We’ve all done it (I do it too often) but there’s a place for it. Don’t post when you’re angry.
Forums are great places for “heated exchanges” (it actually brings in traffic) but in general, an angry post is usually something the author regrets.
A personal blog is a place where you can be you, yes, even angry – but you can get your angry point across while injecting some humor too. Sarcasm is difficult to convey in writing, but the overall tone of the blog will usually give your readers the correct perspective.
Anger – maybe in a blog with restraint but don’t do it in a forum. Angry forum posters, even with valid points are usually ganged up upon and you may end up shunned.
If it’s too late, don’t get defensive – it makes it worse. Just restate your point with a friendlier tone, apologize for any hurt feelings, flatter the other members and move on.
Sure, I’m guilty for hammering out angry posts and responses and hitting the submit button without censoring myself at times (I actually got in lots of trouble once) and I can tell you from experience – take a break and recompose yourself, or save it for a personal blog or MySpace – where you have control and can later correct it.
This goes for email too. Oh, guess it wouldn’t hurt to mention that’s it’s a bad idea to post drunk as well.
I’ve watched people crash and burn that way too:)