Most software speaks to its users in the voice of a passive aggressive asshole.

Most DMV clerks, bank clerks, post office clerks, etc, come off as passive aggressive assholes.

It's not because these people are assholes in their home life. It's because that's a function of the job. The easiest, fastest way for mankind to get things done is for some people to be flat, monotonous, and uninspired from 9-5. That doesn't mean that they're not normal human beings any other time.]

I would rather have a form tell me what's wrong as accurately and briefly as possible than try to be nice or helpful. I can't remember it was Joel Spolsky or PG that said something along the lines of "Give me what I need, and then get out of my way."

When I see 'Please enter your first name.' instead of 'First Name' on form I get angry that my time was just wasted. Please don't say 'Please' and 'Thank You', thank you.