I don't agree with the original post. Just the other day someone come on asking about his stock, 60 something litre with two of this, two of that and two or three danios. Once I said his tank wasn't big enough for the danios and forget adding to the tank until they are sorted he went off on one. When I said they'd need a 4ft tank minimum, so other eejit come on and said I was wrong. Only for others, regular members that person would have believed the other person as it suited him. Aye, I was harsh in the end up as he said they were staying in his tank. I mean what's the point in asking a question about stocking and not listening when you do get an answer? I've done many things wrong whilst fish keeping, a lot I've leant from doing wrong and being told how to do it correctly, whether I asked or wanted that info at the time it was the answer I needed.
If someone comes on with a problem and tells you their stocking what are you going to say? Say nothing about their stocking and just tell them to do extra water changes? I won't. I'll tell them if I know they are doing wrong. Like al said, I'm not really on here to make friends, if I do then that's all the better but I'm not going to people please either.
I may be harsh sometimes and I will think a wee bit more, possibly, as to how that post sounds before I press the post button, maybe, just maybe.
Its already been said that its very hard to get humour, concern or any expression across in a forum or text. 93% of communication is all tone, pitch and non-verbal communication so we're missing a lot through just reading.