Online forums are a great place to interact with like minded users and to gain insight and information concerning a specific topic. But just like in face to face interactions certain social manners should be employed when participating on a forum.
What is a forum? A forum is defined as a public meeting place for an online community to openly discuss topics concerning the community.
Manners are essential when interacting with people on the forum. When you behave mannerly you are considering your neighbor’s feeling more important than your own. When everyone uses good manners then there is a sense of peace on the forum.
What is forum etiquette? It is a standard of behavior that is acceptable and appropriate when posting on the forum.
Most all forums set standard guidelines for users with the exceptions of specific rules, regarding a particular group. Here are twelve general rules for communicating in an online forum.
1. Don’t post personal information about another user. (Compromising someone’s safety is grounds for removal on most forums.)
2. Disagreements and opinions are usually allowed, however it is important to remember to maintain common courtesy. Most forums will not tolerate name calling and swear words.
3. Never post in ALL CAPS this is considered rude and considered by most to be screaming.
4. Flaming is personal rants, which often include insults. Typically, the user post a long complaint filled with angry words. Usually, the moderator for the forum will contact the poster for disciplinary action.
5. Questioning the manner in which the forum owner or moderator conducts business usually will not be tolerated as an open discussion. Complaints of this nature need to be discussed privately with the forum’s owner and not an open debate for the entire community.
6. When responding to the opinions of others, remember to respect their views.
7. Never use the forum for marketing. This behavior causes fellow users to think your sole purpose is to generate business and not to be a sincere user of the community.
8. Avoid controversial topics, especially politics and religion.
9. Avoid trolling – trolling is a person who enjoys carefully wording their post to incite arguments in a seemingly innocent manner. In their defense, when called into the open for their behavior, they blame the users on the forum for not understanding the meaning behind their post.
10. Try to post your topic in the correct category on the forum.
11. Avoid thread hi jacking. This is when a user posts an off the subject topic to an already engaged thread. If you want to change the subject, open a new thread.
12. Use emoticons or symbols to help convey your tone. Another idea is to place your emotion or expression within parenthesis. For example, (((smiling)))
Conclusion
Participating in an online forum can be a great way to meet people with the same interest as you. Remembering good manners will help in interacting with users online. Most importantly, please remember if a post angers you, wait one or two days before replying or don’t reply at all.
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