Post by Illyria on Sept 13, 2004 10:40:54 GMT -5
God knows if these will ever be read, but I'm posting them here anyway, so if they're needed, I can direct members to this thread...
Now I don't like to enforce rules upon other people, and I don't like to get overly authoritive. But situations at other message boards I'm Admin of have prompted me to set a few things straight, so here we go...
Forum Guidelines
Use the Right Forum
No one likes to read things in the wrong forum, it's annoying to be dead serious. I don't want to see a topic about Lord of the Rings in the forum clearly entitled “Data”... this hasn't happened but it was just an example
Search Before Posting
Posting the same information is distracting and annoying. It also means that a moderator has to close this topic and refer people to the other topic. It makes work for the moderators.
Avoid Posting Fluff
A fluff posting is one that adds no value to the topic, such as "Yay", "Me too", etc. Some people like the sound of their own typing and post for the hell of it. You can be funny with one word or thankful with one word. We all like to be thanked for providing information but if somebody asks "Can somebody help me design a wallpaper?", there is no need to reply "Sorry, can't help". A lack of replies will mean that nobody has a useful opinion or valuable contribution.
Don't Bump Topics
Bumping a topic is when you add a fluff post so that it goes back to the top of the forum list. There's clearly no interest in the topic and you should leave it be. Promoting uninteresting topics is annoying.
Don't Post Consecutively
There is no need to post reply after reply unless you're replying to two completely different people. Every post can be edited and spelling mistakes should be corrected by editing, not by re-posting.
Be Civil
No one likes to be flamed... so just don't do it.
Be Welcoming
Making your first post on a forum this size is daunting as you never know how you'll be received. We all want to be liked so be friendly and welcoming to all new members. They may end up being your friend.
DON'T SHOUT AT US!!!
If you type in UPPERCASE it's viewed as if you're shouting at us. If you want to shout, feel free. However, if you didn't mean to don't start complaining when other heated replies are posted to your topic. It also raises the tension, needlessly.
Title Your Topic Properly
When you start a topic, after you've checked to see if anybody else has posted the same information or question, make sure the title is descriptive. If you title your topic as 'OMG!!' you may attract people but if you may annoy people if all you wanted to say was 'I'm happy.'. This is a community and we all need help finding information quickly. If you don't title your topic properly, don't expect to get valuable replies, you only have yourself to blame.
For additional information, I ask that you read the Proboards Terms of Service
Like I said before, no one necessarily likes rules, and I want this to be a fun place to post at, but there are some things that need to be taken seriously. So take heed... but above all, have fun!
Now I don't like to enforce rules upon other people, and I don't like to get overly authoritive. But situations at other message boards I'm Admin of have prompted me to set a few things straight, so here we go...
Forum Guidelines
Use the Right Forum
No one likes to read things in the wrong forum, it's annoying to be dead serious. I don't want to see a topic about Lord of the Rings in the forum clearly entitled “Data”... this hasn't happened but it was just an example
Search Before Posting
Posting the same information is distracting and annoying. It also means that a moderator has to close this topic and refer people to the other topic. It makes work for the moderators.
Avoid Posting Fluff
A fluff posting is one that adds no value to the topic, such as "Yay", "Me too", etc. Some people like the sound of their own typing and post for the hell of it. You can be funny with one word or thankful with one word. We all like to be thanked for providing information but if somebody asks "Can somebody help me design a wallpaper?", there is no need to reply "Sorry, can't help". A lack of replies will mean that nobody has a useful opinion or valuable contribution.
Don't Bump Topics
Bumping a topic is when you add a fluff post so that it goes back to the top of the forum list. There's clearly no interest in the topic and you should leave it be. Promoting uninteresting topics is annoying.
Don't Post Consecutively
There is no need to post reply after reply unless you're replying to two completely different people. Every post can be edited and spelling mistakes should be corrected by editing, not by re-posting.
Be Civil
No one likes to be flamed... so just don't do it.
Be Welcoming
Making your first post on a forum this size is daunting as you never know how you'll be received. We all want to be liked so be friendly and welcoming to all new members. They may end up being your friend.
DON'T SHOUT AT US!!!
If you type in UPPERCASE it's viewed as if you're shouting at us. If you want to shout, feel free. However, if you didn't mean to don't start complaining when other heated replies are posted to your topic. It also raises the tension, needlessly.
Title Your Topic Properly
When you start a topic, after you've checked to see if anybody else has posted the same information or question, make sure the title is descriptive. If you title your topic as 'OMG!!' you may attract people but if you may annoy people if all you wanted to say was 'I'm happy.'. This is a community and we all need help finding information quickly. If you don't title your topic properly, don't expect to get valuable replies, you only have yourself to blame.
For additional information, I ask that you read the Proboards Terms of Service
Like I said before, no one necessarily likes rules, and I want this to be a fun place to post at, but there are some things that need to be taken seriously. So take heed... but above all, have fun!
