• DON'T TYPE YOUR WHOLE MESSAGE IN UPPERCASE.
  It's difficult to read and feels like you're shouting.
  A short stretch of uppercase is SUFFICIENT to emphasize a point.
  Also try to use capitals and punctuation.
  
• Pay Attention to yer Grammer and Spellings.
  It's all about communication, and poorly-constructed messages are confusing. If your words are important enough to write, they're important enough to write well. Give our brains an idea to chew on, not a crypotgram.
  
• Forgive the Spelling and Grammar Mistakes of Others.
  Not everyone types easily, learned English at home,
  or has decades of practice.
  
• Re-read before posting and reflect on your own reaction if you were to receive this message from a stranger. Convincing? Hostile? Rambling? Time spent making a message clearer and more persuasive is always time well-spent.
• Grammar police sometimes strike without warning!
  -- Break your message into logical paragraphs.
  -- Restrict your sentences to sensible lengths.
  -- Don't double-space short sentences to fill space.
  -- Etc.

Avoid Public Flames Sent in Anger.

If you must flame, do so after you've cooled down a bit and can make your flame constructive. Messages sent in the heat of the moment usually exacerbate a situation, and are oft regretted later. Fishwhacks with the are a slightly kinder version of throwing flames. If what you have to say is hurtful, ask yourself why you want to hurt someone, and consider a private email instead.

Pointed Humor is Perceived as Sarcasm.
If you're not being sarcastic, say so.
Maybe you are being sarcastic without knowing it.

Forums have the immediacy of a conversation, but are devoid of body language. The Internet has evolved EMOTICONS as an answer to this problem There are hundreds of them, some more common than others, all used to convey nuances and make your messages clearer. Use them sparingly or they won't be as effective.
[click here to see all our icons]

Mind Your Manners

Make sure you are familiar with a thread before tossing in your thoughts. In general, keep to the subject as much as possible, with the occasional brief detour. If you want to branch off onto a tangent, it's a good idea to start a new thread.

If you make a request, don't forget to say please. If someone helps you, it doesn't hurt to say thank you. This might sound trivial, but people often forget their real-world manners at the door (or Internet portal). It's astonishing how much these familiar courtesies will help you persuade others to your side.

Don't expect an immediate answer. The lack of a quick response does not mean anyone is ignoring you. People check the Philosophy Forum on a random basis and have limited time. On the other hand, if nobody responds at all, they probably aren't interested in that particular conversational gambit. It happens to everyone and is no cause for offense Try another topic. Happy Quotes.

Advice From Other Members

Be yourself, speak honestly and truthfully,
listen and think, and all will be well.
-Sleepless

Don't tell people they are ignorant, uneducated oafs, stupid, fearful of knowledge, etc., just because they have a different POV (point of view). MOST people have reason for their beliefs that required thought and examination of many aspects. Respect them for that, even if you disagree.
-Rangermom

Do some homework before you go spouting off on a topic.
Read the whole thread before posting something new.
Don't take anything personally. Don't post for posting's sake.
-Cerberus

We aren't interested in discussing which pre-fab, pablum, teeny-bopper pop groop is the phatest, how hot Ricky Martin is, who your favorite/best/worst/horniest/grossest. This is a debate forum. Stand your ground, have a spine and don't take things too personal 'cause they aren't. -PsychotiK

Wear your flames and fish with pride, then jump right back in. If you become a totally offensive jerk, someone will let you know. It's okay to reevaluate your position. Then let us know why you changed your mind. We seriously want to know. -KikoV

Share your opinion, post controversial topics,
talk about religion and politics
and all the things Mom told you not to discuss
at the dinner table. -Dev

Don't try to use someone else's posting style.
Be yourself, say what you think, and be prepared to duck!
E-Penguin

After you've soaked up all this sage advice... let 'er rip!
-KikoV

     
This is a living document.
Contact me to suggest changes and additions. 

~Webmaster Wendy~