I figured I would write this out as it is not really posted anywhere. Basically, we welcome new members, but ask that people use common sense and civility when posting here. Since there are a rare few people who occasionally do not seem to understand what that means (It is really VERY rare), I figured I would post the common sense guide to what is generally expected here.
No Spam!!! If you are a Chinese national who makes their living off selling knockoff shoes, phones, purses, erectile dysfunction products, etc. Please. Post it somewhere else. It will just be deleted here.
Do not use excessive foul language. The English language has a plethora of words that can be used to express yourself. There is no need for the majority of what you post to contain swear words. It is OK to use them on rare occasions, but if you feel the need to punctuate every other word with F*ck, perhaps it is time you expanded your vocabulary. It makes you look bad, and by extension it makes the rest of us look bad. Once again, just be civil and it will all work out OK.
Racism is not welcome here. If you need to discuss something involving persons of a certain nationality or race, use the proper name for their nationality or race. We have plenty of people of different origins on this site and there is no need to purposefully use terms that will offend them. We are not politically correct here, but we do expect civility and respect for all who may read this forum.
Respect other people's religious beliefs. This does not mean you have to refrain from disagreeing with them, but you should write in a manner that is not designed to be purposefully disrespectful or offensive to others of a different belief system.
Keep Politics In Off Topic. While we are generally civil in all the different sections, Off Topic can get a little nasty. Understand that a large portion of our posters have a similar political bent. Expect not to have anything go un-analyzed if you are not of a similar opinion. For example, if you feel all old cars should be crushed, and drive an old car yourself, expect to be called on your hypocrisy. As always, try to keep it civil.
No Trolling: Don't post things for the sole sake of upsetting people and getting nasty responses. For examples of trolling, go look at the site EnglishRussia.
Use proper spelling, punctuation and grammar. This is not text messaging. You have time to go back and re-read and edit what you have written to be sure it will make sense to the reader. This is out of courtesy and respect for those who will be trying to answer your question. If you want someone to take the time to write out a well thought out response, show them respect by giving them a well worded and thought out question. This is not to say that perfection is expected, but when you write a single paragraph as a giant run-un sentence in all caps with text messaging abbreviations, it tends to piss people off. Remember: people will possibly be answering your question for the better part of a week (sometimes longer). Make sure that all who read it can understand it.
TURN THE CAPS LOCK OFF!!! This is self explanatory. Writing in all caps is considered shouting on the internet. It is rude and unnecessary.
Be descriptive in your questions. Don't just post something like "Why don't my car run?" as your whole question. Remember to include the symptoms, year, engine, and all pertinent data. This lets us give you a more accurate answer. If you don't know something that's OK too. Tell us that and we will be happy to help you learn. After all, that is why we are all here isn't it?
If anyone has anything to add, please feel free. Also, GP403, if I have overstepped my bounds as a Moderator here, please feel free to tell me so. I know that I do not own this site, but I felt it necessary to post what most of us already understand to help new people know what is expected.
No Spam!!! If you are a Chinese national who makes their living off selling knockoff shoes, phones, purses, erectile dysfunction products, etc. Please. Post it somewhere else. It will just be deleted here.
Do not use excessive foul language. The English language has a plethora of words that can be used to express yourself. There is no need for the majority of what you post to contain swear words. It is OK to use them on rare occasions, but if you feel the need to punctuate every other word with F*ck, perhaps it is time you expanded your vocabulary. It makes you look bad, and by extension it makes the rest of us look bad. Once again, just be civil and it will all work out OK.
Racism is not welcome here. If you need to discuss something involving persons of a certain nationality or race, use the proper name for their nationality or race. We have plenty of people of different origins on this site and there is no need to purposefully use terms that will offend them. We are not politically correct here, but we do expect civility and respect for all who may read this forum.
Respect other people's religious beliefs. This does not mean you have to refrain from disagreeing with them, but you should write in a manner that is not designed to be purposefully disrespectful or offensive to others of a different belief system.
Keep Politics In Off Topic. While we are generally civil in all the different sections, Off Topic can get a little nasty. Understand that a large portion of our posters have a similar political bent. Expect not to have anything go un-analyzed if you are not of a similar opinion. For example, if you feel all old cars should be crushed, and drive an old car yourself, expect to be called on your hypocrisy. As always, try to keep it civil.
No Trolling: Don't post things for the sole sake of upsetting people and getting nasty responses. For examples of trolling, go look at the site EnglishRussia.
Use proper spelling, punctuation and grammar. This is not text messaging. You have time to go back and re-read and edit what you have written to be sure it will make sense to the reader. This is out of courtesy and respect for those who will be trying to answer your question. If you want someone to take the time to write out a well thought out response, show them respect by giving them a well worded and thought out question. This is not to say that perfection is expected, but when you write a single paragraph as a giant run-un sentence in all caps with text messaging abbreviations, it tends to piss people off. Remember: people will possibly be answering your question for the better part of a week (sometimes longer). Make sure that all who read it can understand it.
TURN THE CAPS LOCK OFF!!! This is self explanatory. Writing in all caps is considered shouting on the internet. It is rude and unnecessary.
Be descriptive in your questions. Don't just post something like "Why don't my car run?" as your whole question. Remember to include the symptoms, year, engine, and all pertinent data. This lets us give you a more accurate answer. If you don't know something that's OK too. Tell us that and we will be happy to help you learn. After all, that is why we are all here isn't it?
If anyone has anything to add, please feel free. Also, GP403, if I have overstepped my bounds as a Moderator here, please feel free to tell me so. I know that I do not own this site, but I felt it necessary to post what most of us already understand to help new people know what is expected.