I agree "tone" is really hard to do in written format. In the past I have upset people without realising because their perception of my tone is at odds with what I thought I was conveying.

I think this is the case with key board warriors. Most of them would never dream to say out loud what they put in print. They don't realise just how rude they are being until you point it out then they get defensive.

I try to imagine I am talking to a little old lady when I write. It doesn't always work but at least I am aware that my tone is sometimes off. I don't mind upsetting people if that is my intention it's when it's not that is the problem.

One more point

There is a theory that personal communication can be split into 3 percentages: 7% actually what you say or write (words); 38% tone of voice; and a massive 55% nonverbal (body language, posture, gesture, etc.). Throw in context, and it's a potential minefield.

With this in mind, no matter how hard you try to capture a particular tone when writing, relying on only approximately 7% of your communication spectrum, it's no surprise there are so many online disagreements and spats - the vast majority of which probably wouldn't lead to the same result face-to-face in the 'real' world!

And also there is usually more permanency to the written word - people can re-read your words and quote you, sometimes completely out of context.

Written word. One of mankinds greatest achievements. Closely followed by p***.graphy.

An English lecturer once explained how emphasis on different words can effect the understanding of a sentence.
I didn't steal those cakes
I didn't steal those cakes
I didn't steal those cakes

I got a greater understanding of misinterpretation of emails when I was thrown up against a wall by an ex-squaddie who held me by the throat, with a right arm primed to smash my face in.
He had missed the sarcasm in my earlier email, and took it at face value.

I don't lose sleep over posting on HOL. People have thick skins, unless they offer a Sainsbury's car park meet

Edited by Forest Hillbilly (18 Aug 2018 9.59pm)

"The facts have changed", Rishi Sunak

I'm not sure on that one.
In what context should either word be used.
Are they not one and the same but spelt differently.
Only asking as this is the weird way English has been described as a hard language to use.

They are completely different words. Try this [Link]

Palace since 19 August 1972. Palace 1 (Tony Taylor) Liverpool 1 (Emlyn Hughes)

I am suitably shamed. If there is any defence, it was that I made the point in a spirit of humour (hence the emoji) but I guess I’ve managed to endorse the original premise about interpretation of the written word.

Palace since 19 August 1972. Palace 1 (Tony Taylor) Liverpool 1 (Emlyn Hughes)