Proper Forum Etiquette

[ChilDawg]

I was asked to post this on AB and was happy to do so! If it doesn't go in this section, would someone please move it to where it would best serve AB? Matthew

Post what you would like to see in a proper forum etiquette FAQ...

How often should I bump my posts if they get no reply?

Please only do it once a day at the most. If you do it every ten minutes, you run the risk of annoying folks who like to check out the "New Posts" link. If you do it more than once a day on a Buy/Sell type of thread, I would think you to be a tad desperate and I will charge/pay accordingly. If enough people do that, you will not get fair pricing if you bump too often.


What happens if I label something that is not an emergency as one?

Good question. I would personally read your post and then reply as unhelpfully as possible, if I replied at all. Emergencies are not "I am going shopping in fifteen minutes and I need to know what to buy!" Remember the 6 "P"'s--you should have planned ahead. If someone with a legitimate emergency gets ignored because of such posts, I would consider that a grievous breach of forum etiquette on your part and probably just ignore you...and I would ignore even true emergencies that you have in the future.


Does anyone care that I "rescued" a fish?

I don't know if they care in the sense you're hoping...I just know that if you paid full price, you have just encouraged a bad shop to provide more of the same in the same conditions. Even if you got a discount, they might likewise be encouraged.


What if I see an old post to which I wish to reply?

Please don't. If the reply that you want to make is there already, that goes double...but chances are, you're not going to help the OP unless they're still here. With the high turnover rates of Internet forums and fish tanks, I doubt they could be assisted by your input. Also, if you have a further question, you might consider starting a new thread with a link back to the old one--the old one might have relevant information, but it will be hard to find your question amongst the older posts.


Should I always start a new thread when I have a question?

Not when you already have another thread STARTED BY YOU going in which the question could be logically asked.

But, when the thread is not your own, please don't ask questions in it. That's just rude and is sometimes known as HIJACKING or DERAILING a thread--serious breaches of 'Netiquette.


What if my CAPS LOCK is broken in the on position? Can I still post?

Yes, but please use your Shift key for lower case letters. Using all UPPER CASE (CAPITAL) letters is akin to yelling on the Internet. People don't take you seriously when you always yell, unless you work for a cable news network.


What if I do'nt! know, how to,,, use punctuation, properly.

Don't take a job as an editor.

Please just break your thoughts up in a logical manner. Don't rely on us to do it for you because many will not take the time (or make the effort) to do so.


I'm scared of all of you.

You should be. I wouldn't want to meet us in person either. But you should feel welcomed. (BTW, that's not a question.)


I'm really a 16 year old boy, but can I post that I'm a 43 year old girl?

I'm not one to judge, but please be as honest about yourself as you can without giving us enough information to steal your identity. Unless you're rich. Then, give me your bank account number and nobody gets hurt.


What if people keep posting things like "Do not feed the *****!" in my threads?

You might have annoyed them or behaved badly. Research what a ***** is and see if that label fits you. If it does, please PM DiXoN or Neoprodigy and ask to be banned because you are a *****. Or STFU. Either would make me happy.


Can I have two user names here? You know, to, like, respond to myself?

Sure, but only if you truly have Multiple Personality Disorder and have a doctor's written notice that you can give us upon request. Otherwise, I would lay off of that. You run the risk of agreeing with yourself and looking like a fool in doing so.


I hate <USER X>. Should I try to attack them every chance I get?

Unless you're truly a jackass, I'd say no. Even then, I would go against it. Unless they're a *****, in which case, it won't do any good anyway...they love the attention.


I like writing about sex. Can I do that here?

No. Please don't. All of us want to read about sex, but probably not from your warped perspective.


People keep telling me I'm not doing things right. How can I tell them that I am?

Perfect. Denial is your best bet. I'd go with that. Seriously, posting questions about your setup and then not listening to the experts is the first warning sign that you might just be trolling. Getting visibly mad at them and then indignant probably won't leave a good impression.


Who the **** do you think you are?

I think I'm ChilDawg. Please don't swear at me.


Anything I missed?

[Daveedka]

Great article Chilldawg,


Just two points of clarification,

On this forum if you fit the definition of *****, PM Slip, Dirk, or Orion Girl. neo and RTF can't help you much here.

Also if you are the multiple personality type, please be aware we have ways of knowing these things in advance. If you aren't a problem, very little will be said but one of your personalities may be killed anyhow at the discretion of the Admins.

[judgemax]

I am sorry, but I am giggling and smiling ear to ear! GO! CHILDAWG!

[ChilDawg]

Thanks, judgemax...I'm glad I could make you laugh.

[judgemax]

it was just so perfect, true, but perfect!