Why are poker players (and in particular these forums) so hostile?

[revots33]

[ QUOTE ]
People who are here to learn get insulted constantly, and every little mistake new posters make is not just immediately pounced upon, but brought up again and again.

[/ QUOTE ]

Take a poker forum where everyone considers themselves an expert, add in the anonymity of the internet, and finally toss in a basic question from a newbie who's looking to learn, and you've got a recipe for sarcasm/ridicule/flame/etc.

I try to ignore the mean-spirited responses and pay attention to the worthwhile advice (and yes, even the sarcastic responses often have some good strategy advice mixed in).

Just like in regular life, I think we tend to notice the minority of idiots, more than we notice the majority of people who are actually trying to help by sharing their expertise and knowledge. A lot of people on this board do in fact go out of their way to help their fellow 2+2ers to learn to play better poker.