>>I hope this no one will see this as an insulting post.
>>I was just pondering if people tend to be more insulting on the internet than in everday life because of lack of instant feedback.
>>Or is it that those who reading these posts are reading more into them than was intended.
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>Omar;
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>In college we studied the subject of understanding in conversation between two people. According to one report only 25% of what is expressed between two individuals sitting in the same room within full view of each other is understood. The degree of understanding decreases for the Internet to between 4-7%.
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>The Internet has some unique qualities: Like the telephone you are not face-to-face with the other person. Also, you are allowed to say whatever comes into your mind and allow the world to see what you have written.
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>Perhaps a poor choice of words can account for some of the problems in understanding the intent of someone’s post. Another problem is the mastery of the language you are communicating in. As an example even people for whom English is his/her primary language have problems understanding each other! :)
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>Yet another problem is that some people do not care what they say or how they say it over the Internet. They may act very differently in front of others. The Internet gives a feeling of immunity and indifference to some people. You also have the power to create your own world - why be socialized when you can be a god?
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>It is sometimes difficult to separate what someone says from what they mean and the spirit it is given in by using the written word. A good writer can do this but I am not sure about some programmers! Writing good code is a programmer’s profession – being able to communicate in a civil manner is of much less importance. :)
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>People have sensitive matters or words that will “push his/her button”. Should that occur then a flame war could begin. Sometimes it helps to clarify what has been said and what is meant. At other times it is very apparent what tone something is said in be it humorous or otherwise.
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>In the end I must agree that there is something about the Internet and people communicating that leads to insults – intentional or otherwise.
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>Tom

Thank you.

That was a good contribution to this thread.

But it seems that the thread has been sunk. I cannot see it in Chatter anymore.

I do not know why.

May be the title was too insulting.