Of course, civility and courtesy are the hallmarks of great individuals as well as great chess players ... perhaps that is why one might encounter very few of either in one's lifetime. However, regarding chess players and the conduct intended for the game, let me summarize my point of view in this manner:

You see, there are three types of chess players:

1. the first chess player is intrigued by the game, they play and they learn but then they tire and seek other passions. The battle of chess is soon forgotten though the fire of battle may easily and quickly be rekindled in this first type of chess player.

2. the second chess player is intrigued by the game, as well, but this chess player has learned more of the game and the skill that is needed to win and --- being filled with pride and confidence for this small treasure of knowledge and ability --- this chess player becomes a bully, the nag who says "you are taking too long to move" when clearly there are tens of minutes to be played, and also this type of chess player is the big mouth who says "move!"

3. then ... ... well, then there are the WARLOARDS.

Yes, this category includes Masters and Grandmasters, but even they can be bullies, too ... no, it is the Warlord personality who sees chess not as a game to be played and won ... but as an experience --- an experience of ancient Mortal Combat --- where life and death gives way to alliances and nemesi (i.e. to relationships and friendships both warlike and un-warlike). It is the Warlord who is restless after victory (not celebratory and lethargic) and it is the Warlord who lookes for new battles.

The Warlords ... beware of this type of chess player and God damn the Warlords, God Damn the Warlords to Hell !! ... .... ... .... because there is no one else who can.

I think some friendly chat really enhances the game. I have a few people on this site that I really enjoy playing because of the chat. I feel like I have some new friends. I guess it could be argued that they are "cyber" friends and don't really count but as long as I enjoy the witty banter, who cares ? It's a great escape from the daily grind. Depending on how I am playing sometimes I enjoy the conversation more than the game...:P

Granted, since this is an international site, on many occasions, it could just be a communication gap. We can't make a typical Uhmurikan faux pas and assume everyone treats English as koine.

Otherwiese - assuming the folks countries share a common language, then yeah, some sort of token greeting is in order. Ask most folks who play me, I'm a chatty b!tch.

Well said . there have been many blogs on communication to put it broadly . whether it be to say "hi" or "good luck" at the beginning of a game. To "sign off" when you switch off.

What i can gather from all of them is this.  .  .  .

We are all individuals, far and wide, across this globe and no individual should take offence , whether their opponent wants to communicate or not ! 

It makes no differance to the GAME so enjoy it 

I'm with you, Honey (sorry, but it's a convenient abbreviation ).

You don't need to have long conversations -- especially when you're playing blitz -- but it's nice to acknowledge that there's another p.e.r.s.o.n pushing the pieces around, and not just a computer.

I haven't been in on live chess as much as I might, but I've sometimes missed comments there when somebody has spoken to me.  Maybe if comments were accompanied with a burp, bip or beep it'd be easier to respond.