On: Writing English as a Second Language (2009)

[Markoff]

as a speaker of few European languages, it's considered rude to be straight to the point, it's like you are ordering someone to do something, while you should be politely asking them to do it, even if it's their job and business communication should be kept formal, we are not friends after all

personally i have no problem with straight people, but some people care more about form than content