Hey, Danny, I'm a stranger here, too (but then again I'm a stranger most anywhere I go) - or at least, I'm a newbie here, but I have pondered the same questions.
...yet what do i say? I can offer words of support, which would (in my mind at least) sound hollow coming from a stranger. I could offer my personal opinion, yet my opinion would be unsolicited.
Remember, first of all, that if someone didn't want others to read and/or comment on their writing, they either wouldn't be posting it on the internet, or they would check the box that makes the article for their eyes only. It's also helpful to know that you can limit who reads an article to registered JoeUsers exclusively.
An important distinction for me is whether or not I should check the box that posts an article in forums, which I find quite different from simply posting in my blog. When I post in forums, I expect people to comment; when I post only in my blog, I am still open to comments, but not open to much debate. But really, I think if we weren't open to some sort of interaction with other readers, we'd simply keep journals on paper.
Sometimes it's just nice to know we've been heard/read by someone somewhere. Sometimes it's a blessing to know there is someone else who shares our sentiments or is simply sympathetic to our feelings. Still, there are times when I review the comments already left, where everything I wanted to say has already been said and I end up not saying anything anyway. That's part of the beauty of such a website, though. Nobody's holding a gun to my head either way.
Some of the voices around here were quite intimidating to me in the beginning, but then I realized that most of it was just people being passionate about their beliefs, nothing to really be intimidated by. Once I started interacting a bit, I was pleasantly surprised to find that everyone I've encountered here not only has a sense of humor, but is genuinely kind and good-natured.
PS - if someone really doesn't want you reading/commenting on their stuff, they can always blacklist you. Meg
