Name: Anonymous 2017-07-31 19:06
In the interest of a more professional, courteous and respectful atmosphere we are converting our forum user registration names to “Real Names” from artificial user names. Kindly review the policy stated below to better understand why we are making this change and how you can change your user name to your real name.
Too often, the anonymity of the internet is exploited. Internet users behave in ways that they would not behave in face to face situations. As forum users we need to employ greater self-awareness and sensitivity to the tone and presentation of our posts.
Most importantly: have courtesy, respect, a sense of humor and try not to take things too seriously. The forum should be enjoyable for everyone and even the most controversial and serious of topics can be explored with a light heart.
On the forums, as in real life, proper etiquette is essential to getting far. Not only does it reflect upon the type of person you are but it also reflects on the clan you are in, if you are in one. Proper grammar and spelling does not only benefit you but it also makes reading posts easier on others, on your peers. Although this might seem like an asinine guide, it is needed.
Use correct spelling
I know that the forums consist of many different people from all over the world, many of whom do not have English as a first language. Typos happen and are an acceptable fact of life but if you can just read over what you wrote before you post it you can save everyone a lot of time and yourself a lot of trouble. If your post is filled with spelling errors chances are multiple people will say something about it, usually requesting you to change it. Make your life easier!
Use relevant material
Pretty much stay on topic. If for some reason a post goes off topic, don’t join in. If you want to talk about something off topic, create a new thread in the appropriate board. Out of context stuff should be just that, out!
Do not flame
Flaming, in the most common sense definition, is saying something negative in an attempt to get a more negative response. This is completely and totally unacceptable; it will not be tolerated. Never resort to personal insults, never extend a debate beyond the topic on hand needlessly, and try to avoid patronizing language.
Do not troll
Trolling is considered one of two things. Either continually running a topic into the ground incessantly, or dragging up old arguments against a specific user/group/etc. long after their appropriate discussion and targeting them specifically in arguments needlessly. Trolling is the first step towards outright harassment of other members. This is the single biggest no-no in the community. Letting every argument drop isn't always a possibility, but learning when to let things go is a valuable tool, and not just in this community.
Etiquette in threads
Do not “hijack” threads by disrupting a current line of discussion among members. Interrupting the course of a discussion by breaking it up with sequential links to articles or raising a divergent topic for discussion is in poor form. If you’d like to discuss a different issue or post a stream of links to new articles, it’s best to start a new thread.
Never target a fellow forum participant with derogatory, belittling, aggressive or personal remarks. You may not agree with their opinion, but that does not permit you to behave inappropriately towards them.
If a user has a problem that they’d like to address with another individual, it’s best to discuss the issue off-forum rather than in the public setting. All differences should be worked out politely and respectfully.
Never make derogatory remarks about the forum, its staff or formal editing decisions on the public boards. We invite feedback from all our users however, this needs to be done via the private messaging system or the report functions. And please remember, there’s a fine line between constructive and non-constructive criticism.
Too often, the anonymity of the internet is exploited. Internet users behave in ways that they would not behave in face to face situations. As forum users we need to employ greater self-awareness and sensitivity to the tone and presentation of our posts.
Most importantly: have courtesy, respect, a sense of humor and try not to take things too seriously. The forum should be enjoyable for everyone and even the most controversial and serious of topics can be explored with a light heart.
On the forums, as in real life, proper etiquette is essential to getting far. Not only does it reflect upon the type of person you are but it also reflects on the clan you are in, if you are in one. Proper grammar and spelling does not only benefit you but it also makes reading posts easier on others, on your peers. Although this might seem like an asinine guide, it is needed.
Use correct spelling
I know that the forums consist of many different people from all over the world, many of whom do not have English as a first language. Typos happen and are an acceptable fact of life but if you can just read over what you wrote before you post it you can save everyone a lot of time and yourself a lot of trouble. If your post is filled with spelling errors chances are multiple people will say something about it, usually requesting you to change it. Make your life easier!
Use relevant material
Pretty much stay on topic. If for some reason a post goes off topic, don’t join in. If you want to talk about something off topic, create a new thread in the appropriate board. Out of context stuff should be just that, out!
Do not flame
Flaming, in the most common sense definition, is saying something negative in an attempt to get a more negative response. This is completely and totally unacceptable; it will not be tolerated. Never resort to personal insults, never extend a debate beyond the topic on hand needlessly, and try to avoid patronizing language.
Do not troll
Trolling is considered one of two things. Either continually running a topic into the ground incessantly, or dragging up old arguments against a specific user/group/etc. long after their appropriate discussion and targeting them specifically in arguments needlessly. Trolling is the first step towards outright harassment of other members. This is the single biggest no-no in the community. Letting every argument drop isn't always a possibility, but learning when to let things go is a valuable tool, and not just in this community.
Etiquette in threads
Do not “hijack” threads by disrupting a current line of discussion among members. Interrupting the course of a discussion by breaking it up with sequential links to articles or raising a divergent topic for discussion is in poor form. If you’d like to discuss a different issue or post a stream of links to new articles, it’s best to start a new thread.
Never target a fellow forum participant with derogatory, belittling, aggressive or personal remarks. You may not agree with their opinion, but that does not permit you to behave inappropriately towards them.
If a user has a problem that they’d like to address with another individual, it’s best to discuss the issue off-forum rather than in the public setting. All differences should be worked out politely and respectfully.
Never make derogatory remarks about the forum, its staff or formal editing decisions on the public boards. We invite feedback from all our users however, this needs to be done via the private messaging system or the report functions. And please remember, there’s a fine line between constructive and non-constructive criticism.