Haven't read that book, backrankblues, but sometimes the observation you make here is clearly applicable. There seems to be an Internet meme of some sort that issuing a punishing reply to those whose posts appear naive or opinionated in any way is the cool thing to do. Lousy meme, if you ask me.
Of course, sometimes folk mistake honest criticism or difference of opinion for hostility or at least incivility. Perhaps if we responders to OP remarks would just apply the golden rule, a better outcome and a more enjoyable community environment would ensue.
I still believe that the chess.com community - despite the occasional ugly dust up - is one of the best online communities going.
I luv chess dot com! 
It hurts to read abusive posts - somebody asks some question and the first reply he gets is abusive for no reason. Why this?
Every action has a reaction - say bad things to people and that is exactly what you will get in return. It attracts negative energy. Please avoid all this. Be nice, give respect and you will get good things. Read Joseph Murphy's book - Power of Your Sub- Conscious Mind.