Online writing is unique from other communication forms in that it can have the immediacy of spoken conversation, and the longevity and reach of the printed word. The downside is that online writing lacks the tonal quality and body language aspect of the spoken word and often lacks the delays and deliberation of the printed word. Because of this, it's so easy to have misunderstandings online. That's one of the reasons where there are so many spats online - whether it's on blogs, email lists or forums. That's why charitable reading is so important.
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