Barbara, when I'm working on a hot deadline, I have to get all serious about resisting the Twitter urge for a set amount of time. Do you actually set a Twitter time limit for yourself, or are you just conscious of curbing the time you're spending? I'm always interested in hearing how other people keep the social media time suck in check.

Larkinsmom, you put it so perfectly: "Comments cause me to stop and think and see things from another perspective. They also rile me up and sometimes make me laugh really hard." It really is such a fun, surprising mix, isn't it? I love that. I also really appreciate what you said about not everyone being able to develop and sustain an active social life in the real world, for a variety of reasons out of their control. It really can be a life line for many people who otherwise would be alone (or without adult contact) much of the day—I know your blog comforts, encourages and entertains many such people. 

Jeb, I haven't experienced many critical comments, myself. It's one thing to have readers debating other sides of the issue, and another to have people blatantly attacking you, without the manners Writer Dad brings up. I really cringe when I read the harsh comments on some people's blogs. This other aspect you mention, though, is beautiful, and can make up for lots of ugly: "It’s that kind of serendipity that always leads to growth, and which restores my faith in the inherent wonderful qualities we all share."