Forum Posting Etiquette

[Board of Directors]

This thread outlines general Ohio Reef forum posting etiquette. It is not meant to be a list of rules but rather good posting practices.

Spelling/Grammar
Review your post prior to submitting for correct punctuation, spelling and grammar. If this is something you typically have trouble with install an internet spell check for the browser you are using.

Internet Explorer Spell Check
Google Chrome Spell Check

Respect
Appreciate that your opinion is one of many on Ohio Reef. You can disagree with another person without being disrespectful or rude.

Quoting Posts
When replying to a post, don’t quote more from the previous post than you have to. You can edit the quote to only show what you are responding to.

Non Contributing Response
Don't post an empty or useless responses, such as just "lol" or "cool". Only post responses when you have something to contribute or are complementing another member

Ignore Trolls
Don't let the trolls suck you in, 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. Ignore their posts and eventually they'll get bored and move on.

If you find a post to be out of line report it. This can be done by simply clicking the text at the bottom of the post Report to moderator.

Stay on Topic
Staying on topic is likely one of the most difficult things to do on Ohio Reef forums but always good to check that your post is  still related to the thread  in which you are posting.

For Sale Threads
Clearly state the description and condition of item you are selling. List the selling price and any stipulations of the purchase up front. If your location is not already added to your Avatar at least add City where the item can be picked up. Once sold update the thread

Disposition
Remember your face doesn't show on the forum. Words alone can convey sentiment, but without the benefit of facial expression, they can be miss-understood. Use descriptive wording and emoticons  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.

Type in standard case, NOT IN ALL CAPS. All caps equates to shouting and can be rude as illustrated.

Say online exactly what you would say in person. In other words, if you wouldn't say it to the person's face, you shouldn't type it.

Lurk a little before you dive right in. Read a number of posts;  get a feel for the tone of Ohio Reef so you can participate accordingly.