07-15-2010, 11:19 PM
Well, I would never do it in formal writing, the subject of the passage you quote. There I value brevity and precision, like anyone suckled on The Elements of Style. Exchanges in online forums are more like conversation, though. One adds little grace notes to show comradery and politeness to the other participants, just as one engages conversational partners in small talk and banter that will be little noted nor long remembered. Though efficient, taciturn responses are not seen as friendly encouragements of continued conversation. Online, in the absence of gestures and facial expressions, these grace notes become even more important. lol.