I am a newbie to D&T forum, but I don't partake in HDH. Never read the previous boards HDH forum either. One day just glanced at a topic showing on home page and started reading.
What I liked about this area is exactly what I guess scares people off. I like the sarcasm, dry humor,wit and bad puns. Back in the Rennissance, those elements were proof of intelligence and quick wit. I also like the topics and the responses. Much more thoughtful then whos got the prettiest toes, favorite lady/man, and please shower threads. :P
IMO if people take things too personally, especially from people they don't know, then they have more problems then this board.
Body language is a majority of communicating(60%) and with tone of voivce following (30%). So now all is left is 10% of communicating using words. So understanding how you select words to set tone for the readers is important. The use of emoticons and emotes (lol, rofl, etc) makes your tone come out easier.
There are my 2 pesos, keep the change.