How to Use Proper Forum Etiquette

How to Use Proper Forum Etiquette









By an eHow Contributor
















Internet etiquette,
or Netiquette, has its own set of rules, as any cyber Miss Manners will
gleefully point out. When you join an online community forum, it's a
good idea to mind your manners if you don't want offend others and
incite troublemakers into giving you a hard time.












Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 
   1
   
   
   Read the forum rules. Even if you're excited to be a member
   of a new forum and can't wait to join in, take the time to find the
   group policy page and read it thoroughly. Some forums are fussier than
   others about Internet etiquette.
   
2. 
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   Lurk a little before you dive right in. Read a number of
   posts, or check out the group's archives. Get a feel for the tone of the
   forum so you can participate accordingly.
   
3. 
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   Remember your face doesn't show. Words alone can convey
   sentiment, but without benefit of inflection or facial expression, they
   can be misconstrued. Use descriptive wording, emoticons or .gifs to
   ensure your meaning is clear. By the same token, don't jump to
   conclusions about another person's intent in posting an unclear comment.
   When in doubt, ask for clarification.
   
4. 
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   Type in lowercase or standard case, not in all caps. By the
   rules of netiquette, all caps equates to shouting. If you type with all
   caps, you will annoy and possibly offend other forum members.
   
5. 
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   Say online exactly what you would say in person. In other
   words, if you wouldn't say it to the person's face in front of your
   Grandmother, you shouldn't type it into a forum.
   
6. 
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   Be respectful. Internet etiquette is similar to standard
   etiquette in this area. Appreciate that your opinion is one of many. You
   can disagree with another person without being disrespectful or rude
   online.
   
7. 
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   Ignore Trolls. Netiquette guidelines are very specific where
   they're concerned. If you engage in conversation, you'll raise your
   blood pressure and empower the Troll. You can't win a flame war, and you
   can't sway a Troll's opinion. Often, they don't even care about the
   subject; they live for the conflict and nothing more. Trolls are common
   and not worthy of your time. Ignore their posts-no matter how
   inflammatory-and eventually they'll get bored and move on.