Quote Originally Posted by Owen Glyndwr View Post
A few years back I used to be a big problem on the fora I frequented. It was disgraceful. Thankfully a few people notified me of this and I soon learned the error of my ways. My outlook on posting changed. I realized that it is not the number of posts that marks your importance, but the quality given within. I think for a forum to operate efficiently it's members must realize that fora are ultimately a center wherein opinions can be brought forward, discussed, and quite possibly exchanged in a mature, thoughtful manner.

A good way to ensure this is to simply reread what you wrote just before you post it. And as you're reading, ask yourself a few questions: "What is my objective in posting this? Is it to inform, to persuade or to dissuade? Will my post improve the thread as a whole relating to the topic originally opened? Or is there simply no point at all, I'm merely reacting to what someone else said." Also, "If I do post this, what will others think of me and the thread as a whole? Will said thread be closed as a result of this post? Will it prevent others from reading further as a result of this post?" And finally: "Will my objectives, whatever they may be, be suitably accomplished in this post? Is there any way they might be misinterpreted? Is there anything anyone would find outrageously objectionable in this post?"

If you go through all those questions, and don't find any shortfalls, go ahead and post. However if you do, then there isn't much point in putting the post down. Many times throughout the day I will start to post something, but stop part way through because I realize that the post is pointless or redundant. I'm not saying that users should go through and never post anything to the fora, I'm just saying maintaining a degree of restraint is healthy, and beneficial to all involved.

Overall it is important to remember that every time you post something to the fora, you are creating in an image that others on the fora will identify you as. Most people here do not know you personally. They have no personal experiences with you to draw from. They know only the things you have written in the past.

You must have taken a long time on this post.

And ofcourse people must be on topic and not spam where it is not needed but you can't expect people to be 100% serious.