Forum Etiquette: Share Your Wisdom - Page 4

CarolAnnSFO · #46 Apr 27, '05, 4:28 pm

If you're brand new to a forum, lurk a while before beginning to post -- that way, you give yourself time to learn the rules, and the "flavor" of the forum -- less chance you'll mess up when you do begin to post.

Don't double-post, or triple-post, or quadruple-post, etc. (Maybe the rosary threads are the exception, but even there -- give someone else a chance to jump in!)

Don't attach to your posts pictures that are so wide they force the post to occupy more than one screen's-width of space -- people then have to scroll back and forth to read the whole page of posts -- very annoying.

If you're quoting somebody else's very long post, only include in the quote the specific points you want to respond to, not the entire post. It is annoying to have to scroll past a whole series of posts where everyone has quoted the same incredibly-long post, and repeated all of it.

Don't hijack threads! Stay on topic. Especially don't try to turn the thread into a joke thread when the original thread-starter was asking a serious question.

Don't post the entire contents of really long articles. If an article is so long that you have to make six consecutive posts to fit it all, then it's too long -- provide a link, instead (and check whether the material you're posting is copyrighted -- maybe a link is all you want to post, anyway).

**Shoshana** · #47 Apr 27, '05, 4:32 pm

Sometimes, when I find a poster testy, I look up his/her background to see whether they are young, etc. And believe it or not, sometimes this works to deal with a certain poster...

Christ is risen...truly he is risen!
Shoshana

Scott_Lafrance · #48 Apr 27, '05, 6:49 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Therese Martin

Notice:

Since this thread may be of continuing use to newcomers, I've turned it into a sticky and will keep it open.

If that doesn't work..........

**Shoshana** · #49 Apr 27, '05, 7:02 pm

What about if somebody speaks with other tongues...Scott??

Ah...never mind...we just need the interpretation of tongues....

StephanieC · #50 Apr 27, '05, 7:24 pm

Break up run-on paragraphs into several bite-sized chunks--makes it much easier to digest!

Also, I can see how being told, "use the search function" might sting a little if I'm the one posting the thread. But if I'm someone who participated in a discussion say, 4 or 5 months ago, and I know there is some good stuff buried deep on those threads, shouldn't I point the poster to them? I think it's doing them a favor by pointing them to a good source; if the old thread's not quite what they wanted to discuss, they'll post their idea anyway.

Btw (by the way), DH = dear husband; MIL = mother in law.

jimmytoes · #51 Apr 27, '05, 8:18 pm

It looks like there should be two threads here:

Forum Etiquette - Share Your Wisdom and
Forum Etiquette - Share Your Peeves.

If someone uses all caps, don't take the bait... just reply in all lower... you never know, maybe their caps lock is stuck.

If you're totally aghast at a post, re-read it to make sure you didn't miss something. I've seen a few misunderstandings because someone missed a word.

And how come all Scott ever says is "And if that dosen't work"?
But then again, I didn't read the whole thread...

Mysty101 · #52 Apr 28, '05, 4:55 am

worth repeating

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarolAnnSFO

Don't attach to your posts pictures that are so wide they force the post to occupy more than one screen's-width of space -- people then have to scroll back and forth to read the whole page of posts -- very annoying.

& especially

Quote:

If you're quoting somebody else's very long post, only include in the quote the specific points you want to respond to, not the entire post. It is annoying to have to scroll past a whole series of posts where everyone has quoted the same incredibly-long post, and repeated all of it.

.

also if you are quoting a post with an image, delete the picture, especially if it is large or more than one

MarilynIN · #53 Apr 28, '05, 5:39 am

I am also new to this forum. While there may be similar posts, to say to someone after their first or second post, "That's already been discussed before". Is not only self-righteous, it's downright rude. It gives the impression to the newcomer that this is an exclusive country club, we have all the members we want, and we are just tolerating your presence for now and maybe you will go away eventually.

This message board is incredibly active and there are undoubtedly many times something has already been discussed. Yes, there is a search button. But, perhaps someone has a new twist on an old subject which in turn may make it similar, but not really the same as the first topic posted. Wouldn't that make it in it's own right, another new topic?

Scott_Lafrance · #54 Apr 28, '05, 6:23 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarilynIN

I am also new to this forum. While there may be similar posts, to say to someone after their first or second post, "That's already been discussed before". Is not only self-righteous, it's downright rude. It gives the impression to the newcomer that this is an exclusive country club, we have all the members we want, and we are just tolerating your presence for now and maybe you will go away eventually.

This message board is incredibly active and there are undoubtedly many times something has already been discussed. Yes, there is a search button. But, perhaps someone has a new twist on an old subject which in turn may make it similar, but not really the same as the first topic posted. Wouldn't that make it in it's own right, another new topic?

To be fair Marilyn, some of the topics brought up by "newbies" already have multiple open threads. Sometimes it appears that people are starting accounts and starting new threads just to get on people's nerves. It doesn't just appear that way, but it is a proven fact. So, some of the more tenured residents become a bit wary when someone with a whole 1 post under their belt starts the 7th thread on Masturbation in 3 days. Granted, people could use a little discretion and PM the newbie a link to the extisting threads and recommend the moderator shut the duplicate thread privately. But sometimes it is okay to express frustration at someone who appears to be trolling the forums.

MooCowSteph · #55 Apr 28, '05, 6:29 am

How about not posting "I have nothing to say on this topic".

MarilynIN · #56 Apr 28, '05, 6:35 am

Thanks for the explanation, Scott!

BLB_Oregon · #57 Apr 28, '05, 9:49 am

If you have something to say that is really only of interest to one person, especially if it might be taken as very personal, an insult to a third party, or as an attack, consider sending a private message, instead. You can always add a: PS If you think this would have been better posted on the thread, let me know.

**pnewton** · #58 Apr 28, '05, 11:44 am

My number one distraction is excessively long post. If it won't fit into one post (considerably shorter is better) then find a more concise manner of stating your point or reduce it to the most important points.

The most helpful thing I have found is the ignore function. It allows my a respite of peace from those who continue to irritate me the most. Sometimes all I need is a break for a few weeks, sometimes I need to turn off a poster permanently.

Scott_Lafrance · #59 Apr 28, '05, 11:47 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by pnewton

My number one distraction is excessively long post. If it won't fit into one post (considerably shorter is better) then find a more concise manner of stating your point or reduce it to the most important points.

The most helpful thing I have found is the ignore function. It allows my a respite of peace from those who continue to irritate me the most. Sometimes all I need is a break for a few weeks, sometimes I need to turn off a poster permanently.

And if that doesn't work ........

La Chiara · #60 Apr 28, '05, 12:33 pm

And when you decide to take your leave from the forums, announcing it to the world with a thread titled "I am leaving" or "Bye" serves primarily to call attention to yourself and invite the "Please don't leave, we love you and will miss you" posts. Many of us have seen it so many times, it is tiresome. Such behavior smacks of "You are not playing my game so I am just going to take my toys and go home. Na na" Just leave--politey and gracefully and without a word. Feel free to come back when you are ready. But please don't announce your return either.