Proper Forum Etiquette 101
Introduction
This guide will inform forum users on how to properly use a forum to communicate. Today, we have two test subjects. Bob and Steve. Bob is new to a forum and is eager to post. Steve has had activity on multiple forums and takes time to read over its rules and regulations. Lets begin.
__________
I. Spelling/Punctuation
First, lets discuss using proper spelling and punctuation. Since you are communicating over the internet, a person can not directly speak to you. When you post on a forum, you want to display that you can communicate properly. Bob and Steve have written posts that introduce themselves to everyone on the forum, lets take a look.
Thank you, Bob. Now Steve has also posted a introduction, lets take a look at his:
Can you see the difference? Steve's post is clearly more intelligent. There is a time and place for Bob's dialog, its called texting. Bob should follow Steve's example.
__________
II. Staying On Topic
In the 'Off Topic Section', members are discussing their favorite color. Bob and Steve have found this thread, and have posted. Lets look at the posts.
Bob sure has a way with words. Lets take a look at Steve's post.
Steve stayed on topic while Bob did not. A thread is made to discuss a certain topic, not random ones.
In the 'Misc Games' section, someone has posted a thread asking for opinions of PS3 games. Bob has made a post that the original poster may not be too happy about.
Bob should really practice his communication skills.
__________
III. Spamming
Our test subjects have taken a trip to the 'Tech Help' section. Someone has posted a thread to hopefully get some help fixing his PC. It seems the user has gotten some nasty Viruses. Lets see how our duo reacts.
Yes Bob, everyone hates getting a virus, but I think the original poster wanted help, not opinions.
Oh? Steve has also made a post.
Well look at Steve! He's a well rounded nice guy. Bob needs to get his act together.
__________
IV. Using 'Smilies'
Smilies are used to show an emotion. Notice how each smily has an expression. Smilies can show emotion, but can also be overdone. A single post should not have over 5 smilies.
Bob and Steve have found a thread on favorite foods. Lets see what they posted.
Oh Bob, when will you learn?
Steve is right on track. Bob on the other hand.... could use some guidance.
__________
V. Leaving/Going Away Threads
Bob and Steve are going on vacation. Steve knows our rules on leaving for an extended period of time, so he messages a Division Leader. But Bob wants attention. He decides to post a new thread in the General forum.
Bob's thread is instantly locked. Steve's personal message to his Division Leader is noted and he can vacation in peace.
Why not simply change your signature with a message about your vacation so that everyone will know you are unavailable?
__________
VI. Reporting Posts
A new option has been enabled on the forum! You can now report posts to a forum admin. Bob and Steve take notice of this new option. Steve knows its to report bad posts, spam, and other malicious content. Bob may need a guide on how to use it though.
A new thread has been made advertising fancy handbags at cheap prices! Steve eagerly reports the post. Steve also gives a reason on why he reported the post.
Good work Steve! You just saved members from wasting money on fancy handbags. Oh? Bob has reported a post. The post deals with a member who lost his iPod on the bus. Bob writes:
Bob, the report feature is to report content that hurts the being of the forum, such as spam, posts with offensive content, etc. Steve could give you some tips on when to use it.
__________
VII. Taking Notes
Bob has noticed how Steve's posts seem to draw more members to the threads he posts in. So he messages Steve for some helpful tips.
He gives Bob some tips on proper spelling and punctuation, staying on topic, refraining from spamming, and restraint of smilies. Now Bob makes meaningful posts, and is a respected member of the forum he posts on. If you think you need a touch up on proper forum etiquette, maybe you should read this.
Helpful Notes
- If you question the content you want to post on the eGO forum, its probably a bad idea. Remember the general rule: If it follows eGO's rules and regulations, its alright to post. If it has questionable content, it would be best to ask a eGO or above level member.
- If you have a question that needs an answer, or if you need to find if something has already been posted, use the 'Search' button to check if it has already been posted. Chances are, it has.
Introduction
This guide will inform forum users on how to properly use a forum to communicate. Today, we have two test subjects. Bob and Steve. Bob is new to a forum and is eager to post. Steve has had activity on multiple forums and takes time to read over its rules and regulations. Lets begin.
__________
I. Spelling/Punctuation
First, lets discuss using proper spelling and punctuation. Since you are communicating over the internet, a person can not directly speak to you. When you post on a forum, you want to display that you can communicate properly. Bob and Steve have written posts that introduce themselves to everyone on the forum, lets take a look.
Bob said:Hai! Mah name iz Bob and im new 2 EdgeGamerz lolz c u in teh serverz!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!@@@@!!!!!!!!!!@@!!! :scared::facewall::facewall:
Thank you, Bob. Now Steve has also posted a introduction, lets take a look at his:
Steve said:
Can you see the difference? Steve's post is clearly more intelligent. There is a time and place for Bob's dialog, its called texting. Bob should follow Steve's example.
__________
II. Staying On Topic
In the 'Off Topic Section', members are discussing their favorite color. Bob and Steve have found this thread, and have posted. Lets look at the posts.
Bob said:Lolz who saw teh new Crysis trailer? IT LOOKS AWESUM:scared::scared:
Bob sure has a way with words. Lets take a look at Steve's post.
Steve said:
Steve stayed on topic while Bob did not. A thread is made to discuss a certain topic, not random ones.
In the 'Misc Games' section, someone has posted a thread asking for opinions of PS3 games. Bob has made a post that the original poster may not be too happy about.
Bob said:
Bob should really practice his communication skills.
__________
III. Spamming
Our test subjects have taken a trip to the 'Tech Help' section. Someone has posted a thread to hopefully get some help fixing his PC. It seems the user has gotten some nasty Viruses. Lets see how our duo reacts.
Bob said:
Yes Bob, everyone hates getting a virus, but I think the original poster wanted help, not opinions.
Oh? Steve has also made a post.
Steve said:
Well look at Steve! He's a well rounded nice guy. Bob needs to get his act together.
__________
IV. Using 'Smilies'
Smilies are used to show an emotion. Notice how each smily has an expression. Smilies can show emotion, but can also be overdone. A single post should not have over 5 smilies.
Bob and Steve have found a thread on favorite foods. Lets see what they posted.
Bob said:
Oh Bob, when will you learn?
Steve said:My favorite food is bacon, its delicious
Steve is right on track. Bob on the other hand.... could use some guidance.
__________
V. Leaving/Going Away Threads
Bob and Steve are going on vacation. Steve knows our rules on leaving for an extended period of time, so he messages a Division Leader. But Bob wants attention. He decides to post a new thread in the General forum.
Bob said:
Bob's thread is instantly locked. Steve's personal message to his Division Leader is noted and he can vacation in peace.
Why not simply change your signature with a message about your vacation so that everyone will know you are unavailable?
__________
VI. Reporting Posts
A new option has been enabled on the forum! You can now report posts to a forum admin. Bob and Steve take notice of this new option. Steve knows its to report bad posts, spam, and other malicious content. Bob may need a guide on how to use it though.
A new thread has been made advertising fancy handbags at cheap prices! Steve eagerly reports the post. Steve also gives a reason on why he reported the post.
Steve said:
Good work Steve! You just saved members from wasting money on fancy handbags. Oh? Bob has reported a post. The post deals with a member who lost his iPod on the bus. Bob writes:
Bob said:
Bob, the report feature is to report content that hurts the being of the forum, such as spam, posts with offensive content, etc. Steve could give you some tips on when to use it.
__________
VII. Taking Notes
Bob has noticed how Steve's posts seem to draw more members to the threads he posts in. So he messages Steve for some helpful tips.
He gives Bob some tips on proper spelling and punctuation, staying on topic, refraining from spamming, and restraint of smilies. Now Bob makes meaningful posts, and is a respected member of the forum he posts on. If you think you need a touch up on proper forum etiquette, maybe you should read this.
Helpful Notes
- If you question the content you want to post on the eGO forum, its probably a bad idea. Remember the general rule: If it follows eGO's rules and regulations, its alright to post. If it has questionable content, it would be best to ask a eGO or above level member.
- If you have a question that needs an answer, or if you need to find if something has already been posted, use the 'Search' button to check if it has already been posted. Chances are, it has.
Last edited by a moderator:
