Polite Posting Prescriptions

Prober · 04-12-2007, 09:44 PM

There appears to be a certain etiquette to be followed when posting. For example, hijacking threads appears to be a bad thing.

I've never participated in a Forum before so I don't know all of these things. Perhaps there are others who would like to know as well and there doesn't appear to be anything in the Code of Conduct about this.

Does anyone have any suggestions or comments about posting etiquette?

For starters, is it considered rude not to respond to someone who responds to one of your posts?

Thanks for your input.

Regards,
Mark

lunamoth · 04-12-2007, 10:01 PM

I think common sense goes a long way in deciding what is repsectful and proper etiquette on message boards such as this. Just imagine you're at Brian's house for tea and these various conversations are going on.

One person's high-jacking is another's interesting aside. Personally I don't mind a few off-topic posts especially if the topic is somewhat related and being pursued in a polite manner. However, if one or two people seem to be intentionally redirecting the topic away from the OP, that would not be cool and could result in a split thread or deleted posts.

When in the forums devoted to a particular religion I think it's only polite to be respectful of the beliefs and sacred scriptures of that particular religion...kind of like how would you speak if you were visiting a mosque, synogogue or church. You know, you might debate with the priest, but you probably wouldn't throw the Bible on the ground and spit on it. But I know you know this Mark...you are always very very polite.

As for replying to posts directed at you, seems like a good idea unless the person was intentionally trying to provoke or be rude. I don't think though anyone is obligated to respond to every single post that has quoted them, and also people may just not see when another person has asked them a question or inquired about one of their posts. No harm in asking again if that happens.

If a post is the cause of any kind of concern, if you feel attacked or even that a post is inappropriate or against the code of conduct, the best thing to do is report the post rather than try to deal with the problem in the thread. Attacking back can just start flame wars.

Hope this helps, and again...I think you've always shown great sensitivity when posting here.

wil · 04-12-2007, 10:04 PM

Polite and proper posting procedures and prescriptions can be problematic.

I propose and posit that often the poster does not prepare posts and unintentionally pisses off other poseters...

but not always.

but seriously... My name is Wil and I am a thread hijacker, and have often not nurtured and cared properly for threads which I have started.

Not having and forum time either...I see conversations as evolving more than being hijacked...sort of a comedia del arte theater whereby it is the responsibility of the players to get back on script after they've explored a tangent or sometimes the tangent takes over and that appears natural as well.

I also don't respond to every comment...as some are just that comments, some folks look for discussion...and others really don't wish to be challenged they like to throw their comments out there and prefer we agree...or is that me?

Regardless....I'd like to hear some more input could help improve us all....maybe there is a class?? There are plenty here who are worthy of teaching...as they post so well....

Prober · 04-12-2007, 10:09 PM

Thanks, Luna!

I just kinda bumbled into this place and haven't even introduced myself. Didn't realize there was an introductions place 'till later!

See, in my day, calculators and watches with big red LED numerals were just coming out! (Oops, dating myself) Watched the men land on the moon LIVE!

Anyway, if anyone thinks of helpful posting dos or don'ts, would you comment?

All the best,
Mark

lunamoth · 04-12-2007, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prober

Thanks, Luna!

I just kinda bumbled into this place and haven't even introduced myself. Didn't realize there was an introductions place 'till later!

See, in my day, calculators and watches with big red LED numerals were just coming out! (Oops, dating myself) Watched the men land on the moon LIVE!

Anyway, if anyone thinks of helpful posting dos or don'ts, would you comment?

All the best,
Mark

Well by all means it's never to late to introduce yourself!

And Mark, I think you are a year or two younger than me...so that is no excuse!

lunamoth · 04-12-2007, 10:22 PM

Also, I probably should have added that I am one of the worst offenders when it comes to highjacking threads....lol! I sometimes even high-jack my own!

Prober · 04-12-2007, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wil

My name is Wil and I am a thread hijacker, and have often not nurtured and cared properly for threads which I have started.

Admitting avarice adjusts allowances.

As Always,
Mark

flowperson · 04-13-2007, 12:11 AM

The poetic alliteration on this thread is deafening...or is that defining ?
And from one old timer to another and another and another...welcome Mark, Luna, and wil.

flow....

InLove · 04-13-2007, 12:39 AM

Hijack? I'm so-o-o guilty. But I usually do it when I'm trying to help.

Gotta work on that (got a little carried away this afternoon, but I think it is socially acceptable on threads about superheroes, maybe.

)

So, hi jack, and prober and flow and wil and luna and

.

Seriously, though--I thought lunamoth's prescription was a good guideline for polite posting. Now if I can just remember to follow it!

InPeace,
InLove

Pathless · 04-13-2007, 03:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InLove

Hijack? I'm so-o-o guilty. But I usually do it when I'm trying to help.

Gotta work on that (got a little carried away this afternoon, but I think it is socially acceptable on threads about superheroes, maybe.

)

I and my superhero thread feel sooooo violated.

But I gotta blame 17th Angel for some of it. He's the one who made us all into villians.

17th Angel · 04-13-2007, 09:05 AM

HEY! Hey,.... hey hey hey! Wait a minute now.... HEY! I didn't tell anyone to become a villian or even suggest others trying it... I just thought I would share my findings.... ;/ You people made the free choice to turn into villians! I leave this on a quote..

"I do not confer praise or blame: I accept. I am the measure of all things. I am the centre of the world." - W Somerset Maugham....

*walks off muttering about violations...*

Prober · 04-13-2007, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 17th Angel

"I do not confer praise or blame: I accept. I am the measure of all things. I am the centre of the world." - W Somerset Maugham....

Love Maugham!

Have you read (or seen) The Razor's Edge?

17th Angel · 04-13-2007, 03:22 PM

waaay hey! Go prober! Sure have. *whispers: "Kinda hijacking a thread about not hijacking threads here brah."*

Prober · 04-13-2007, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 17th Angel

waaay hey! Go prober! Sure have. *whispers: "Kinda hijacking a thread about not hijacking threads here brah."*

mwaaahahahaha (I mean sorry)

I, Brian · 04-16-2007, 07:40 PM

I think it's simply the case of responding to what interests you, regardless.

I've never really worried about threads wavering around the topic - after all, normal conversation drifts through topics.

As for general etiquette - try to avoid being aggressively insulting and you'll probably do fine.