Because bandwidth is a finite commodity, many Net veterans are constantly cautioning profligate users against wasting bandwidth. A program or e-mail software command that scans incoming messages and automatically processes the messages based on the contents of, say, the From or Subject lines. The file where your incoming messages are stored. The overworked, underpaid person in an e-mail system who has the responsibilities of making sure that the system runs smoothly and troubleshooting problems when it doesn't. A quotation added to a signature.
Most people choose quotations that reflect their character or their politics.
In the real world, it could be people who drive too slow in the fast lane, discourteous types who butt in ahead of you in line, or those annoying late-night infomercials. In the online world, it could be a thoughtless remark, a misunderstood attempt at humor, or a vicious mail bomb. Whatever the reason, the immediate reaction usually is to pull out the electronic version of your poison pen and compose an emotionally charged, scathing reply dripping with sarcasm and venomous abuse. Such messages are called flames , and they're an unfortunate fact of life on the Net. Firing off a particularly inventive flame might make you feel better, but its likely effect will be to make the recipient madder than a hoot owl.