Forums. They exist all over the internet in many online communities and about as many different subject matters as one could imagine. They can be wondeful places to share information, discuss ideas, problems and solutions, and express opinions freely. Some forums are highly moderated while others are quite a bit looser in which users are expected to know and abide by a TOU's (Terms of Use) without each and every post being moderated for content.
After several years of lurking and participating in several forums, I have asked myself "Is there such a thing as Forum Etiquette?" or "Are there general rules and guidelines one should follow when participating in an online forum?" I believe that while nothing exists to force proper forum etiquette so that posts are always appropriate and acceptable, I do abide my own personal set of guidelines to be a positive contributor to forum discussions.
1. First and foremost, never, ever post personal, demeaning or degrading information about another user or anybody else for that matter. It not only makes you look bad and immature, it is so wrong on multiple levels and in some instances may even bring on legal consequences for the poster and safety issues for the other party. Don't post full names, addresses, phone numbers, etc. Don't attack people or their comments (including grammar and spelling errors).
2. Refrain from typing in all caps as that comes across as if you are yelling or raising your voice.
3. Agree to disagree. We live in a wonderful world were everyone has different perspectives on issues, different life experiences, different priorities and ways in how we live and go about our lives and businesses. Some of us are right brained, big picture thinkers - some of us are left brained, sequential, individual step thinkers and everyone and everything in between. Appreciate the fact that we all come to the table with such differences and keep an open mind to listening to the ideas and experiences of others. This does not mean you will change your mind or opinion about an issue, but you should repsectfully keep an open mind during dicsussions. Do not prevent people from posting because you may not agree with their opinion or don't want to hear what they have to say. Take what you want and need from the discussion.
4. No matter how someone's opinions differ from yours, never react negatively towards those individuals because you disagree with them. Calling someone an idiot, moron or ignorant is just low and again, makes you look bad. You can never go wrong with remaining civil at all times.
5. Do not start a thread luring potentail participants into the thread just to try to figure out what the thread is about. Example "What do I do if.......?" Don't, just don't.
6. Do not "hijack" a thread with your own topic or questions that are unrelated to the opening post. Start a new thread with a new topic. It is normal for a thread to meander around as discussion ensues and questions are asked and answered, but if your question or post is unrelated to the topic at hand, refrain from posting in that thread.
7. If you are unsure whether or not you should post your question or if your comments are appropriate, ask yourself this "Would I say this to this group of people face to face?" If the answer is no, then rethink your post. Actually you should ask yourself this with all your posts.
8. Never take forum posts or comments personally or out of context even if you feel that they are directed at you. Most often they are not. We are all represented by only an avatar and a screen name not the real person sitting at their computer. Our written words carry no emotion or tone so be cautious when reading too much into a post. Perceived negativity is usually just a reaction to somethiing you either disagaree with or do not want to hear. A thick skin can come in handy.
9. Don't post anything that you don't want the world to see. Even if it is a private forum, it is still public in many ways.
10. If you find yourself getting all worked up over a thread to the point that it negatively affects you - Walk Away.
Well, I am sure that others have their own set of guidelines that they abide by when participating in forums. I would love to hear some "Etiquette Rules" that other have to offer.
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