>Ever read a book? I would hate to read a book with zero tone. Wether flat words come from a wire, or are in your hand it shouldn't make a difference.

Yes it should make a difference. I cringe to think of how much valuable content we would of all missed out on had folks like JVP and JimB taken the time and effort to write well thought out formal responses and answers like they do with their published works. I've always seen this medium as an informal discussion area, and a Q&A tool. I'm always impressed whensomeone can get hit with an ADO question for example, and can come back with several paragraphs of explanation within a short amount of time. To me the quick response is what is important, and the sacrifice if often the proper tone and formal style.