Then I'd gently suggest doing a bit of research on what type of person I am, before immediately assuming that I am being mean. I'm a pretty decent chap.

I understand that you are one of the most senior members of this community, and I certainly appreciate the work that y'all have done, trying to keep this from turning into an ugly community.

I really (truly) appreciate the decorum here, and sincerely do my best to respect that. It is my goal to be a positive, contributing member here. I may be mistaken, but I do believe that I have some contributions to make, here.

I may come across as a stuffy old fart, but that is a deliberate departure from my earlier days, when I was ... not that way.