Note that while I felt an extra objection to wedrifid’s tone because it was to a newcomer, I would have felt at least mild disapproval even if it was to a regular. I don’t think anyone—newcomers or regulars—should be shielded from criticism, but I do think that the tone for the criticism should be kept friendly.
Note that while I felt an extra objection to wedrifid’s tone because it was to a newcomer, I would have felt at least mild disapproval even if it was to a regular. I don’t think anyone—newcomers or regulars—should be shielded from criticism, but I do think that the tone for the criticism should be kept friendly.
A Suite of Pragmatic Considerations in Favor of Niceness seems relevant here.
I agree that friendliness is generally positive, though unfriendliness has its uses.