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:
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.
