Forum Etiquette

[Ms Dynomite]

edit 11/09: added info previously in Site Rules

Below are some rules for using the forum and tips on general internet etiquette to help make your interactions here more productive and pleasant. :) Please also see Site Rules.

1. Keep Posts On Topic
2. Post In The Proper Category
3. Indicate Your Edit
4. Quote When Replying
5. Mutual Respect
6. Personal Attacks Will Not Be Tolerated
7. Conflict Resolution

1) KEEP POSTS ON TOPIC.

To help keep the forums useful for everyone, please keep your posts relevant to the particular thread, as well as relevant to forum categories and special group subjects. Troublesome off topic posts will be removed.
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2) POST IN THE PROPER CATEGORY

To help keep this site usable please review the list of forum categories before posting and choose the appropriate area. Miscategorized posts will be moved to the proper forum area.
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3) INDICATE YOUR EDIT

Unfortunately Ning doesn't give any indication when a post has been edited. Out of courtesy for fellow members please note when you've changed content, styled bold as below. It is NOT necessary to indicate an edit when correcting spelling and typos. (See Edit & Style Posts for more info on editing posts.)
Examples:

• edit 10/24: clarified meaning
• edit 10/26: added links

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4) QUOTE WHEN REPLYING

Ning also doesn't include a quote feature when replying to posts. Threading can get wonky so it may help avoid confusion and misunderstanding if you paste a brief excerpt of the post you are responding to in front of your reply, italicized as below.
Example:

• Dyno said: Do you like cheesy poofs?

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5) MUTUAL RESPECT

The membership will be diverse. You are not expected to agree with or embrace the practices and opinions of every member. Differences are welcome. However you are required to treat this differences with the same respect you wish to receive. More, if you don't like yourself very much. ;)
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6) PERSONAL ATTACKS WILL NOT BE TOLERATED

By now should know enough to tell the difference between debating an idea and attacking the person who stated it.
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7) CONFLICT RESOLUTION

We're passionate crazy people, which can lead to strong opinions. :) Here are some tips on dealing with conflicts on this site:

• DO ask for clarification.
• DO agree to disagree.
• DO allow things to drop if they appear to be getting circular, unproductive, or vying for the last word.
• DO step away from the computer if you're feeling particularly angry or agitated.
• DO give members the benefit of the doubt.
• DO send a private message to apologize when you fear you've accidentally hurt feelings or committed a faux pas.
• DO send a private message to politely express your concern when you feel you've been misunderstood or offended.

• DON'T insist on having the last word.
• DON'T make it personal.
• DON'T take it personally.
• DON'T assume the worst intentions.
• DON'T bring person disputes into the public forum.

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[Snert]

Above all, maintain a healthy level of insanity.