Implied subtext: WotS is unable to perform a simple search and needs this function pointed out to him in extremely basic terms.
I think the implied subtext is that WotS does not have access to the search function (here on EN World, since that is what we are talking about), and so someone who does have access has gone the extra mile to help him out.
The happy faces just make it worse, man.
Perhaps in isolated cases, especially those where the reader is already on the defensive. I think in general, most people find the happy faces useful in assessing the writer's tone. More often that not the happy face is disarming, not smarmy.
Such a strategy, if implemented, would bring the world of discourse crashing to a halt. I recommend avoiding this at all costs.
This isn't Discourse World, its EN World.
Several years ago I used to hang out here under other screen names and I got into plenty of flame wars. I've also had more than my share of flame wars though other avenues not related to this site.
I can say with absolute certainty that since Morrus and the mods started cracking down on them, this is a much more pleasant place to hang out. I can remember when nearly every discussion on this site eventually devolved into a flame war.
You can disagree with someone without insulting them. People do it all the time here now.
Perhaps it's more a matter of vocal inflections and the like that aren't present in messageboard settings. Clearly, there's a difference between
"Why don't you go look it up?"
and
"Why don't you go look it up?"
that text really doesn't convey.
that's what I was talking about when I said
the problem is that the impersonality of text communication lends itself to perceived insults and supposed affronts. Therefore, we should always go the extra mile to be as polite as possible.
Try this:
"Why don't you go look it up?
"
Vs
"Why don't you go look it up?"
Now the ambiguity is reduced. Clearly, the first statement is more friendly and passive than the second. Don't you agree?
Of course a better statement would be something like:
"Do you have access to the search function? If not, I can look it up for you.
"
Brilliant insight, Barsoomcore! With that depth of understanding, you should seek out a position ending the strife in the Middle East! Why, I'm sure that you'd have the conflict ended in a day or two with your boundless and profound grasp of interpersonal communication.
(Obviously your suggestion has a few problems.)
Being smarmy is also a combative tactic, and you don't need the additional phrase in parentheses to make your insult clear.
A quick lesson in flaming:
The more subtle and cerebral your insult, the more it burns. Having to explain your insult only makes you look shallow and petty.
