Good manners online

Peter posts about them, and that reminded me of the old pre-Internet USENET and the legendary Emily Postnews, foremost authority on proper net behaviour, gives her advice on how to act on the net:

Q: I cant spell worth a dam. I hope your going too tell me what to do?

A: Don't worry about how your articles look. Remember it's the message that counts, not the way it's presented. Ignore the fact that sloppy spelling in a purely written forum sends out the same silent messages that soiled clothing would when addressing an audience.

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Q: Another poster can't spell worth a damn. What should I post?

A: Post a followup pointing out all the original author's spelling and grammar mistakes. You were almost certainly the only one to notice them, genius that you are, so not only will others be intrigued at your spelling flame, but they'll get to read such fine entertainments rather than any actual addressing of the facts or issues in the message.

The whole thing was brilliant, and became, well, legendary.  It has held up surprisingly well for something that must be 30 years old.