Can someone enlighten me please?

[madmaggot]

Why is it that so many people start their query with 'OK, so..............'?

[Ankou]

sorry but the two letter version is common, proper boffs like jno use four letter words.

[MarkRae]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Okay

[cazzz1975]

in the big scheme of things its unimportant, the question gets across successfully and generally everyone is happy :)

[Everhelpful]

Thanks,Mark,never thought to look on wiki.

[albaqwerty]

Ever, you need someone clever like jno or andy or AP to answer that one sorry if I missed anyone)

I've read somewhere it doesn't stand for anything specific.
SNAFU does, as does JEEP.

[Ankou]

yes, and ankou begins with a silent w, and ends with a silent r.

at least thats what jno told me so it must be true.

[Old_Geezer]

It is just a friendly conversational style. Why would it matter to you ?

[jno]

andy, I don't think it's really a full-scale apology - it's more, as Answerprancer says, a softening of any potential clash. As you know, there are people - especially online! - who are very ready do take offence where none is intended, even from someone as mild-mannered as you, and to come out with fists swinging. I generally think it's worth foreseeing and averting that, unless I'm feeling unusually feisty.

[andy-hughes]

A fair point jno. I think everyone adopts the approach with which they feel comfortable. My planety-sized self-confidence sometimes blinds me to the fact that a little 'softening' may be appropriate, but as i do not feel comfortable with that approach, we will continue our respective ways, and cordially agree to doffer.

You are of course quite correct about the 'offence-takers' - one in particular who could make a saint swear with his desire to pick a fight when no conflict seriously exists!

[Captain Spod]

Meh, all these answers are too short. Each would be improved by the insertion of 'like' before any noun or verb.
Makes you sound sooo much like younger (oh, adjectives as well).

[notasyoungasiwas]

I don't mind that madmaggot, what I can't stand are people saying 'should of' instead of 'should have' !

[Answerprancer]

Indeed - you've hit the nail on the head there JNO.
A 'softening' for the purposes of friendliness/netiquette.
Especially here where (IMO) a lot of people reside who have a tendancy to look for conflict.
....Fight, anyone ? ;-)