Noted! With a smile...lol.

I've both sent and received messages to and from people , without any intention of dating. Is it possible some of these might be an attempt to simply discuss a topic ? Wouldn't that be part of getting to know "like minded individuals" ? As for any looking for more - a simple " thanks but no thanks" suffices.

Private messages provide a way to "talk" about different subjects, more in depth, and nuanced, than do public posts.

And: I'm not traveling far to meet anyone. Especially some where that will be under water soon.

Isn't a message an attempt to start a conversation?

I think if someone actually bothered to send me any kind of message i would respond out of a sense of good manners. My profile reads 'here for community' But if anyone (and I mean anyone) messaged me with sincere or frivolous intent of any other kind I would respond because I am a 'never say never' kind of guy, and it takes barely a seconds to say 'thanks but no thanks.'

Your profile says you want just want conversation. Why people forget that is beyond me and hope you have fun with that. Hope to see interesting post myself

I remember I sent you a message once saying " I want to fall in love with you". You asked me "why?"
It's true I like your few posts. Your emotions/sensitivity in those posts. And that's how I thought I start liking you.
But it's okay to get rejected.

While I get that may be the case it does suck for the message sender to just be left in the unknown. A non-replied message has one wondering many things apart from what you're looking for, most commonly the main thought is that "guess I'm not even worth your time."

It wouldn't hurt to at least send a reply restating your intentions of using this site, as well as a thoughtful reply.

Even something as straightforward as what you've posted here. "...I’m on this site for good discussion and a relatable community of like minded individuals." followed by whatever fits the message will suffice.

Those that get all in a huff after that is entirely their fault, and at least you took the time to reply after all. The likelihood of someone that has messaged you to see this post is at best 50/50 honestly. By the time they log on a couple of days from now this discussion will be buried under many others.

Just my two cents anyways.

Only respond when you are comfortable. It is not required.

Hi, Bverret,

You earn website points, and help other members get to know you better, when you write an informational profile that includes your hobbies and interests, relationship expectations, and answer all the profile questions, since that's the first place many people look when they see a new member.

You make comments and write your own posts to earn more points and privileges; for instance, when you reach level eight you get an agnostic T-shirt.

To find members near you, click on the "Meet" button at the top of the page, then on "Members," and enter your preferred search parameters.
Or click on the "About" button at the top of the page to find links to FAQ or the website tutorial.
Click on the 'Meet" button to find member matches

Links to FAQ: [agnostic.com],
and a website tutorial: [agnostic.com]