Sounds like they were very helpful NOT!
Sounds like they were very helpful NOT!
Ouch is right!
It's a shame what people have become now that we're so separated by keyboards and monitors. It's no wonder why cyberbullying with kids in particular is so prevalent.
I'll bet you that people would not speak to people in person the way they do online. In fact, they'd be shocked if someone spoke to them that way in person, no doubt.
It's really sad that they all can't play nice and be professional. I wouldn't waste my time with them.
BUT I do want to mention that I do moderate some forums and blogs and I am very skeptical when someone posts with just a keyword phrase and not their name (real or company). Most times they are just there to spam and not be a part of the community or be a legit blog commenter so I can sort of see the issue BUT that does not give anyone a reason to be snotty like that.
Elite Member
A couple of years ago I did a course by Patric Chan and I remember his teaching on forums.
Simply put - be very slow and gentle when you start.
Always start in the Introductions section and tell people about you. It is a rare forum where you will not get a whole bunch of welcomes.
Then ask a question or two...
Gradually get to know the big shots.
Agree with them!
"Really BigshotBill has given a great answer but one little point I've noticed is..."
After a little while you can welcome new people to the forum too.
And start answering small questions.
There is an etiquette to everything and it sounds like you charged in like an eager puppy!
We all like puppies but they have to learn and it may take getting an ear chewed on a little before they learn the ropes!
Hope you don't mind this mini sermon. It would be easy to agree with you and sympathise but maybe this way, the next forum you go into you won't get chewed on!
:-)
All The Best
Alex
I don't think your experience has anything to do with forums per se. I think it has to do with the moderation of those forums, (or lack of) and acceptable behavior.Originally Posted by imandiaz
If the moderators run a tight ship, enforce rules of etiquette and don't allow members to be disrespectful toward each other, then negative incidents are few and far between.
However, if the inmates run the asylum, (in many forums they do) then this type of bullying and juvenile behavior happens with great regularity. From what you described, it's obvious, the inmates run the asylum!
David Jackson
Last edited by David Jackson; October 20th, 2009 at 06:29 PM.
Super Active Member
That is fantastic advice. I see that often on a forum I am on. They automatically pick on the newbie. Just hang in there if your intentions are pure it will work out. I usually avoid making new threads whenever I am new to a forum. Instead I just comment for a few weeks. Like a probation period.
Elite Member
"I just comment for a few weeks. Like a probation period. "
That is good advice and a good word for it too!
:-)
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