Well, you are your own's person so don't *have* to do anything. However, the ability to stay above any irrelevant or inflammatory babbling is pretty useful and not just behind a computer keyboard. Spitting obvious trollbaits, ad hominem insults and empty rants is similar to shooting blanks. They cannot really hurt you *unless* you start to react to them. Whenever you are in the middle of an argument and see your opponent resort to these, it is a sign that you are winning and our opponent has run out of live ammunition to fight you. If you sink to his level and allow him to turn a battle of facts, reason and logic into a pissing contest, you lose. If you keep it together, you can both win and earn some respect of others for your mature behavior. I think the second option is worth taking a few verbal punches, right?