Post by David (N4DLT) on Aug 11, 2009 14:51:43 GMT -5
Many members will sign up to ask one specific question and then they might not ever return, especially if they are bombarded by spam, degrading comments or instructions on forum etiquette instead of answers. The regulars here also do not respond well to the same things.
This is a friendly forum and we wish to maintain it that way.
Here are a Ten tips that will help you use our forums..
1. Spam will not be tolerated.
Advertising any products for profit is classified as SPAM. Your post will be removed and you will be permanently banned without warning. This is not a free advertising site for your company.
2. "Flaming" will not be tolerated.
What is there to be gained by calling another member out? New members are just that. If you have a problem with someone, report their post, send a private message to an Admin or Mod or simply ignore them. Don't get caught up in the heat of the moment and let your temper flare up. New members may need to see the dynamics of the forum before they can adjust their posts to fit within these guidelines. Bullying or general nastiness to other members will get you banned. Foul language and abusive behavior has no place here.
3. "Hijacking threads" should be avoided.
If you are reading a thread and you have a question closely related to the subject, by all means, post the question! BUT if you have a question that has very little to do with the subject of the thread... Go back to the forums and research. If the question has never come up, learn how to start a thread (Ask a question) It's simple, you will get a more direct response and the thread you were reading when your question arose will still be intact and available for others who may be facing the same challenge. You may, in effect, help many others by asking your question. The new thread will grab the attention of others who may need the same advice you needed!
4. Arguing is pointless and will not be tolerated.
Arguing on the forum doesn't make anyone look smart. Even if you do have all of the answers there is a gentle way to express yourself and you are expected to go that route. Making fun, name calling, being generally angry, etc. will not be tolerated.
5. Please make your posts and start your new threads in appropriate categories.
A post in the wrong category/forum is LOST. When a browsing member has a question, they will look in the categories that fit the problem. For example; antenna questions in the General Discussions forum will not be easily found. Please keep your introductions and your multiple questions in separate and appropriate categories.
6. Be careful with your signatures!
The temptation to spam other members in signatures will get you caught and your signature maybe deleted or disabled all together. Keep your profiles, pictures and posts clean and friendly..no pornographic material is to be used in any Signature/Avatar period!
7. Do not be upset if someone kindly corrects you when you have made a mistake.
That's what learning is all about. I know this could have gone in with the arguing or the flaming guideline but it really needs to be addressed separately. Careful thought when you've been corrected preserves more dignity than any amount of defending a mistake.
8. Adding photos may be a bit problematic but we still want to see!
Usually, resizing your photos will solve all problems associated with uploading attachments. There are many programs available to re-size photos, some are included on PCs when manufactured. Another option would be to use a photo service like Image Hosting. They have resizing features available and your photos can be easily uploaded and retrieved.
9. Abusing Private Messages will not be tolerated.
Bullying members, spamming and arguing in Private Messaging should be reported immediately. Members who break this guideline will be banned.
10. Name your new threads appropriately!
If there's one thing that loses a good thread anywhere near as fast as placing it in the wrong category, it's the titling. Naming your thread "I have a question" is a sure fired way to get ignored. Your question will be overlooked by many people who may have otherwise been very helpful or may have benefited from your question and it's answers. Give a clue to your problem, one word can be very helpful. 3 or 4 words will have the anyone ready to answer before they even see your question.
Thread Titles, please read..
If you find violations of these commandments, please click on the report post icon, on the exact post you find offensive. The report is instantly e-mailed to the Administrators and Moderators. Reported posts will be dealt with as fairly as possible.
If I've left anything out or if you have any other suggestions or comments, please send a private message to the Administrator or the forum Moderator. There you have it, The Ten Commandments of this message forum. They're not hard to abide to, just treat others as you would have them treat you.
This is a friendly forum and we wish to maintain it that way.
Here are a Ten tips that will help you use our forums..
1. Spam will not be tolerated.
Advertising any products for profit is classified as SPAM. Your post will be removed and you will be permanently banned without warning. This is not a free advertising site for your company.
2. "Flaming" will not be tolerated.
What is there to be gained by calling another member out? New members are just that. If you have a problem with someone, report their post, send a private message to an Admin or Mod or simply ignore them. Don't get caught up in the heat of the moment and let your temper flare up. New members may need to see the dynamics of the forum before they can adjust their posts to fit within these guidelines. Bullying or general nastiness to other members will get you banned. Foul language and abusive behavior has no place here.
3. "Hijacking threads" should be avoided.
If you are reading a thread and you have a question closely related to the subject, by all means, post the question! BUT if you have a question that has very little to do with the subject of the thread... Go back to the forums and research. If the question has never come up, learn how to start a thread (Ask a question) It's simple, you will get a more direct response and the thread you were reading when your question arose will still be intact and available for others who may be facing the same challenge. You may, in effect, help many others by asking your question. The new thread will grab the attention of others who may need the same advice you needed!
4. Arguing is pointless and will not be tolerated.
Arguing on the forum doesn't make anyone look smart. Even if you do have all of the answers there is a gentle way to express yourself and you are expected to go that route. Making fun, name calling, being generally angry, etc. will not be tolerated.
5. Please make your posts and start your new threads in appropriate categories.
A post in the wrong category/forum is LOST. When a browsing member has a question, they will look in the categories that fit the problem. For example; antenna questions in the General Discussions forum will not be easily found. Please keep your introductions and your multiple questions in separate and appropriate categories.
6. Be careful with your signatures!
The temptation to spam other members in signatures will get you caught and your signature maybe deleted or disabled all together. Keep your profiles, pictures and posts clean and friendly..no pornographic material is to be used in any Signature/Avatar period!
7. Do not be upset if someone kindly corrects you when you have made a mistake.
That's what learning is all about. I know this could have gone in with the arguing or the flaming guideline but it really needs to be addressed separately. Careful thought when you've been corrected preserves more dignity than any amount of defending a mistake.
8. Adding photos may be a bit problematic but we still want to see!
Usually, resizing your photos will solve all problems associated with uploading attachments. There are many programs available to re-size photos, some are included on PCs when manufactured. Another option would be to use a photo service like Image Hosting. They have resizing features available and your photos can be easily uploaded and retrieved.
9. Abusing Private Messages will not be tolerated.
Bullying members, spamming and arguing in Private Messaging should be reported immediately. Members who break this guideline will be banned.
10. Name your new threads appropriately!
If there's one thing that loses a good thread anywhere near as fast as placing it in the wrong category, it's the titling. Naming your thread "I have a question" is a sure fired way to get ignored. Your question will be overlooked by many people who may have otherwise been very helpful or may have benefited from your question and it's answers. Give a clue to your problem, one word can be very helpful. 3 or 4 words will have the anyone ready to answer before they even see your question.
Thread Titles, please read..
If you find violations of these commandments, please click on the report post icon, on the exact post you find offensive. The report is instantly e-mailed to the Administrators and Moderators. Reported posts will be dealt with as fairly as possible.
If I've left anything out or if you have any other suggestions or comments, please send a private message to the Administrator or the forum Moderator. There you have it, The Ten Commandments of this message forum. They're not hard to abide to, just treat others as you would have them treat you.