Forum Etiquette

Kholran · Site Admin Joined: 28 Nov 2006 Posts: 784

There are certain things that are generally considered impolite behavior. I've been seeing a little bit of it on SBF, so I figured I'd make an etiquette post and list things to keep in mind when posting on the forum. Hopefully, people will actually read this, and keep things from getting too far out of hand.

1. Caps lock is considered screaming. Please don't post in all caps. One word every now and again for EMPHASIS is fine, but don't get carried away.

2. If you have a message for someone, PM them. "SoAndSo Look Here Because I Have a Question to Ask You" threads will be deleted. That's what PMs are for.

3. Spamming the forum is bad. Posting for the sole purpose of raising your posts is spam. These threads will be deleted. The number of posts you have doesn't mean much if there's no substance behind them.

4. The following topics are off limits: Alcohol, Religion, Politics, Sex, Drugs, and Violence, (ie. Murder, Threats of actual violence).

5. Posting links to other games is not allowed. These posts will be edited or deleted.

6. Large font and obnoxious colours aren't going to help you get your point across. Please keep these to a minimum.

7. Excessive characters make things hard to read. No one wants to sift through eight million exclamation points to get to the actual content of the thread. One serves the same purpose, and is generally easier on the eyes.

8. Just like in face to face conversations, most people don't appreciate insults. If you can't find a nice way to say it, don't post it.

9. If you're posting about books, movies, or tv shows, keep in mind not everyone is in the same time zone or as fast a reader as you. Don't post spoilers without appropriate warnings.

10. Please don't use the SBF forums to solicit your own website or webgame. Posting links isn't allowed, neither is using the forum as a Wanted ad.

11. If the thread already exists, don't make another one. Find a way to direct the flow of conversation towards what you want to say.

12. There is a time and place for bumping threads. Five minutes after posting when the topic hasn't left the first page is not that time.

13. Things that are rude in real life conversation are also rude on the forums. Don't be rude. Smile

14. Bot everyone shares your opinion. If you don't want people to answer "I hate it!", don't put that option in your poll.

15. Look around before asking a question. Chances are, it's already been answered, and it'll keep the boards from being clogged with "Help! I have no money!" threads and the like.

This will be updated as things come to mind. If there's anything you'd like to see added, let me know.

Silvery_Pheonix · Joined: 29 Nov 2006 Posts: 2064

Nothing to add, but I think this is a wonderful idea/post. Very Happy

iluvbuilding429 · Joined: 28 Dec 2006 Posts: 7309

yeah...i know the thing about religion is because of me Embarassed

milon · Joined: 12 Feb 2007 Posts: 3649

Erm,I dont think so,and..I do know where the Country and things came from Razz

Me and Tango were talking about that,oops sorry K.Hadnt realized that it wasnt allowed..

Kholran · Site Admin Joined: 28 Nov 2006 Posts: 784

Actually, the list of inappropriate subjects was lifted directly off of the VHR/VP chat rules page. Nef made the list. I just reposted it Smile

Tango · Joined: 03 Dec 2006 Posts: 568

uglybugball · Joined: 16 Jun 2007 Posts: 9

javascript:emoticon(' Embarassed

')sorry

Crazy Person23 · Joined: 28 Nov 2006 Posts: 1612

quick question
on rule number 5 you said no posting about other websites, does that include VP VHR and stuff? just kinda confused

Kholran · Site Admin Joined: 28 Nov 2006 Posts: 784

Crazy Person23 · Joined: 28 Nov 2006 Posts: 1612

ok thanks!

wickedrodent · Joined: 14 Jan 2007 Posts: 1723

I asked if anyone played pony island, and it was erased.. I didn't post a link or anything.. Sad

Jinxx · Joined: 28 Nov 2006 Posts: 1906

You posted and said they should go join, even without a link that's spamming for another game. Wink

Sterling · Joined: 14 Aug 2007 Posts: 2790

" The following topics are off limits: Alcohol, Religion, Politics, Sex, Drugs, and Violence, (ie. Murder, Threats of actual violence)."

I understand that achohol, politics, sex, drugs, and violence are off limits, but why religion? is it wrong to tell others about the glory of God? My church teaches to spread the word where ever you can, what's wrong with doing it in these forums??

Jinxx · Joined: 28 Nov 2006 Posts: 1906

Because not all people are the same religion/believe things others do and the topic of religion is often a flame war waiting to happen. Wink

Sterling · Joined: 14 Aug 2007 Posts: 2790

ok, i thought so, that it might offend others. but i wasnt sure. thanks! Very Happy