I really do not want to push my way of working on to others.  This business is so diverse and there isn?t one right way.  Personally, though I too would either ignore an obviously ridiculous message or answer it briefly and politely.  I like a quiet and as stress free life as possible.  So I rather bite my tongue and let stuff roll over me.  Why provoke unnecessary strife and be antagonistic?  I also want to minimise risks.  To me a short-lived sense of victory over a timewaster just isn?t worth the potential grief.  I am not meek or paranoid just aware that I?m potentially more vulnerable than some anonymous keyboard fantasist.