Thank You - Essays to Ponder [ONGOING]

As a reader and a writer, I have some concerns regarding my own writing and others'. I encourage everyone to read the essays with stars (*) in the title, including the first one, as they have to do with the community at large.

Debate and discussion are allowed, as long as there is no flaming. Flame posts (or posts that are practically abusive) will be deleted, and I will send a message to the violator. Repeat violators will be reported. Thank you.