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135 Posts
There has been lots of drama in the forums lately, which is no one's fault and for no real reason, so I figured I'd post a general idea of forum etiquette to remind members what is and isn't appropriate and something to guide newcomers. Let me know if anything should be added or changed.
1- Be nice to newbies: Be nice to everyone actually, but especially new members. Obviously this is a place for sharing and learning about hedgehogs and care, and no learning gets accomplished if we can't be nice. Treat everyone with respect.
2- Read before asking: There are many many many times when the same questions get repeatedly asked by prospective and new hedgie owners. It saves everyone time and energy if you quickly scan or search for a topic before creating your own post. If you can't find what you're looking for, then ask and I'm sure plenty of people will be willing to help.
3- Don't cross-post: Cross posting, shotgun posting, or double posting (all have generally the same meaning) is when someone posts the same question in two different boards. It's confusing and unnecessary. Most members read all the boards, and there is no reason that anyone should have to read the same thing twice.
4- Keep it relevant: Not every post needs a response. If you have an opinion or an answer to a question, responses are welcome, but posts such as "ok" or "I agree" can be left out as they don't really contribute to the discussion. Keep personal attacks out of otherwise helpful threads. Also, for questions vaguely or not related to hedgehogs- we do have an off-topic board.
5- Post Subject Titles: When you post a new topic, make sure the title tells us something about it. Titles such as "HELP" or "What's Happening?" or "Is this Normal?" Don't tell us anything. You're more likely to get fast and helpful replies if the title is relevant or a short description is added.
6- Respect the admins and breeders: They know their stuff. Chances are if Bryan tells you a color, don't argue. If Nancy or another breeder answers a health question, take their advice into consideration. I'm not saying you always have to agree with them, I'm just saying that they have the most experience and are the most reliable sources available.
7- Netspeak is frowned upon: We don't want to be reading "lyke dis & dat stuf" and "w/e" and "idk" and "u r so kewl"... seriously? Type it so that people understand what you're saying and don't need a slang/webspeak dictionary to understand. Also, avoiding using ALL CAPITAL LETTERS because it makes you sound like you're shouting, so unless you are actually shouting- don't do it.
Acceptable Netspeak:
LOL- laugh out loud
ok- okay
IMO- In my opinion
IMHO- in my honest/humble opinion
JMO- just my opinion
Remember- Be courteous!Everyone is entitled to his/her own opinion and the most we can do is give our opinions and advice. No one is forced to do anything(although I don't know why you wouldn't). Healthy debates and helping each other are great; personal attacks and hissy fits are not.
1- Be nice to newbies: Be nice to everyone actually, but especially new members. Obviously this is a place for sharing and learning about hedgehogs and care, and no learning gets accomplished if we can't be nice. Treat everyone with respect.
2- Read before asking: There are many many many times when the same questions get repeatedly asked by prospective and new hedgie owners. It saves everyone time and energy if you quickly scan or search for a topic before creating your own post. If you can't find what you're looking for, then ask and I'm sure plenty of people will be willing to help.
3- Don't cross-post: Cross posting, shotgun posting, or double posting (all have generally the same meaning) is when someone posts the same question in two different boards. It's confusing and unnecessary. Most members read all the boards, and there is no reason that anyone should have to read the same thing twice.
4- Keep it relevant: Not every post needs a response. If you have an opinion or an answer to a question, responses are welcome, but posts such as "ok" or "I agree" can be left out as they don't really contribute to the discussion. Keep personal attacks out of otherwise helpful threads. Also, for questions vaguely or not related to hedgehogs- we do have an off-topic board.
5- Post Subject Titles: When you post a new topic, make sure the title tells us something about it. Titles such as "HELP" or "What's Happening?" or "Is this Normal?" Don't tell us anything. You're more likely to get fast and helpful replies if the title is relevant or a short description is added.
6- Respect the admins and breeders: They know their stuff. Chances are if Bryan tells you a color, don't argue. If Nancy or another breeder answers a health question, take their advice into consideration. I'm not saying you always have to agree with them, I'm just saying that they have the most experience and are the most reliable sources available.
7- Netspeak is frowned upon: We don't want to be reading "lyke dis & dat stuf" and "w/e" and "idk" and "u r so kewl"... seriously? Type it so that people understand what you're saying and don't need a slang/webspeak dictionary to understand. Also, avoiding using ALL CAPITAL LETTERS because it makes you sound like you're shouting, so unless you are actually shouting- don't do it.
Acceptable Netspeak:
LOL- laugh out loud
ok- okay
IMO- In my opinion
IMHO- in my honest/humble opinion
JMO- just my opinion
Remember- Be courteous!Everyone is entitled to his/her own opinion and the most we can do is give our opinions and advice. No one is forced to do anything(although I don't know why you wouldn't). Healthy debates and helping each other are great; personal attacks and hissy fits are not.