Indeed, my experiences are similar. I joined a language forum that shall remain nameless. I one post, I made an attempt at dry humor. Immediately I was pounced upon by some harridan who thought my jocularity was a personal attack. She suggested that, if I was intending to be funny, I might use emoticons. Or humor.
Silly cow. If it had meant anything to me, I might have replied using the full force of my low sarcasm and wit. As it was, I found the whole thing ludicrous and moved on.
Conclusion: other forums are nasty places. 
- PW