Forum Etiquette

[Chad]

Forum Etiquette (Wikipedia)

Certain rules of unspoken etiquette are recommended to be followed when using Internet forums. They include:

• One should read all the rules and guidelines established by the community.
• One should always be courteous.
• Before creating a new topic thread, one is advised to search to see if a similar topic already exists.
• Contributors should follow standard grammar and spelling rules and avoid slang.
• If the forum is categorized, one should strive to post in the correct section.
• When making a technical inquiry, one should include as much technical information as possible.
• Contributors are asked to stay on-topic.
• Contributors should avoid double posting and cross posting.
• To avoid appearing self-absorbed, one should respond to topics started by others more often than starting topics of their own.
• Contributors should avoid the use of all CAPITAL LETTERS in posts. All CAPS is considered "shouting" and causes readability issues.
• One is advised not to resurrect a very old topic if nothing significant will be added. This practice is known as revival or Necroing.
• One should try to refrain from lashing back at a poorly behaving member or participating in a flame war; instead, notify the message board's staff of the event.
• When quoting a previous post, one should only include the relevant portion of that post. Contributors are requested to keep in mind that their audience can likely still see the message they are quoting on the same screen and can read it again if need be.
• One should not attempt to "post build" (monopolize) the forum. This shows poor quality of posts.
• When quoting an article, one must give credit where credit is due. Provide the articles original name and author's full name.

Why Is This 'Etiquette' Posted Here?
Because lately I've seen various members (new/senior members/moderators/ex-moderators) attempt to monopolize the forum with intense amount of posts, mostly useless responses that do not edify the audience, add value to a thread, nor even justify a response in the first place. I am going to start pruning these posts starting today.

Examples:

I agree!

I posted the same before

Thanks!

While it is a sweet thing to thank someone for sharing something, try to share a little more feedback or input. I do not intend to make this difficult on anyone (that motive does not exist), but I'm irritated by such people who do not care for quality but instead care for quantity. Its childish and very annoying.

Other examples would be...members who deliberately love to copy/paste articles, songs, poetry, devotionals for sake of building up posts. I am not fooled nor blind, these will be deleted. Please do not bother asking me what happened to your posts or post counts. Your forum post counts are not your Heavenly bank account nor your way to Salvation.

Are you here to glorify GOD and edify others or just here to watch your numbers rise? Self or selflessness?

I've seen people who honestly do not use a little effort in making their threads/posts of quality. This makes my days difficult and burdensome. Above the text editor, there is a reminder that shows:

- do not post in all CAPS
- do not post links
- proper grammar tips

Unfortunately, people are inconsiderate and do not care. I still get pm's asking me if one can post a link (and they have not yet met the 50 posts minimum requirement). I pour my heart into this community. The least a member could do is show a little kindness and appreciation to the community. Follow the above etiquette (which is officially an article from the well known Wikipedia) and be courteous and considerate.

This is a family-friendly Christian community. Its different from your other Christian forums. Why? Briefly explained, I care for the security of the members, the quality of the threads discussed and the glorification of Jesus Christ in all we do, say, teach and feel towards each other and towards this community at whole, in respect. I expect those in their right minds and well motived hearts to feel the same to say the least.

This place is a blessing, a gift from GOD, a well kept community, a privilege not just your will to be here.

[Abraxix Storm]

some times people don't want to take away form the origional post so they only post I Agree, or something?? maybe that's why??
i'm not sure, it could be a possibility i do this in thejopkes section cos alot of joke are so funny i dont' wana say another one i just wanna let the thread starter know it was a good job...

oh well that was a read an a half thanks Chad, creating a bit of work for yourself though. hehehe

oh well BE Blessed in your works..

Love Abraxix : >

[stephen]

Brother Chad

There is absolutely nothing wrong with setting and maintaining a high standard. We want people to rise up this standard, and to appreciate that talkjesus is about standards.

God Bless You

[monkeys]

Chad,

I too appreciate your hard work. I notice that you are constantly on the forums and that you truly care about this place, and you want to keep it Holy.

I can completely understand about that. It is hard to find a place where someone can really discuss God or Jesus and Spiritually grow. You have provided a place where we can come together and do so.

To maintain the integrity and effectiveness of the site you have to have strict rules. Which is understand able.

There is only one thing that I am confused about, which is this part of the post:

I still get pm's asking me if one can post a link.

I thought that the "10 Commandments Rule" #3 said that we can post links only if we have over 100 post, and if we request your permission via email.

I did this recently, and now I'm feeling rather guilty about it. Am I not to contact you about this?

Again, thank you Chad for all your hard work.

The Lord will truly bless you greatly!


Many Blessings Brother,
monkeys

[Chad]

Thanks sister for your response and question about the link. The link rule and receiving pm's I mentioned was regarding those who do not read the forum rules that states 50 posts minimum and request my permission (for obvious reasons). It was not clear enough I guess when I typed it up here, but it is meant towards those that disregard the forum rule and attempt to post a link anyway without 50 post minimum and my permission.

Its really sad that people can be that foolish and disrespectful that way, really. I'm baffled that one would even call themselves a Christian when they cannot even follow one immensely basic simple rule that even an 8 year old child could understand.

All the rules are there for obvious reasons. The link rule is there to prevent spamming, intruders posting ungodly links, maintain control of links being posted and preview the link before it is posted to confirm it is Scripturally ok (this is where one must request my permission via pm first prior to posting a link regardless of 50 posts minimum being met). The 50 posts minimum is also there to establish a trust between myself and the members. I figured by the time one reaches a 50 posts (assuming these are good, sincere, quality posts not 'post building') I would sense good motives and godliness from that member.

GOD bless, enjoy the fellowship!

[Janette]

Hi Chad,

I was just wondering if I accidentally stepped on your link-posting policy by an "in passing" reference to an external website. I think I may have post out in the forums somewhere that mentions someone could find something "over on Biblegateway." I didn't actually post a link to the website, but it is pretty easy to infer that it is a website and how to reach it.

If I overstepped your rules with that reference I apologize, I'll be more careful in the future.

[Faithful Son]

Thank you for this thread brother Chad. I agree with you in this regard. I hope people read this thread and think about the way they are contributing.

No one is perfect, that's for sure, only Jesus is. We should however strive and live to be like Jesus, this means that we should respect, love and edify each other. This is something I am learning even more each passing day.

If you don't mind me responding to sister Janette.

Sister Janette, on the Talk Jesus main index, where you see the list of forum categories, there is a link to Biblegateway. You are right however in you post. We do not appreciate it when members share site names or links without permission with each other, not in plain sight.

You did the right thing to ask about it sister. I have given members warnings regarding this matter. I would like to stress however, if you want to share a link or website with another member, please do so via the private message system.

This does not give you the right to send 10 members private messages containing a link, but like the forum etiquette shows, if you keep it on topic and send it to one member, there would be no problem.

Thank you again brother Chad, I'll try my best to live to these standards, as brother Stephen pointed out, they are standards.

God bless
Much love
teraside

[Chad]

Originally Posted by Janette

Hi Chad,

I was just wondering if I accidentally stepped on your link-posting policy by an "in passing" reference to an external website. I think I may have post out in the forums somewhere that mentions someone could find something "over on Biblegateway." I didn't actually post a link to the website, but it is pretty easy to infer that it is a website and how to reach it.

If I overstepped your rules with that reference I apologize, I'll be more careful in the future.

Greetings sister,

The request to post a link must have at least 100 posts minimum first. Those I was referring to asking me 'via pm to post a link' are the ones who did not bother to read the forum rules which states "100 posts minimum", yet they asked anyway.

[Kingskid]

Hi Chad,

I have read this thread and fully agree. I was drawn to this forum because of its seriousness and the importance placed on the Scripture, accuracy, excellence, and integrity. Thank you for all the hard work you have done and will continue to do to provide a place for the body of Christ to fellowship and grow together.

[Rachel15]

Dear Chad,

I just felt drawn to read this thread and want to apologise because i am scared to admit that i did not familiarise myself with the rules for this forum and mentioned in a thread a recommendation to a bible teacher. I'm really sorry if this overstepped the boundaries of this forum - please could you clarify for me whether this was indeed wrong to share openly (i didn't put the actual online address) and forgive me if i've done the wrong thing - i'll be more careful in future and share in a pm if i think it will help someone.

Also, thank you for sharing your heart and soul on this forum and putting so much effort in. I believe i was drawn here by God- thank you Jesus. It is an oasis.

May God bless you richly in your walk with Him,

Rachel