Using Forums-Understanding Forum Etiquettes

A [tag-tec]forum[/tag-tec] is a community with its own set of rule and guidelines. Guidelines of forum generally vary from forum to forum but many things are common to all forums over the web.

A forum user is expected to maintain a set of behaviors for using a forum. Every net users should know these behaviors.

When you look at these etiquettes closely, you will find that everything is an extension of good human behaviors that we expect from each other in real life.

Basic mantra of forum usage is Treat others well, be civilized and stay within guidelines.

Isn’t that what we expect from each other in daily life?

Let us come back to forum etiquettes.

Introduce Yourself: After you join a forum, go and make an introductory post. You can write whatever you want in this but it is prudent to tell about yourself, your work and your expectation from the forum.

You will be surprised to find that you are given quite a warm welcome.

Read First, Post Later: Each forum in any niche would have its own feel, its own theme. You must read the way people interact with each other, the type of questions asked, the way sub forum functions. Many people would frown if your question is not in the right sub forum. For them it is breach of conduct. Make sure you post at right place.

Answer First: Many people are shy about asking. If so try answering a few questions that you knowledge about. That would help you to build confidence in you. That would also result in increased interaction between you and other members.

Do NOT Spam: Spamming is a breach of netiquette where users repeat the same word or phrase over and over, usually a willful act which sometimes has malicious intent. Intentions are generally self promotion. Spamming is highly objectionable and if you spam, forum doors will close for you very soon.

Be Civilized: As a forum user every newbie is scared. But when that newbie becomes veteran, he may pull newbies for asking stupid questions. Do not do that.

No Blatant Self Promotion: Each forum allows you to put a signature which can include back links to your web site. Apart from that forums generally do not allow to advertise yourself in your posts.

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