Getting off to a good start with forums requires understanding the protocol which is standard with most communities. Following the guidelines below will help you obtain the best results and provide for an enjoyable forum experience.
Before posting a new topic or question, use the forum search feature to see if your issue has already been recently discussed. Look around the community and post your question in the proper board. Many new members have a tendency to post in the wrong area such as a 'Welcome and Introductions.' A welcome board is for new members to say hello, not to post an issue or question. Be polite and respectful. Remember that most members on a community forum are regular people just like you. They volunteer their time and advice to assist others. Compose your message in the default font and text color. Crazy fonts and colors just make for difficult reading. Use proper grammar, capitalization and paragraph formatting. Many people are so used to texting now that their written words resemble a text message and may be difficult to read. Use the spell checker option and always 'preview' the message before posting it. Give a full description of your issue so others don't have to post numerous questions to discover what you need help with. But, keep it concise. Example: For computer issues, list your basic computer specs along with the operating system. If software is in question, list the version number. For other devices such as cell phones, appliances or electronic equipment, list the model number and any other pertinent information. Post your topic in one area only. Posting the same topic in multiple boards makes it more difficult for other members to respond to your issue. This may be considered 'flooding' and the extra posts will be removed. Once your post begins to generate interest with replies or suggestions, keep it on topic. If you happen to have another unrelated issue, start a new thread. If the community has a recognition system such as Likes, Kudos, or Thumbs Up, use it to give approval to other members whose post content was helpful, insightful, or generally of value to the topic being discussed. It is a practical means of saying 'Thank you for that information.' Most forums have an option to mark a particular post as the Accepted Solution to an issue. This option is generally reserved only for the person who originated the topic. So, if you started a topic due to a question or issue you were having and someone posted the solution which worked for you, please mark that person's post as the 'Accepted Solution.' This not only gives credit to the member who took the time to assist you, but also helps in the search results for others to resolve the same issue. And a short 'Thanks for the help' message is always appreciated.Each community forum has its own set of User Guidelines. Some communities are wide open and allow virtually anything. However, the vast majority of productive and successful communities will have guidelines which reflect the suggestions I have posted above.
So, find a community that meets your needs and go get some answers or help someone else!
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