Etoile
Mod, 2003-2015
- Joined
- Dec 20, 2000
- Posts
- 17,049
These are some posting tips that you may find will enhance discussions here. Although I did not create them, I found them very relevant to GLBT Chatter and good advice for online bulletin boards in general. These are not targeted at any one individual, and this thread was not sparked by any specific interactions.
1. When you start a thread, try to make your thread title relevant to the topic you wish to discuss. Beginning a thread with a title that is very general or has little to do with your first post is likely to lose the interest of the other posters.
2. No, I am not a grammar and spelling snob, but using basic rules of grammar and double checking your spelling will make your post easier to read for other posters. If it is easier to read, it will be read! Organizing your writings by spacing between paragraphs is one little tool I use to make my posts more decipherable, especially when I am rambling!
3. If you are responding directly to someone, quote them. You can do so by clicking the "quote" button at the bottom of the post you wish to respond to. In so doing, you can avoid any confusion should others be posting at the same time and their post gets onto the forums before yours.
4. Personals should be posted in the GLBT Personals section. If you are asking about how to write personals for a gay or bi audience, that's fine here, but if you post an actual personal ad in GLBT Chatter you will probably be reminded by a few members where your post belongs before a moderator has the opportunity to actually move it there.
5. Debates and discussions can get very serious when discussing issues as intense and personal as our intimate lives. We, at this site, do our best to encourage and support free speech guidelines. As such, as rule of thumb, treat others as you would hope to be treated on the forums. You have the right to post anything you like as long as it doesn't violate lit guidelines, but also, others have the same right to respond freely.
6. Before reacting negatively to a post that seems to target you or makes you feel defensive, ask for clarification. Many times, what we type isn't read by the reader with the same tone. This is a one dimensional means of communication and there are times when asking, "What did you mean?" will save you from undo frustration.
7. Be cautious about giving out personal information. While many of us are legitimate and are not interested in making life difficult for anyone, some people may not be the type of person they want you to believe they are. An online community can give us a false sense of security and we should always use caution when interacting with anonymous personas on line. In accordance with Lit's forum rules, please do not post any e-mail addresses or other addresses, including your own.
8. Don't be disheartened if you posted and no one replies to you directly. Your post has been read and many feel more inclined to reply to a post they disagree with rather than a post they agree with.
9. Sticky posts are made sticky for a reason: they contain valuable information the moderators feel all forum participants should read. Take the time to have a look at all sticky posts.
Please feel free to contribute your suggestions as well!
1. When you start a thread, try to make your thread title relevant to the topic you wish to discuss. Beginning a thread with a title that is very general or has little to do with your first post is likely to lose the interest of the other posters.
2. No, I am not a grammar and spelling snob, but using basic rules of grammar and double checking your spelling will make your post easier to read for other posters. If it is easier to read, it will be read! Organizing your writings by spacing between paragraphs is one little tool I use to make my posts more decipherable, especially when I am rambling!
3. If you are responding directly to someone, quote them. You can do so by clicking the "quote" button at the bottom of the post you wish to respond to. In so doing, you can avoid any confusion should others be posting at the same time and their post gets onto the forums before yours.
4. Personals should be posted in the GLBT Personals section. If you are asking about how to write personals for a gay or bi audience, that's fine here, but if you post an actual personal ad in GLBT Chatter you will probably be reminded by a few members where your post belongs before a moderator has the opportunity to actually move it there.
5. Debates and discussions can get very serious when discussing issues as intense and personal as our intimate lives. We, at this site, do our best to encourage and support free speech guidelines. As such, as rule of thumb, treat others as you would hope to be treated on the forums. You have the right to post anything you like as long as it doesn't violate lit guidelines, but also, others have the same right to respond freely.
6. Before reacting negatively to a post that seems to target you or makes you feel defensive, ask for clarification. Many times, what we type isn't read by the reader with the same tone. This is a one dimensional means of communication and there are times when asking, "What did you mean?" will save you from undo frustration.
7. Be cautious about giving out personal information. While many of us are legitimate and are not interested in making life difficult for anyone, some people may not be the type of person they want you to believe they are. An online community can give us a false sense of security and we should always use caution when interacting with anonymous personas on line. In accordance with Lit's forum rules, please do not post any e-mail addresses or other addresses, including your own.
8. Don't be disheartened if you posted and no one replies to you directly. Your post has been read and many feel more inclined to reply to a post they disagree with rather than a post they agree with.
9. Sticky posts are made sticky for a reason: they contain valuable information the moderators feel all forum participants should read. Take the time to have a look at all sticky posts.
Please feel free to contribute your suggestions as well!
