with my thumb.

But this is the only place I have friends.
And I love talking to friends.