I'd personally opt for the over-the-top flaming myself, as well. Although it doesn't cultivate a professional image, I strongly prefer it over the "but before I

I'd personally opt for the over-the-top flaming myself, as well. Although it doesn't cultivate a professional image, I strongly prefer it over the "but before I kill you, Mr. Bond..." tone that this example gives off. I've worked with people who weren't afraid to pop off with some choice words over poor decisions having been made, and found the impassioned anger toward choices that threaten something they really give a shit about is a lot easier to get over than something like this mailing list post. People get angry over things they care about, but they'll cool off, and you'll learn what matters to them. However, if you're playing by The Rules and break them, you'll carry that mark for years, regardless of whether or not who's enforcing got over the incident.