Forum Etiquette: Share Your Wisdom

[Joysong]

Many times, I have noticed that a person will open a new thread, and our members sincerely pray over the person's message, asking God's help in responding to them. We spend quite a bit of time composing the answer and reaching out to them in compassion.

Then what? The original poster never returns to say they were helped, to ask for more clarification, to say thank you, or anything at all. Very frustrating, and very rude, although I presume they were helped in some fashion through the sheer number of replies, and just silently moved on.

Maybe that is the nature of forums? Just view the comments from others after starting a thread, and say nothing? Most people who respond to them are not reaching out specifically to receive a lot of recognition or thank-you's, but it would be nice to know how the person is faring.

Carole

[surfinpure]

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.

Hey, wow! I started my first sticky!!!

[jjwilkman]

Originally Posted by MooCowSteph

I am a terrible speller! I usually type in word first so I can spell-check, but if it's just a sentence or two, I don't. I'm sure there are quite a few mispelled words floating out there, thanks to me. I do usually try to use good grammar and punctuation (how do you spell punctuation?). Just kidding; I already checked.

i'm an old computer programmer. i type in lower case. i capitalize God, Bible, etc. just my two cent's worth....

[La Chiara]

Originally Posted by jjwilkman

i'm an old computer programmer. i type in lower case. i capitalize God, Bible, etc. just my two cent's worth....

That may be why you do it but it doesn't make it polite or considerate .

[surfinpure]

Originally Posted by jjwilkman

i'm an old computer programmer. i type in lower case. i capitalize God, Bible, etc. just my two cent's worth....

I've never had a problem with all lower case. I do it myself in instant messages.

[Bruised Reed]

Try to give others some credit before lecturing or admonishing them. It's a turn off and probably won't have the desired effect. Unless the desired effect is to be blown off.

[CanonAlberic]

If you have a sense of humour that is even remotely sophisticated and/or twisted... Watch it!!! Also, while like normal folks, I don't consider the occasional "hell" or "dxxn" (see, I've learned!) to be swearing, there are people out there who flip out over that, so be careful! Finally don't mention "Sxxxxxxxd" or "Bxxxxd"... not a good idea. Have fun!!

Peace.

[surfinpure]

Originally Posted by CanonAlberic

Finally don't mention "Sxxxxxxxd" or "Bxxxxd"... not a good idea. Have fun!!

Gee thanks. Now I'll be lying awake all night trying to figure out what in the world you're talking about!

[CanonAlberic]

Originally Posted by surfinpure

Gee thanks. Now I'll be lying awake all night trying to figure out what in the world you're talking about!

So sorry! The words are "suspended" and "banned". Since I'm not sure what I did to screw up last time, I'm trying to be very careful these days!

Peace.

[Mysty101]

Originally Posted by jjwilkman
i'm an old computer programmer. i type in lower case. i capitalize God, Bible, etc. just my two cent's worth....

Originally Posted by La Chiara

That may be why you do it but it doesn't make it polite or considerate .

I'll take all lower case over the shouting of all caps any day (and definitely over the "tsk,tsk" smilie---very offensive )

[Bruised Reed]

I someone posts a question asking for advice please be kind and even gentle.

Many times I've seen posts in response to these questions that are harsh and thoughtless. Also, I've seen other posts that beseech the reader to be understanding and not jump on them about some moral issue that they are dealing with. They shouldn't have to ask.

And, if one post has adressed that moral or ethical issue it isn't neccesary to bring it up again and again. The person asking the question is probably well aware of those concerns. Like I said above, give people some credit.

[JoeMike]

On threads where opinions are asked for, if you see a post you agree with, feel free to say so.

But don't say "This is the only good post on this thread" or "Nobody else could possibly give a better answer" or the like.

This is nothing more than a childish way to put down other people's opinions. It's also pretty offensive to the other participants.

[Mysty101]

Very good point, and something I have seen, but wouldn't think to mention.

[Detroit Sue]

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.

I find it helpful when there are links to similar threads.

[Mysty101]

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.

I had seen this post before, and I certainly do not agree that the response questioned is self-righteous. It is just informative. True, it could be stated in different ways, which would may or may not appear friendly, but I would rather be told something than totally ignored.

If I take the time to answer someone, it certainly doesn't mean that I want them to go away