Jeff_Birt
03-09-2007, 11:50 AM
Recently we, the forum moderators, have had to remove a few posts that were a bit out-of-line. Specifically, the posts in question were directed at specific users and were inflammatory in nature. Some of the posters who were censured were quite upset and in turn lashed out at the moderators. This seems to have created some confusion about who the forum moderators are and why we might find it necessary to remove a post.
Let’s start with who we are: we are machine owners just like you (with the exception of GreyBeard who is patiently waiting for them to be exported to the UK); Nothing more, nothing less. The three of us volunteered a few months ago, when another user suggested that having a few site moderators might help control the growing amount of spam being posted. (By the way, kudos to CW for the new forum software, there has been NO spam since the change over!)
As the number of forum members has grown, most of our time is spent doing exciting things like moving chatter from the ‘Pattern Sharing Depot’ and moving the occasional post to a more appropriate category. We don’t have ‘great forum powers’, nor do we suffer from power trips. We are just three guys who volunteered (no fame, no fortune) to try and help keep this forum a nice, friendly place for all.
Now, what might cause your post to be edited or deleted by a moderator? Well, so far there have been only a few issues that have arisen. One simple one is posting personally identifying information like a phone number. This one is not ‘bad’, just silly, as there are too many kooks in the world. If you need to pass this information to someone please do so via a PM. The next issue is language, this has only popped up a few times and the new forum software actually takes care of it automatically now. Just keep in mind that the forum is rated PG.
The most serious problem, and the one that has caused trouble of late, is inflammatory posts. What the heck is that you might ask? Simply put: arguing, name calling, and insulting other users is not allowed. Please note that the above sentence does not include anything like constructive criticism, expressing an opinion or expressing disappointment that your project/machine is not working right; all of these things are of course fine. If your ‘opinion’ includes insulting others then that would be a problem.
Folks, the point is: we want to maintain a friendly environment for all. CW has provided us with this forum to exchange ideas, patterns, fixes and knowledge. It is incumbent on all of us to conduct ourselves properly. So please, work with us here. Let’s all pitch in and keep this forum a nice place for all CarveWright/CompuCarve users.
Thanks,
John, Paul and Jeff
Forum etiquette ( from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netiquette#Forum_etiquette )
Certain rules of unspoken etiquette are recommended to be followed when using Internet forums.
They include:
• One should read all the rules and guidelines established by the community; some communities may have different regulations on a particular subject.
• One should always be courteous.
• Before creating a new topic thread, one is advised to search to see if a similar topic already exists.
• Contributors should (try to) follow standard grammar and spelling rules and avoid slang. (Note there are free spell check utilities such as http://www.iespell.com/ )
• If the forum is categorized, one should strive to post in the correct section.
• When making a technical inquiry, one should include as much technical information as possible, especially in the subject line.
• Contributors are asked to stay on-topic.
• Contributors should avoid double posting and Crossposting.
• To avoid appearing self-absorbed, one should respond to topics started by others more often than starting topics of their own.
• Contributors should avoid the use of all CAPITAL LETTERS in posts. All CAPS is considered "shouting" and causes readability issues.
• One is advised not to resurrect a very old topic if nothing significant will be added. This practice is known as revival or Necroing.
• One should try to refrain from lashing back at a poorly behaving member or participating in a flame war; instead, notify the messageboard's staff of the event.
• When quoting a previous post, one should only include the relevant portion of that post. Contributors are requested to keep in mind that their audience can likely still see the message they are quoting on the same screen and can read it again if need be.
• One should not attempt to "post build" (monopolize) the forum. This shows poor quality of posts and (adds no value) to the community.
• When quoting an article, one must give credit where credit is due. Provide the articles original name and author's full name.
Let’s start with who we are: we are machine owners just like you (with the exception of GreyBeard who is patiently waiting for them to be exported to the UK); Nothing more, nothing less. The three of us volunteered a few months ago, when another user suggested that having a few site moderators might help control the growing amount of spam being posted. (By the way, kudos to CW for the new forum software, there has been NO spam since the change over!)
As the number of forum members has grown, most of our time is spent doing exciting things like moving chatter from the ‘Pattern Sharing Depot’ and moving the occasional post to a more appropriate category. We don’t have ‘great forum powers’, nor do we suffer from power trips. We are just three guys who volunteered (no fame, no fortune) to try and help keep this forum a nice, friendly place for all.
Now, what might cause your post to be edited or deleted by a moderator? Well, so far there have been only a few issues that have arisen. One simple one is posting personally identifying information like a phone number. This one is not ‘bad’, just silly, as there are too many kooks in the world. If you need to pass this information to someone please do so via a PM. The next issue is language, this has only popped up a few times and the new forum software actually takes care of it automatically now. Just keep in mind that the forum is rated PG.
The most serious problem, and the one that has caused trouble of late, is inflammatory posts. What the heck is that you might ask? Simply put: arguing, name calling, and insulting other users is not allowed. Please note that the above sentence does not include anything like constructive criticism, expressing an opinion or expressing disappointment that your project/machine is not working right; all of these things are of course fine. If your ‘opinion’ includes insulting others then that would be a problem.
Folks, the point is: we want to maintain a friendly environment for all. CW has provided us with this forum to exchange ideas, patterns, fixes and knowledge. It is incumbent on all of us to conduct ourselves properly. So please, work with us here. Let’s all pitch in and keep this forum a nice place for all CarveWright/CompuCarve users.
Thanks,
John, Paul and Jeff
Forum etiquette ( from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netiquette#Forum_etiquette )
Certain rules of unspoken etiquette are recommended to be followed when using Internet forums.
They include:
• One should read all the rules and guidelines established by the community; some communities may have different regulations on a particular subject.
• One should always be courteous.
• Before creating a new topic thread, one is advised to search to see if a similar topic already exists.
• Contributors should (try to) follow standard grammar and spelling rules and avoid slang. (Note there are free spell check utilities such as http://www.iespell.com/ )
• If the forum is categorized, one should strive to post in the correct section.
• When making a technical inquiry, one should include as much technical information as possible, especially in the subject line.
• Contributors are asked to stay on-topic.
• Contributors should avoid double posting and Crossposting.
• To avoid appearing self-absorbed, one should respond to topics started by others more often than starting topics of their own.
• Contributors should avoid the use of all CAPITAL LETTERS in posts. All CAPS is considered "shouting" and causes readability issues.
• One is advised not to resurrect a very old topic if nothing significant will be added. This practice is known as revival or Necroing.
• One should try to refrain from lashing back at a poorly behaving member or participating in a flame war; instead, notify the messageboard's staff of the event.
• When quoting a previous post, one should only include the relevant portion of that post. Contributors are requested to keep in mind that their audience can likely still see the message they are quoting on the same screen and can read it again if need be.
• One should not attempt to "post build" (monopolize) the forum. This shows poor quality of posts and (adds no value) to the community.
• When quoting an article, one must give credit where credit is due. Provide the articles original name and author's full name.