This is Off Topic (OT), but relevant to the group(s)
in general. Have been holding my tongue for a while,
but hopefully this may clear the air. I am NOT trying
to tell anyone The Rules, but this is the way I play.
Apologies to Jace and Thylacine (moderators), as this
is treading on their toes a bit...
Many of us are new to groups. Do as you would in real
life (RL), don't just jump in to a conversation;
listen for a bit first. WAY too easy to get the wrong
impression or say what has already been said (often
numerous times!). Read to the current end of the
thread then reply back to relevant parts, IF they are
still relevant.
Make sure you check a few references prior to asking
"Where is the...." and when you do ask, phrase it like
"I have looked on ???? but I couldn't find ???" so
that people know you have tried and not just too lazy
to look it up yourself.
You can't take back a post, but you can sure read what
you've written BEFORE you press send. Read it again,
fix your spelling and punctuation (not essential, but
if you fix that, you spot other stuff!) and see if you
are coming across the way you mean. Expression marks
and emoticons help, but aren't everything...
*grimace* :-/
ALWAYS be positive! If you have a disagreeance, or
think someone shouldn't say that, email them directly,
not a group post. Being witty is fine, just be
careful not to be cutting. Keeps the bad vibes off
the group! I log on here for relief, not to pick up
more stress!
Is it relevant to the forum? That is, not being Off
Topic (OT). If not, maybe find a group that is, or
just email the few who are probably interested
directly. There is heaps of cool stuff out there, but
not all of it belongs here. This diatribe being a
good example of stuff that doesn't belong... If you
must write something that is OT, try to tie it back in
somehow, so that it at least partly feels relevant.
Avoid "Me Too!" posts. If someone writes back in
reply to something someone has done (even if it is
REALLY, REALLY good), unless you have something useful
to add, don't just reply with the whole post attached
with something like "Yeah, I liked that too!!!" tacked
on the bottom. Do include suggestions and extensions!
That is the idea of group discussion! It is
acceptable to trim reply posts to just the relevant
parts! Faster downloading and easier reading.
Scrapper, Black Dragon, who will now close his mouth
and pull his head in... >_<
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Received on Wed Feb 06 2002 - 14:11:46 CST