Message Forum Etiquette (I have a really had time spelling that and have to look it up every time, YEESH.), is something that should be followed in order to allow clear and concise communications. When it's not followed, there is a break down in the communication flow and mistakes are made in both the giver as well as the receiver of those communications. With us working on revamping the message forums, then we should also revamp how we all use them.
I'll admit, I've even made a few which is why I'd starting this thread. For example, I called the more seasoned moderators "old dogs". Luckily, I know them, and they know me well enough to know that what I said was not demeaning, and actually a term of endearment from me. Or at least, I assumed they should know that, but there was my mistake. Other people would not have know this and since I didn't convey my attitude as joking, it could have been misinterpreted.
In another part of that conversation, someone is back-peddling themselves trying to explain that what they said was a joke, however, when they posted it, there was no surrounding words to convey the humorous nature of the statement, thus the emotion was lost and now they have people mad at them.
I'm going to glean the web for some good material for this thread. I ask that others add to it as well. Then perhaps we'll have a good guideline for ourselves as well as new members.
I'm going to throw my own into the mix:
First and probably most importantly, Emotions are often lost in discussion forums as well as email. Feelings can only be conveyed by using your words properly. Also, using those emoticons that our Web Wizards have encoded into the system can be of great use in conveying your emotions. If you are cracking a joke, throw in a "LOL", a "Ha Ha", or a "just kidding" so that people know that you are at least laughing about it.
The following list was taken from just doing a quick Google search of "Message Forum Etiquette" and grabbing the first result. It pretty much sets some very good ground rules.
Review the Forums to Avoid Duplicate Posts. One of the common problems with etiquette on Internet forums and message boards is the duplication of posts. One person will post a question or raise an issue and a new user will pose the same topic on another thread three days later. Not only is this a waste of your time, but it can also irritate veteran members of the forum who are tired of seeing the same issues raised over and over again.
Never Use ALL CAPS. One of the pitfalls of Internet communication is that people can't read your tone of voice or intention beyond what you say on the forum or message board. When you type in all CAPS, reader interpret your tone as yelling because that is common for people who fail to use sentence case. So put in the extra effort to create sentences in sentence case or, if you don't have the time or inclination, write in all lowercase letters instead. This is still annoying but it won't make people as angry as all CAPS.
Use Correct Spelling and Punctuation. Your postings on Internet forums and message boards don't have to be ready for publication in a novel, but they shouldn't be riddled with grammatical and spelling errors, either. Proper etiquette entails that you make an effort to write correctly, if only so that other forum members can understand what you're saying. "NetSpeak" ('u' for 'you'; 'k' for 'okay'; 'cuz' for 'because', etc.) is also becoming less acceptable as Internet forums and message boards become more sophisticated and draw more professional users.
Ask Before You Attack. In many cases, a seemingly offensive post is not meant the way it sounds due to the lapses in communication on the Internet. Before you dig in with both claws to provide a snappy and nasty comeback, consider asking the original poster to clarify what he or she meant. If it turns out that you were correct in your original interpretation, you can feel free to speak your mind; however, if you weren't correct, people will respect you for having an open mind.
Ignore Spamming. One of the great things about Associated Content's forums is that there are very few instances of spamming. When it does happen, the members of the forum ignore whoever is creating the ruckus and everything is back to normal in a few hours. Don't encourage spamming by drawing attention to it; instead, pretend it doesn't exist or notify a moderator so that the offending post can be removed. Likewise, don't provide your own spam; keep self promotion to a forum section that allows it, if any.
Don't Include All Previous Posts. There's nothing more annoying in a forum or message board than people who copy all previous posts into their own. If you have a specific passage on which you want to comment, feel free to copy it in your post, but don't include them all. Internet etiquette dictates that you make reading as easy on everyone else as possible. If they have to scroll through twenty posts in which all previous posts are quoted, no one will want to return to the thread. The rule of thumb for this form of etiquette is to never quote more text than you intend to write yourself.
Use Topic-Specific Titles. Many people read threads based on their titles, so try to be as specific as possible. Don't say that your topic is one thing when you plan to talk about several other things. This doesn't mean you can't expand on your topic, but try to keep it as relevant as possible.
Take Personal Issues Off the Forums. Internet forums and message boards are for public discussions which bear relevance to more than a few people. If you have a personal issue with someone else, take it off the forums. If the message board offers a private message function, use it. If not, exchange e-mail addresses and continue the discussion in private.
Avoid Power Posting. Some Internet message boards and forums offer prizes or awards to the people who contribute the most to discussions. This leads to "power posting", which involves replying to threads with empty messages or with nothing more to say than "LOL" or an emoticon. If you don't have anything useful to say, don't reply.
Avoid Trolling. A troll is someone who posts topics on message boards with the sole purpose of instigating argument or debate. It is definitely an etiquette no-no and will earn you the disrespect of everyone on the forum. It is usually easy to identify a troll after they've been on the boards a few weeks, and you could easily wind up with a suspended account.
Don't Flame the Staff. Many message boards and forums are run by a company or service provider, such as Associated Content. Flaming the staff on their message board is akin to going to someone's house just to insult them; it isn't proper etiquette, and is just plain rude. If you have a legitimate complaint, post it with courtesy and decorum. If necessary, wait until you've calmed down to post a message about it in the forums.
Post Under the Proper Categories. It is never enjoyable to find a post about politics under a forum category called Job Opportunities for Web Designers. Keep your threads consistent with the topics that govern them and ask if you aren't sure where to post a particular subject. The moderators don't want to spend all their time rearranging threads.
Avoid Hijacking a Thread. Hijacking involves posting a new idea or topic on someone else's thread. Sometimes, if the topic is related, this is okay, but try to post new threads if you need to start a different discussion. People who are interested in your topic can go to your thread and you won't offend anyone else this way.
Use Your Words. Finally, I encourage you to "use your words". Did your mother ever tell you that when referring to general etiquette? This means finding better words than cuss words or inappropriate comments. If you can't post without cursing or otherwise being offensive, move on and post on a different thread.
Anyway, there is a good starter post that I "stole" from elsewhere. anyone got anything else that should be added?
---Pat
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Thank you Pat for bringing this up.
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Great list re discussion board etiquette from Pat.Although it might not fall under the definition of etiquette I would add that perhaps when posting a message on SOR take a second to remember that we are all here as stamp collectors.It is our hobby and hobbys should be fun !
Harold
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I've been a member for a couple of years now and this has been the most contentious set of discussions I can remember. I shared some of the more "choice comments" with my husband who got a good laugh out of them. He then told me that it was issues like these (postings with inflammatory responses, name calling, etc...) that caused him to stop reading and posting on a forum he greatly enjoyed for several years.
The issues are the same no matter the subject.
This is what struck me since the whole deal started with "increasing member participation", etc: the tone and intent of a message may not be obvious to anyone but the person who posted it.
I have read many discussions by most everyone who posts here. For the most part, everyone seems friendly, pleasant, and helpful until something gets taken the wrong way. Then feelings get hurt and hurtful things get said.
Just try to remember that when you cannot see someone's face or posture while they are speaking and you cannot actually hear their voice, all these nonverbal cues are lost. Emotions can be interpreted as many different ways as there are people. Plain words on a screen (even with emoticons sometimes) can be very powerful.
So be careful what you write. By the same token, be careful what you read into what has been written. We are all stamp collectors, we share a wonderful hobby, this is a great resource, let's not ruin it.
This is probably too long and I definitely do not want it to come off as preachy. Just thoughts I've been having since the whole deal began but was too chicken to start a thread. So thanks to Pat for bringing it up.......
Sally
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Dear All,
You're very lucky that I can't grab you and give you all the hug I have for this marvelous introspective thread. This thread has implications for actions far beyond just SOR. Pat has opened the door to communication in general, using SOR and the discussion board as a specific example.
Our behavior, at work, to our loved ones, to ourselves is all there. Pat's guidelines are the start. There is a book focused on this topic (communications)in the workplace and in our career arena's that may be of some interest. "Crucial Conversations" by Patterson et. al.
To Sally- good to hear your voice. Be not afraid-we are here to help.
To Harold- you speak true- always to be kept in mind
To Alyn-knowing you're looking us over is a comfort.Keep it up.
To Pat-you have to learn not to be shy- try to speak your mind-
know that it is truly appreciated
All good thoughts,
Dan C.
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09:35:59am
If you read the SOR bylaws, you'll see that the number one thing listed under "ethics" is this:
"While the purpose of Stamporama is to promote and enjoy the hobby of collecting philatelic material we believe it should be pursued in an honorable way"
It's important to try to be honorable with all of our postings and to conduct ourselves appropriately. The others who posted on this thread are correct, it's easy to misinterpret the meaning of a post because we don't have the benefit of seeing body language and hearing tone of voice. Rereading a post before you hit "submit" may help many of us, me included, to make sure we're saying what we want to say, nothing more and nothing less.
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"To Pat-you have to learn not to be shy- try to speak your mind-know that it is truly appreciated."
OK, I'm laughing uncontrollably at work now and everyone's looking at me funny. THANKS!!!
I'll be the first to admit that I don't think I have a problem speaking my mind. OH NO NO NO, "on contraire mon frère." My problem is that I need to take a deep breath and try to make sure I fully understand the topic before opening my big mouth. As I said to someone in a personal message, I gotta practice what I preach here.
---Pat
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Zen Buddhism taught me that words are only sounds. Life is too short to be offended by sounds.
If you're interested in the path to inner peace, I recommend reading Everyday Zen by Charlotte Joko Beck.
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Dear Zipper,
I like your wavelength-contact me offline to continue that thread unless you/others feel that we might continue on the boards.
Dan
cohendaniel64@yahoo.com
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06:19:12pm
Zen teachings can help everybody! I say, feel free to post more!
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I'll post more Zen Wisdom in the unrelated to stamps section. Dan, I finally mailed those stamps for you to look at. Lungs wouldn't let me out of the house till now.
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Rest easy my friend, all is well.Have you studied Zen formally or informally?
Dan
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Both.
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Outstanding-details requested if you don't mind.
Dan C.
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Dan,
Sent an email to your Yahoo account.
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1.I never did understand that all caps thing, some of us can't see too well and all caps is like large print, it's not yelling. It's like the age old question of when a tree falls in the forest and there is no one around to hear it, does it make a sound?
2. lurking- i hate that term. makes someone sound like a peeping tom. you don't call going to a basketball and watching it from the stands lurking.
3.Seems to me, we're getting a little too formal here, i always thought of this as a
homey, friendly, family kind of site, where one can say, "Hi!, y'all".
I find Sally's posting very appropriate. Att: Pat: Ruff!(lol)
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Carl:
I agree with you.
I use block (capital) letters and large font because it's easy for me to read. I fail to understand how this can be considered shouting.
Years ago, at the polite request of our webmaster, I ceased using block letters on this website because some members misinterpreted my comments.
Me, too, I like the clubby, friendly, non-commercial atmosphere of Stamporama, and try to ignore member-behaviour which I wouldn't care to emulate.
Postage stamps wouldn't be worth collecting if they were all the same. Same with Stamporama members.
John
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02:36:57pm
On every chat board I have utilized in the past 10 years, all caps is shouting and considered rude. Personally, I think larger fonts are much easier to read than all caps anyway, and do not offend anyone.
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Studies show that all caps are harder to read than U/lc. Anecdotally, i find that true, too. Moreover, caps are considered rude in most chat and discussion boards. Bobby used bold. In some cases, one can increase the font or, even better, the leading.
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For anyone who might not know, you can quickly increase/decrease the font size in most browsers by using CNTL+ keys and CNTL- keys, respectively. I've found it very useful when I get blurry eyes or a headache.
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Bobby! Yes, much, easier to read but I still don't see the difference. Caps in reg. size or bigger print. BTW, no offense taken & none given. we're just having a friendly discussion. I understand your concern,everybody seems so hyper, anymore.
David, you are absolutely right , every chat room/site, I know consider caps shouting.
As for studies, i think they are about the same as opinion polls. I particularly remember
the study about saccharin causing cancer. they neglected to say that a person would have to drinks like 500 cans of diet soda in one day to equal the same effect as in a mouse.
Or something like that. As for all that stuff under "Select (highlight)" , i can barely manage getting the smiley on here let alone those things.
WAIL! HAIL! I forgot about that, thanks Khj.
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BTW, Pat, stay away from New York City, they'll give you 10-life for that big drink.
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09:25:33pm
I frequently use "Wordpad" to compose my comments and write in 18-20pt Times New Roman type. That way the letters are big enough and I find it easier to make appropriate corrections. Then when I'm satisfied with my sometimes turgid prose I highlight the whole thing, copy it and paste it into the response page. Often I do the reverse when reading a particularly interesting comment and thus can increase the size of the words to suit my vision.
To avoid misunderstanding in a forum when I feel that that is highly likely, especially from some literal minded readers I may add ::SARC:: so that they are warned of my intention.
I haven't seen that much dissension here, especially in comparison to some of the other forums I frequent which are often based on exploring dissension to the "nth" degree.
The one thing that I'd suggest more posters do is click on the Preview function, lean back and read what you just wrote almost aloud to yourself. twice if necessary.
If some sentence or phrase does not sound right to me I assume it isn't right and I should figure out how to untwist ths syntax or correct the mis-spelling,which even applies.
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I have seen a lot of tempers flaring up in the last several... ummm... how long's it been? ha ha. In a recent discussion thread, some things were said that finally clicked on what some of the issues may be.
Message Forum Etiquette (I have a really had time spelling that and have to look it up every time, YEESH.), is something that should be followed in order to allow clear and concise communications. When it's not followed, there is a break down in the communication flow and mistakes are made in both the giver as well as the receiver of those communications. With us working on revamping the message forums, then we should also revamp how we all use them.
I'll admit, I've even made a few which is why I'd starting this thread. For example, I called the more seasoned moderators "old dogs". Luckily, I know them, and they know me well enough to know that what I said was not demeaning, and actually a term of endearment from me. Or at least, I assumed they should know that, but there was my mistake. Other people would not have know this and since I didn't convey my attitude as joking, it could have been misinterpreted.
In another part of that conversation, someone is back-peddling themselves trying to explain that what they said was a joke, however, when they posted it, there was no surrounding words to convey the humorous nature of the statement, thus the emotion was lost and now they have people mad at them.
I'm going to glean the web for some good material for this thread. I ask that others add to it as well. Then perhaps we'll have a good guideline for ourselves as well as new members.
I'm going to throw my own into the mix:
First and probably most importantly, Emotions are often lost in discussion forums as well as email. Feelings can only be conveyed by using your words properly. Also, using those emoticons that our Web Wizards have encoded into the system can be of great use in conveying your emotions. If you are cracking a joke, throw in a "LOL", a "Ha Ha", or a "just kidding" so that people know that you are at least laughing about it.
The following list was taken from just doing a quick Google search of "Message Forum Etiquette" and grabbing the first result. It pretty much sets some very good ground rules.
Review the Forums to Avoid Duplicate Posts. One of the common problems with etiquette on Internet forums and message boards is the duplication of posts. One person will post a question or raise an issue and a new user will pose the same topic on another thread three days later. Not only is this a waste of your time, but it can also irritate veteran members of the forum who are tired of seeing the same issues raised over and over again.
Never Use ALL CAPS. One of the pitfalls of Internet communication is that people can't read your tone of voice or intention beyond what you say on the forum or message board. When you type in all CAPS, reader interpret your tone as yelling because that is common for people who fail to use sentence case. So put in the extra effort to create sentences in sentence case or, if you don't have the time or inclination, write in all lowercase letters instead. This is still annoying but it won't make people as angry as all CAPS.
Use Correct Spelling and Punctuation. Your postings on Internet forums and message boards don't have to be ready for publication in a novel, but they shouldn't be riddled with grammatical and spelling errors, either. Proper etiquette entails that you make an effort to write correctly, if only so that other forum members can understand what you're saying. "NetSpeak" ('u' for 'you'; 'k' for 'okay'; 'cuz' for 'because', etc.) is also becoming less acceptable as Internet forums and message boards become more sophisticated and draw more professional users.
Ask Before You Attack. In many cases, a seemingly offensive post is not meant the way it sounds due to the lapses in communication on the Internet. Before you dig in with both claws to provide a snappy and nasty comeback, consider asking the original poster to clarify what he or she meant. If it turns out that you were correct in your original interpretation, you can feel free to speak your mind; however, if you weren't correct, people will respect you for having an open mind.
Ignore Spamming. One of the great things about Associated Content's forums is that there are very few instances of spamming. When it does happen, the members of the forum ignore whoever is creating the ruckus and everything is back to normal in a few hours. Don't encourage spamming by drawing attention to it; instead, pretend it doesn't exist or notify a moderator so that the offending post can be removed. Likewise, don't provide your own spam; keep self promotion to a forum section that allows it, if any.
Don't Include All Previous Posts. There's nothing more annoying in a forum or message board than people who copy all previous posts into their own. If you have a specific passage on which you want to comment, feel free to copy it in your post, but don't include them all. Internet etiquette dictates that you make reading as easy on everyone else as possible. If they have to scroll through twenty posts in which all previous posts are quoted, no one will want to return to the thread. The rule of thumb for this form of etiquette is to never quote more text than you intend to write yourself.
Use Topic-Specific Titles. Many people read threads based on their titles, so try to be as specific as possible. Don't say that your topic is one thing when you plan to talk about several other things. This doesn't mean you can't expand on your topic, but try to keep it as relevant as possible.
Take Personal Issues Off the Forums. Internet forums and message boards are for public discussions which bear relevance to more than a few people. If you have a personal issue with someone else, take it off the forums. If the message board offers a private message function, use it. If not, exchange e-mail addresses and continue the discussion in private.
Avoid Power Posting. Some Internet message boards and forums offer prizes or awards to the people who contribute the most to discussions. This leads to "power posting", which involves replying to threads with empty messages or with nothing more to say than "LOL" or an emoticon. If you don't have anything useful to say, don't reply.
Avoid Trolling. A troll is someone who posts topics on message boards with the sole purpose of instigating argument or debate. It is definitely an etiquette no-no and will earn you the disrespect of everyone on the forum. It is usually easy to identify a troll after they've been on the boards a few weeks, and you could easily wind up with a suspended account.
Don't Flame the Staff. Many message boards and forums are run by a company or service provider, such as Associated Content. Flaming the staff on their message board is akin to going to someone's house just to insult them; it isn't proper etiquette, and is just plain rude. If you have a legitimate complaint, post it with courtesy and decorum. If necessary, wait until you've calmed down to post a message about it in the forums.
Post Under the Proper Categories. It is never enjoyable to find a post about politics under a forum category called Job Opportunities for Web Designers. Keep your threads consistent with the topics that govern them and ask if you aren't sure where to post a particular subject. The moderators don't want to spend all their time rearranging threads.
Avoid Hijacking a Thread. Hijacking involves posting a new idea or topic on someone else's thread. Sometimes, if the topic is related, this is okay, but try to post new threads if you need to start a different discussion. People who are interested in your topic can go to your thread and you won't offend anyone else this way.
Use Your Words. Finally, I encourage you to "use your words". Did your mother ever tell you that when referring to general etiquette? This means finding better words than cuss words or inappropriate comments. If you can't post without cursing or otherwise being offensive, move on and post on a different thread.
Anyway, there is a good starter post that I "stole" from elsewhere. anyone got anything else that should be added?
---Pat
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re: Message Forum Etiquette
Thank you Pat for bringing this up.
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08:36:07am
re: Message Forum Etiquette
Great list re discussion board etiquette from Pat.Although it might not fall under the definition of etiquette I would add that perhaps when posting a message on SOR take a second to remember that we are all here as stamp collectors.It is our hobby and hobbys should be fun !
Harold
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re: Message Forum Etiquette
I've been a member for a couple of years now and this has been the most contentious set of discussions I can remember. I shared some of the more "choice comments" with my husband who got a good laugh out of them. He then told me that it was issues like these (postings with inflammatory responses, name calling, etc...) that caused him to stop reading and posting on a forum he greatly enjoyed for several years.
The issues are the same no matter the subject.
This is what struck me since the whole deal started with "increasing member participation", etc: the tone and intent of a message may not be obvious to anyone but the person who posted it.
I have read many discussions by most everyone who posts here. For the most part, everyone seems friendly, pleasant, and helpful until something gets taken the wrong way. Then feelings get hurt and hurtful things get said.
Just try to remember that when you cannot see someone's face or posture while they are speaking and you cannot actually hear their voice, all these nonverbal cues are lost. Emotions can be interpreted as many different ways as there are people. Plain words on a screen (even with emoticons sometimes) can be very powerful.
So be careful what you write. By the same token, be careful what you read into what has been written. We are all stamp collectors, we share a wonderful hobby, this is a great resource, let's not ruin it.
This is probably too long and I definitely do not want it to come off as preachy. Just thoughts I've been having since the whole deal began but was too chicken to start a thread. So thanks to Pat for bringing it up.......
Sally
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re: Message Forum Etiquette
Dear All,
You're very lucky that I can't grab you and give you all the hug I have for this marvelous introspective thread. This thread has implications for actions far beyond just SOR. Pat has opened the door to communication in general, using SOR and the discussion board as a specific example.
Our behavior, at work, to our loved ones, to ourselves is all there. Pat's guidelines are the start. There is a book focused on this topic (communications)in the workplace and in our career arena's that may be of some interest. "Crucial Conversations" by Patterson et. al.
To Sally- good to hear your voice. Be not afraid-we are here to help.
To Harold- you speak true- always to be kept in mind
To Alyn-knowing you're looking us over is a comfort.Keep it up.
To Pat-you have to learn not to be shy- try to speak your mind-know that it is truly appreciated
All good thoughts,
Dan C.
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It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light. - Aristotle Onassis
05 Feb 2013
09:35:59am
re: Message Forum Etiquette
If you read the SOR bylaws, you'll see that the number one thing listed under "ethics" is this:
"While the purpose of Stamporama is to promote and enjoy the hobby of collecting philatelic material we believe it should be pursued in an honorable way"
It's important to try to be honorable with all of our postings and to conduct ourselves appropriately. The others who posted on this thread are correct, it's easy to misinterpret the meaning of a post because we don't have the benefit of seeing body language and hearing tone of voice. Rereading a post before you hit "submit" may help many of us, me included, to make sure we're saying what we want to say, nothing more and nothing less.
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re: Message Forum Etiquette
"To Pat-you have to learn not to be shy- try to speak your mind-know that it is truly appreciated."
OK, I'm laughing uncontrollably at work now and everyone's looking at me funny. THANKS!!!
I'll be the first to admit that I don't think I have a problem speaking my mind. OH NO NO NO, "on contraire mon frère." My problem is that I need to take a deep breath and try to make sure I fully understand the topic before opening my big mouth. As I said to someone in a personal message, I gotta practice what I preach here.
---Pat
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Dogs are my favorite people. I hang with this one as often as I can.
05 Feb 2013
11:15:43am
re: Message Forum Etiquette
Zen Buddhism taught me that words are only sounds. Life is too short to be offended by sounds.
If you're interested in the path to inner peace, I recommend reading Everyday Zen by Charlotte Joko Beck.
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re: Message Forum Etiquette
Dear Zipper,
I like your wavelength-contact me offline to continue that thread unless you/others feel that we might continue on the boards.
Dan
cohendaniel64@yahoo.com
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It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light. - Aristotle Onassis
05 Feb 2013
06:19:12pm
re: Message Forum Etiquette
Zen teachings can help everybody! I say, feel free to post more!
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Dogs are my favorite people. I hang with this one as often as I can.
06 Feb 2013
10:27:52am
re: Message Forum Etiquette
I'll post more Zen Wisdom in the unrelated to stamps section. Dan, I finally mailed those stamps for you to look at. Lungs wouldn't let me out of the house till now.
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re: Message Forum Etiquette
Rest easy my friend, all is well.Have you studied Zen formally or informally?
Dan
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Dogs are my favorite people. I hang with this one as often as I can.
06 Feb 2013
11:15:35am
re: Message Forum Etiquette
Both.
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re: Message Forum Etiquette
Outstanding-details requested if you don't mind.
Dan C.
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Dogs are my favorite people. I hang with this one as often as I can.
07 Feb 2013
09:11:59am
re: Message Forum Etiquette
Dan,
Sent an email to your Yahoo account.
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Auctions
re: Message Forum Etiquette
1.I never did understand that all caps thing, some of us can't see too well and all caps is like large print, it's not yelling. It's like the age old question of when a tree falls in the forest and there is no one around to hear it, does it make a sound?
2. lurking- i hate that term. makes someone sound like a peeping tom. you don't call going to a basketball and watching it from the stands lurking.
3.Seems to me, we're getting a little too formal here, i always thought of this as a
homey, friendly, family kind of site, where one can say, "Hi!, y'all".
I find Sally's posting very appropriate. Att: Pat: Ruff!(lol)
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The past is a foreign country, they do things different there.
11 Feb 2013
01:56:38pm
re: Message Forum Etiquette
Carl:
I agree with you.
I use block (capital) letters and large font because it's easy for me to read. I fail to understand how this can be considered shouting.
Years ago, at the polite request of our webmaster, I ceased using block letters on this website because some members misinterpreted my comments.
Me, too, I like the clubby, friendly, non-commercial atmosphere of Stamporama, and try to ignore member-behaviour which I wouldn't care to emulate.
Postage stamps wouldn't be worth collecting if they were all the same. Same with Stamporama members.
John
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They who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety. -Benjamin Franklin
11 Feb 2013
02:36:57pm
re: Message Forum Etiquette
On every chat board I have utilized in the past 10 years, all caps is shouting and considered rude. Personally, I think larger fonts are much easier to read than all caps anyway, and do not offend anyone.
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re: Message Forum Etiquette
Studies show that all caps are harder to read than U/lc. Anecdotally, i find that true, too. Moreover, caps are considered rude in most chat and discussion boards. Bobby used bold. In some cases, one can increase the font or, even better, the leading.
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re: Message Forum Etiquette
For anyone who might not know, you can quickly increase/decrease the font size in most browsers by using CNTL+ keys and CNTL- keys, respectively. I've found it very useful when I get blurry eyes or a headache.
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Auctions
re: Message Forum Etiquette
Bobby! Yes, much, easier to read but I still don't see the difference. Caps in reg. size or bigger print. BTW, no offense taken & none given. we're just having a friendly discussion. I understand your concern,everybody seems so hyper, anymore.
David, you are absolutely right , every chat room/site, I know consider caps shouting.
As for studies, i think they are about the same as opinion polls. I particularly remember
the study about saccharin causing cancer. they neglected to say that a person would have to drinks like 500 cans of diet soda in one day to equal the same effect as in a mouse.
Or something like that. As for all that stuff under "Select (highlight)" , i can barely manage getting the smiley on here let alone those things.
WAIL! HAIL! I forgot about that, thanks Khj.
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Auctions
re: Message Forum Etiquette
BTW, Pat, stay away from New York City, they'll give you 10-life for that big drink.
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Silence in the face of adversity is the father of complicity and collusion, the first cousins of conspiracy..
27 Feb 2013
09:25:33pm
re: Message Forum Etiquette
I frequently use "Wordpad" to compose my comments and write in 18-20pt Times New Roman type. That way the letters are big enough and I find it easier to make appropriate corrections. Then when I'm satisfied with my sometimes turgid prose I highlight the whole thing, copy it and paste it into the response page. Often I do the reverse when reading a particularly interesting comment and thus can increase the size of the words to suit my vision.
To avoid misunderstanding in a forum when I feel that that is highly likely, especially from some literal minded readers I may add ::SARC:: so that they are warned of my intention.
I haven't seen that much dissension here, especially in comparison to some of the other forums I frequent which are often based on exploring dissension to the "nth" degree.
The one thing that I'd suggest more posters do is click on the Preview function, lean back and read what you just wrote almost aloud to yourself. twice if necessary.
If some sentence or phrase does not sound right to me I assume it isn't right and I should figure out how to untwist ths syntax or correct the mis-spelling,which even applies.
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