I participate in a few forums (fora?) on the internet. Sometimes people post things and I have to wonder if they have any idea what they're typing.

They argue points and say they didn't say a particular thing when everybody else in the forum says: "Uh, yes you did. Maybe you don't understand what you wrote, but what we're telling you your post means is exactly what you wrote."

If people would learn how to express themselves in written words before posting in forums, on mailing lists, in blogs, etc., my blood pressure would probably be many points lower.

That being said, I truly enjoy a feature that some forums installed a couple of years ago.

Ignore.

It's a wonderful feature that allows you to never see what specific people post regardless of the recipients of their posts. I can put people on Ignore and I never have to deal with their ignorance again.

Just before I put a person on Ignore, my last message I will ever write to them ends with "Go in peace." I do this for a couple of reasons.

First, it's a signal that I really don't want to talk to them. Most of the time, they're too dense to figure that out, but I expect that.

Second, and more importantly, it's a sincere message that the person both go away (at least from my patch of reality), and do so in peace in the sense that they should go in a dignified, non-belligerent manner. I don't wish them harm or pain of any sort, at least most of the time. I just want them out of my life.

Regardless of the outcome on the other poster's part, I get to walk away in peace. I have plenty of stress in my life without adding virtual stress on forums, mailing lists, etc.

As a co-worker of mine once said in reference to my dealings with her, I do not suffer fools gladly.

No truer words...