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Ancient One -> Proper Forum Etiquette (2/20/2008 12:24:54)
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Proper Forum Etiquette
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. Just look around at some of the posts made, they are barely legible! The purpose of this guide is to help out those who are unsure of what is appropriate in a post and what is not. Hopefully, in time, this will make the atmosphere of the forums not only ‘cleaner’ but also friendlier.
Use abbreviations and acronyms only in moderation.
Although they are a great way to speed up typing and shorten posts, too many can lead to an undecipherable post. Be easy on your fellow forum-goers. Also, abbreviations and acronyms can lead to misinterpretations. Not everyone is proficient at acronyms. It is okay to use them, but, as I said earlier, do so in moderation.
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 good grammar.
As said above I understand that not everyone is going to be the best at English, nor do I expect them too. But, please do try your best. Bad grammar can, once again, lead to misinterpretations of your post as well as bad feedback. Try your best and nobody can say a bad word against you.
Use smileys with moderation.
Some of the smileys in the forum are fun to use but please don’t go off putting a load of dancing bananas in your post. Not only is it just flat out spam, it also slows down anyone trying to load the page to read. It is simply a matter of respect.
Use an open mind.
Just because you disagree with someone does not mean you should go off flaming them and spamming on their thread. Be considerate! No one likes a flamer/spammer!
Use the search tool.
Just because you go into Yulgar’s shop and see an awesome new weapon does not mean you have to go rushing off to the forums to tell everyone about it. Take a second and use the search function to see if anyone else has already posted about this. If you use the search button no one can blame you if your’s isn’t the first post after all.
Use private messages.
When you need to talk to one person specifically don't post a post directed to them and only them. Send them a private message! Not only is this easier on you and them and keeps a thread 'cleaner' for others to read.
Use the right board.
Nothing is more annoying then when people post in the wrong board. This may seem simple, and it is, but people post in the wrong boards all the time. Not only will you get more feedback, you will also get less spam if you post in the right board. It’s a win-win situation.
Use relevant material.
Pretty much stay on topic. If a post is about Frostvale, talk about Frostvale, not the Guardian Arena. 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!
Use your eyes.
Read what other people have posted. Don’t look at the first post on a ten page thread and reply strictly to that. Read some of the more recent posts in that thread. Hand-in-hand with this is to not restate what someone else already posted. If someone answers a question on the Q&A board, don’t reply unless your adding to what was already said. Repetitive posting is just a waste of time.
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, and will be punished severely. 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/ect. 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.
Do not spam.
Repetitive posts by one user, or posting a new thread when one is already easily accessible can be considered spam. It's hard enough to let players easily track this forum's community as days go on, they don't need to wade through two dozen threads about the same new weapon every day. Try searching, or at least making sure there are no fitting topics in the news or on the first page of the forum you're in.
Do not use obscene/vulgar language or pictures.
Self-explanatory. Purposeful violation of any bad language filter set up is grounds for serious punishment.
Do not get mad at the staff.
They have the final say. This forum isn't a democracy. Your vote doesn't always count. They try to please everyone they can, but in the end, they're charged with making this community as enjoyable for as many people as they possibly can. They can not always be right, nor can they please everyone with the decisions made, but they’re doing their "jobs" and hopefully we can all agree that they're doing their bests to ensure a good community here.
Do not use your signature more then once per thread-page (where allowed).
Using your signature once per thread-page is the rule in most boards. Using it more not only is against this rule but also wastes bandwidth. Plus, if someone reads the thread, they don’t need to see your signature twice on the same page. There are boards where you are not allowed to use a signature at all, so please be sure to read the rules of any board you wish to post in.
Do not use a signature above the size limit.
The rule for signatures on these forms is 500 by 100 pixels, and a 50kb file size limit. Do not break this rule. The staff can and will penalize those who blatantly break this rule.
Thanks to skyboy59 and Rolith for their help with this guide.
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