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I read it the other way around. Calling somebody that you're not acquainted with by their last name in writing is pretty standard practice, and doesn't carry a
by Jebdm 17y ago
I read it the other way around. Calling somebody that you're not acquainted with by their last name in writing is pretty standard practice, and doesn't carry any connotations (at least to me). On the other hand, using a title like Mr. or Mrs., especially when your tone is negative, makes you sound like a prick. It's like saying "With all due respect, my good sir, you are incorrect".
Obviously, YMMV.
- DrJokepu 17y agoDunno, I like the advice of what I think is one of the most reasonable contemporary English style guides, The Economist Style Guide: http://www.economist.com/research/styleGuide/index.cfm?page=805691&CFID=69685420&CFTOKEN=26520221 http://www.economist.com/research/styleGuide/index.cfm?page=...
- Jebdm 17y agoI like the Economist's style as well, mainly because it rings of old intelligence. But they have a large, overarching identity backing them, while as individuals most (usually) don't. Similarly, they publish in a formal medium, which Hacker News is not.