Oh, we absolutely go in waves, and the boards have been both more and less friendly than they currently are. Thread closures right now are actually quite low compared to normal, although I've given more warnings lately than I normally have to. Here's a few rough patterns I've noticed:
- After a big argument (drivethrough pdfs, for instance) people are generally ruder for about a month while resentment lingers.
- National or international political/sports stress (such as the ongoing war, or national politics, or England losing) tend to breed abruptness.
- I think summer is worse than winter for some reason.
We keep growing, which makes the site feel a little less homey, but I'll tell you: I see a lot less rules arguments nowadays (one or two specific people were ushered away), and I see a bajillion new folks helping with creative plot ideas. I think we're just fine, and that the best way to encourage friendliness is to be friendly yourself.