Given the current threads on Disputable Matters and the many pitfalls of communications, I thought some may find this article interesting.

In the Digital Age, rudeness is just another virus

Leah McLaren, Globe and Mail,

(note this article may end up being locked out, hence my lengthy quoting)

[...] 

Flame wars gotcha feeling down?

Wondering how open-minded became open hostility?

Tired of chin-waggin, character-slaggin, hangashores disturbing the conversational peace with their hemorrhoidal rage rants and their lazy generalizations?

Then you need the Knob-O-matic!

The knob-O-matic comes in an assortment of shapes and sizes and is so easy to operate that even a squirrel can use it.