I haven't read the book, but the more I learn about the Stoics (far beyond the simplistic modern definition of the word), the more I concur with you. I'm still a weekend Epicurean though :)
The interesting thing about stoicism is that most of the surviving texts (Letters from a Stoic, Meditations, The Handbook) are extremely readable. Letters from a Stoic particularly is fascinating. Making the connection between what Seneca talks about and issues in your own life is extremely rewarding.
I have a suggestion: after first creating an account, users could be redirected to the 'guidelines' page. That might help frame the tone of subsequent comments.
If you find making eye contact unnerving, look directly at the gap between a person's eyebrows whilst speaking - to them it's indistinguishable from actual eye contact.