I think most of us know that it can be difficult to relate tone across an internet discussion board post. We do not have the benefit of hearing voice inflections or see facial expressions which are basic parts of human communication.

The use of "smilies" and other computer icons or abbreviations have somewhat helped provide character and tone to a post, but I try to shy away from using those too often because of their association with silly and immature internet chat.

Like you, Ken, I tend to just type my ideas straightforward with no greater meaning than just putting my thoughts out there for consideration. Sometimes people interpret them to carry some sort of tone I did not intend to take. This can be especially problematic when discussing controversial or sensitive issues, where people are already edgy. (Kind of like when my wife asks me about how a dress or pair of pants look on her. Sometimes a sincere and matter-of-fact answer---with no intent to insult her---can somehow come back to bite me! Heck, she's even turned my "compliments" around on me! LOL)