Have you ever been stuck for words and wanna post something that's world class? Well included in this guide is tutorial which simply explains to you all of the basics to posting, it can turn a post from a bunch of spam, to something that can be top-notch. Wether you're new or an experienced forum dominator, this is bound to help because it sure helped me.
Starting off
Flick through the forums, see through the threads until you find something that's "reply-worthy". Read the post by the author carefully, as this may considerably help. Scroll down to the bottom of the page until you get to the quick-reply box. Think carefully about your message, don't make it too sloppy and angry, but not too plain and pointless. Remember - you can get a reputation for posting useful + helpful stuff.
Grammar
A quality writer always makes sure their grammar is to perfection. If you write randomly with incorrect grammar, it becomes hard to read by your fellow forum pals. After you finish each sentence, read then re-read it and if theres any grammatical mistakes - correct them! If your first language wasn't English then grammar might be hard for you. Though if you use a translator it will automatically translate the text and place the correct grammar within.
Spelling
This is crucial if you want your post to be of high-standard. For some spelling is easier than others but you can seek help on spelling to someone who is a good speller, or you can simply grab a dictionary and flick through until you find the specified word or sentence. Correct spelling is important so that readers can clearly understand what your point is. Good spellers can somewhat earn respect for their sophistication.
Spamming
First of all, what's the point of spamming a post. Clearly there isn't, because spammers are often from other forums trying to shut down another with spam. "Spam" stands for Stupid Pointless Annoying Messages. And sure they are pointless? But with spam comes consequences. If you spam simultaneously on one thread, it will being up your warning level which will prevent you from achieving such authority as moderation, administration, etc.
Cussing/Swearing
If one includes vulgar, fowl, or other inappropriate language in a post this will definately bring down their reputation. Sometimes, swearing may be the only way to get a point across, but we need to find a way around it so it doesn't involve cussing. On some occassions swearing is the spark which lights fire, which eventually starts a big group arguement. Always avoid doing this!
Positivity
Always be positive in your post! This can make more people like you and become more friendly. You wouldn't say "Ah well, that artwork is a piece'a crap. I can do way better" would you? Saying that will make the person feel down and crush their ambitions - on rare ocassions. If you critisize everyone and everything in a negative way, nobody is bound to befriend you. In some ways, always posting with a positive attitude can make people respect you more.
Post Count
You may have seen some people bragging on about their post count, how they've done it, the lot. Well the quantity of your posts, doesn't matter. All that matters is the quality of them. The material within the post is what truly counts. Spamming a number counting thread will get you nowhere. Infact the entire thread can be removed and your post count will revert to what it is excluding the number counting posts. Creating threads for guides, tutorials, news, etc, will really be of help to the community.
Welcoming
It's always a good gesture to welcome someone when they've just joined. Once they've posted a thread about it, it's nice to reply back saying "Welcome". After that, it is acceptable to just add a little snippet about reading the rules. Don't force them to do it just say something like for example "If you haven't already, please check out the rules". If you force it, may swing them to leaving, because they'll see what the forum is truly like. Remember - first impressions are never forgotten.
PG-13
Never talk OR post about sexual stuff. It's not good for the entire forum, but also not good for the members. You must be aware that there might be young guests visiting the forum, and they surely don't want to be viewing PG-13 postings all around the forum as they enter. This will give the forum a bad reputation as inappropriate talkers.
Advertising
Under no circumstances is advertising allowed on any forum (except forums intended for advertisers). Although maybe allowed in signatures, never do or even attempt to advertise in a post. In worst cases, you can be banned from the forum if you continuously disobey this rule. In some forums there is an advertising section, specially intended for those who wish to advertise a site, link or anything else non-forum related.
Double-posting
This is the most simplest rule to follow. Never double post because as the forum staff would say, "It's pointless! If you want to add anything else to your post - edit it!". This statement is absolutely right. Simply there is just no need for this, although newbies are most likely to break this rule since they are unaware of the little useful tool called "Edit post". Once this rule is broken you can face your warning level to rise, or sometimes just a simple reminder to re-read the rules if it's your first time breaking it.
Once you follow these simple tips, in no time will you be top-notch quality poster!
Happy Posting!
Sun Apr 05, 2009 11:57 pm
But I Know How To Bounce A Ball
