My experience has been pleasant, and I'm mainly involved with larger groups. I'm a known member and have zero stalkers in real life. Some members have become very dear friends.
I make sure to be pleasant and polite, although I'm not perfect. In return, people reciprocate. As long as you aren't a walking lifetime movie, people will be pleasant. They will call you out on self induced drama. They still also respond if you act like a jerk.