Lacking any other clue (such as accent, mannerisms) that the speaker may have different cultural norms, how is one to tell plain, friendly discoursing from a demeaning, brusque or curt tone?
Absent the many critical but subtle cues we receive when engaging in live, interpersonal conversation, the written word - particularly the functional and casual way we use it here - is open to broad (mis-)interpretation at almost every turn. I'll close by saying that, like most of you, I've had the odd run-in with what first seemed like a real twat on the net. But in every case, when we took it up personally, off-list, I've never walked away with anything but a satisfied mind and a more thoughtful and dare I say favorable opinion of the person on the other end. On Sat, Feb 6, 2016 at 11:16 AM, j...@cimmeri.com <j...@cimmeri.com> wrote: > > > On 2/6/2016 10:22 AM, Liam Proven wrote: > >> On 5 February 2016 at 23:54, Steven Hirsch<snhir...@gmail.com> wrote: >> >>> I've finally had my fill of the general grumpiness and bluntly worded >>> interactions on this list. >>> >>> Over the years I have learned a lot and would like to particularly >>> express >>> my thanks to Tony Duell, Fred Cisin and Chuck Guzis for being unfailingly >>> polite and very forthcoming with technical advice. >>> >> I apologise for the offence that I have given. >> >> I am British, not American, and the tone of European converse is far >> too abrupt and confrontational for an American-dominated forum. I was >> rebuked by moderators twice that day alone for comments which I had >> thought were reasonable and proportionate. >> >> I was wrong. My comments were inappropriate. I regret them and >> apologise for them. >> > > On the other hand, Liam, maybe some people should just grow a bit of a > thicker skin and understand that other cultures can be different. > > - J. >
