It’s not criticism of my takes that hurts me, but the mean-spirited responses when they target me personally rather than my ideas — especially considering the effort I personally put into being fair and decent, even toward those I disagree with but then seem to get next to none of it in return.

You’re right about me getting hurt, though. I’m a real person with real feelings, and I’m not immune to cruelty. Dealing with rude, indecent people here does make me feel pretty bad on a regular basis.