Am I trying to inform my readers?
- Do I have reason to think my readers don’t already know what I am going to say?
- Can I back up my assertions with reliable sources if asked?
- Do my readers need to know what I am sharing?
Am I trying to persuade my readers?
- Is the way I present my case likely to sway my direct audience?
- How is my argument likely to affect onlookers?
- Are there fallacies in my argument?
- Can I imagine how my case would sound to someone who is not already convinced?
Am I venting strong emotions?
- Will what I say adversely affect other readers?
- Will what I say now change how what I say in the future is read?
- Would writing down the rant and saving it also vent most of the emotions?
This is not a plea for civility, though civility is nothing to sneeze at.
This is a plea for effective communication.