Well, if you're asking me...(how do you make words with italic script?) why? I would say it's peoples egos. Not knowing when to or wanting to stop/get the last word in.
Some of it can be attributed to the medium, the typed word. There is no intonation, no facial cues or any other form of non verbal communication. (nod nod wink wink for example) I thought there were some valid points being brought up in the thread in question, others didn't see it that way. Some want to battle it out while others will just take their marbles and go home. Why can't we simply exchange information and ask questions without fear of derogatory rebuttal, real or imagined? This is the internet, I try to take it as it comes. If someone tells me to 'get a life', for example, I could just, well, the possibilities are endless. I mostly choose to just let it slide and press on regardless. I've seen so many posts and replies that folks have obviously misunderstood or not entirely read all the posts and offer 'off the mark' comments. Why get all bent out of shape about it? As much as I like this site and all the invaluable information here and held by so many of the members, I have a lot more important and real life issues to deal with that cause real angst than to worry about some of this stuff.
Me? I like to make wise cracks and try to leave people laughing. I'm not always successful but I keep trying. And some folks don't get it and never will. Oh well. I'm still looking for the perfect joke.
Is this what you mean by a typical response?