How do we phrase things?, let us count the ways......

I was brought up with 'if you can't say anything nice, then say nothing at all'

Phoenix, with your Shakespearean hat on, how would he soften the demand "shut up". Seen it several times on GN today.

There was a thread on here very recently about emoticons and how useful they are - to some people. I tend to get the wrong end of the stick with them, just as well I am not an ancient Egyptian.

That's very true. I do use emoticons sometimes to try and let people know I'm just having a joke. I can find it difficult to get the right balance between polite and formal too.

When there is no body language to illustrate our written word then the phrasing becomes doubly important.

Thank you Primrose, although I can't recall ever seeing an inconsiderate post from you.

Thanks for posting this Phoenix. I think it's a good point, well made. I'm going to make sure I'm more considered and considerate when I post.