There are similar rules to your online expedition. You may not be able to determine the age, gender, or race of the person you are corresponding with. This means that you may be oblivious to certain beliefs that relate to these characteristics. Likewise, you are not able to read non-verbal expression in an online environment. Remember when you post topics and responses that there are no non-verbal cues.
People can easily misinterpret information or be offended unintentionally.
You should not use aside comments, sarcasm, or humor that might be misinterpreted. If you use the triangular brackets to indicate non-verbal cues in the forum, the database will attempt to interpret them as HTML code. Your instructor will probably have specific guidelines about what language is acceptable with the discussion forum. As a student you should follow these guidelines and try to make the discussion forum as pleasant and productive as possible. You are welcome to engage in a discussion, but a stream of unproductive criticisms will not be tolerated.