I had poor grades in school, at least up to my senior year of high school. Dropped out of college after one abysmal quarter. Does that mean I have a license to post horrible things online, since I'm already contravening one of the other bits of advice? 😛

More saliently, I follow a personal rule of not writing what I wouldn't say in person. I've written some things that would violate the "don't ever offend anyone" type of rules that the editorial seems (to me) to be calling for. I've told a couple of people, for example, to "step away from the database, keeping both hands in plain view". I've written some things about, for example, Joe Celko, that could be considered "harsh" or whatever. I've also posted both religious and political views that aren't exactly mainstream (I'm a political independent because I can't stand either of the main US political parties; religiously, I'm a Scientologist).

Is it possible someone will pass over hiring me because of my religion? Yes. And I'd rather work for someone who knows it and doesn't care than for someone who would hate me if they knew it. Same for politics.

I've found that a rule of "don't write what you wouldn't say to the person's face" works for me. I'm sure I've offended or alienated a few people. We're human, we don't all get along. I try to help. I try to treat everyone with respect and dignity. I try to maintain appropriate manners. But that doesn't mean sticking to writing pablum, either.

I'm not sure that's what this editorial is calling for, but it does read that way to me.