Forum Etiquette Contributions

[David]

It is clear from recent exchanges that some members of the forum are unsure about accepted etiquette. With this in mind I thought it might be useful to post a list of dos and don'ts. However, before posting a definitive list, I'd like some idea of what you think should be included in such a list. Bear in mind that some forum members may never have used a forum/BBS before and that the various colloquial terms may need to be explained. Alternatively, if you know of a good guide to forum etiquette already out there that we could adopt, let us know.

[Tom]

(1) Debate is the most important thing: don't be afraid to name other people, disagree and even lampoon them!
(2) Aim to introduce New Topics to keep the discussion flowing.
(3) All students and staff should contribute on a regular basis.
(4) Remember that this is the online equivalent of a classroom discussion. We value participation, erudition, wit and the citation of good references.
(5) I am begining to wonder if contributions should be an assessable item of coursework.

[James]

I am really enjoying the on-line debates, I'd never really used forums before this.

One thing that does strike me is that forums can seem an intimidating place for the newcomer. We've been commenting on the lack of involvement of some students, but perhaps our approach is not that constructive or welcoming. I think we need a good group chat about this on the 21st.

Has anyone heard from Ron?! No posts here for nearly two months and he hasn't replied to my e-mail either.

[francis]

I'd agree with Tom's points. I subscribe to some newsgroups (mainly on a lurking basis), but haven't really used a forum before.

I enjoy the debates, the links and the shared knowledge that people have. I'd echo James' comments about the amount of posts - it may be a bit intimidating, but it's only going to get worse as time goes on.

As for forum etiquette, Googling on that term brings up loads of pages. I've only got as far as the front page of that listing, but this PC-Pals (http://pc-pals.com/etiquette.htm) list looks like something we can butcher. Other than that, Godwin's law (http://en2.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godwins_law) should be in effect.

[Tom]

I am worried by the fact that half the class is not contributing to this forum. Being a critic is half the skill of being an architect, designer or creative professional: you have to have opinions and to be willing to trade in ideas. The current poet laureate is a wonderful critic and T S Eliot was, in my opinion, both the best poet and the best critic of the twentieth century. Its the same with being a boxer: you have to throw a few punches to learn the game!

Come senators, congressmen
Please heed the call
Don't stand in the doorway
Don't block up the hall
For he that gets hurt
Will be he who has stalled
There's a battle outside
And it is ragin'
It'll soon shake your windows
And rattle your walls
For the times they are a-changin'.

Bob Dylan

[Stephen Bawa]

I don't think the debates themselves are intimidating. There's an awful lot to get through though. I guess those of us who haven't contributed much should get stuck into the most recent posts to break the cycle.

[Shushan]

I had a look online at some other forum Etiquette Codes around.
I found this one that looked quite good, do's and don'ts (http://www.furthurnet.com/community/etiquette.html).