It seems to be an epidemic. I have been a member on 1911Forums for about a year, and it is one of the most tightly and well moderated forums around. However, there has been a noticable decline in the civility level over there from when I started.
Re-reading your copy is your friend! For every two posts I make on all the forums I frequent, I probably pass on posting at least one draft after reading and thinking about it. Part of the problem is that readers cannot always discern from printed text the intent of the words, the spirit in which things are said. Printed words cannot convey the same messages that your demeanor, your inflections, your emphasis can when speaking face to face.
I have found that I have a kind of subtle sense of humor that is too often taken dead seriously by someone reading my posts, so I don't do much of it any more. My friends and I (as do many of you) engage in a kind of banter which none of us take seriously, but which evesdroppers might perceive as insulting. This cannot successfully be done with the written word except between friends. Also, depending upon our personalities and moods, we sometimes fail to give others, especially those we do not know, the benefit of the doubt.
I have found that the safest way to have fun on the forums is to poke a little fun at yourself, as per my recent "Happiness is..." post. There is something seriously wrong with someone who is incapable of laughing at his own foibles.
