23-07-2020, 08:16 AM
Picking up on the intonation thing. I have always said that what is said is 20% the words and 80% the way you say it. In text, the 80% is lost. For example, I could say 'Ruairidh Dunford, you are a prat!' or I could say 'Ruairidh Dunford, you are a prat!'. If I were to say it out loud, one could have a chuckle in my voice, the other could express anger, but the words are exactly the same. Careful choice of phraseology, the use of smilies and not presuming that the other person gets your joke, helps. Though, to make it very clear, I'm not advocating the loss of 'banter' in the forum. This forum (and I have a little experience of others) actually runs really well - and long may it do so!