I think most people are just passionate about their opinions and that their opinions are deeply rooted. I think we all strive to be understood and since verbal and visual clues and nuances are lost, it comes off more persuasive and antagonistic than intended. I don't think the intention is to offend as much as it is taken that way. I think the intent is definitely a factor because if someone has no intention of offending you then I consider it a miscommunication or misunderstanding. That being said, I don't value intent as much as I probably should.

I believe its eventually my choice to read and react, or read and learn. So intent is just one of the factors to know someone else's way of communication.

I've been at the receiving end, a lot of the time, which *achem* mostly sucks. People have called me names and said other nasty stuff to me via the internet ( same as in real life, lol). I find it irritating, because mostly I would genuinely like to "just get along with everyone." But, eh, it's the internet, and I don't always think technology really "connects people." The internet does incite a lot of fighting, though. *eyeroll*

^ I'm sorry, just to clarify, I was talking more about remarks in general that are perceived as offensive rather than direct insults.