[anamax]

> Since we aren't all standing in a room having a real conversation, the only way I can tell if people are going to agree or disagree with me is an up or down vote.

Apart from some tense confusion, yes.

> I'll probably get downvoted for this" is another way of saying "the predominant opinion here is x but i'm going to state y."

Yes, that is another way to say that. The point is that saying that gets annoying.

If you're about to say something for which you feel the need to apologize, don't say it. Double that if the apology is a pose. (No, it's not polite or "civil".)

Respect the readers.

[smokinn]

Respect the readers is a good point. By starting with that sentence you're essentially saying:

Before I say what I think might add to the conversation here's me talking about how I care more about my karma than the conversation itself.

It isn't something anyone but you cares about so why not just leave it out?