I come to this site often, because it is a source of primary evidence. Some stuff is silly, and some of it is not worth clciking on (for me)... but the majority of it is valuable, including the posts, comments, links, etc.

The task of taking in the info and doing something reasonably intelligent with it (which might be as simple as forwarding a link) is daunting. We have to remember that not everyone is a super-accomplished critical thinker, myself included. I am mediocre, and I don't think like a villain.

The variables that impact my effectiveness are numerous. I thought it might be useful to start a discussion about those variables that are personal to each of us, and offer a strategy that you use to deal with it.

I will go first: I am what the mental health field would label as hypomanic. I have lived/coped with it for my entire life without the need to seek assistance (thank God), and I think of it as my super-power. But it also can betray me and lead me down paths that I want to be real, but that are false. To manage this, I say a prayer each time I log on, and ask Jesus for the grace to assist me to see what He needs me to see, and discern what to do with it.

Your variables can be anything... please chip in one thing that you do to help you make excellent use of this enormous resource, so we can all be better with a big bag of tools and strategies. Thanks!