I've noticed recently that FFR is expanding rapidly, yet the number of forum regulars shows a indirect relationship. One of the main reasons as to why this is occurring is due to the fact of the shunning on newbs. It is not entirely their fault as some users are new to forums and do not understand the best way to present themselves to a site. Note: Not all young users are unintelligent, so don't assume this. I've compiled a list that includes the main rules of the site, and expands and applies them into the current community's standards:
1. Read All The Forum Rules
This is a must-do. I realize that many new members don't read the stickies nor the announcements, but reading the rules is extremely important. It will give you a basic understanding of how the board operates and how you should behave. FFR has a fairly standard set of forum rules, but reading it won't hurt.
2. Does Your Post Contribute?
This is where a lot of new posters get burned. They find a thread, such as "DDR SuperNOVA". They think, "Wow, I like DDR", and decide to post in it. Before you do this, think to yourself, "Will my post contribute in any way to the thread?". Example: "Wow, I love DDR, it is so much fun". While this may be true, it doesn't really contribute to the purpose of the thread, which is discussion of the newly-released DDR machine in arcades.
An example of a model post would be something along the lines of, "Yeah, my arcade just received DDR SuperNOVA as well. I played it and enjoyed the song selection, even though I didn't like the new graphics". This post is clearly better. It contributes to the purpose of the thread by keeping the subject of the sentence DDR SuperNOVA (The topic at-hand), and giving your own personal opinion on the game, with pros and cons, that may affect others' opinion on said game. That is a worthwhile post.
3. Type Coherently.
I can not stress this enough. Even if you follow the above mentioned rules, but you type in such a way that makes you appear unintelligent, or just plain silly, your opinion and you will not be respected, and there is a chance you may be flamed. Example:"o, ddr suparnova is teh shiz yo, i played it this mornin, i din't lik duh gfx, but duh songs wer 1337!!!!!!". That, my new friends, is a very bad post. Although it does follow the rules, and contributes to the thread, it comes off as unintelligent, lazy, and hard to read.
An example of a coherent(or easily able to understand using correct English) sentence would be,"I played DDR SuperNOVA yesterday. I enjoyed the diversity of the song selection, ranging from pop to IDM. I don't really like the new graphical style involved, it distracts me away from the gameplay, making it hard to focus". This post clearly states the intent of your opinion, while making it enjoyable to read, and explains in great detail, which leads me to my next point.
4. Use An Educated Vocabulary
Here at FFR, the more intelligent you present your opinion, the better it will be received. The example I gave in the last step:"
is a great example of an educated vocabulary. Using intelligent adjectives adds a distinguished meaning to the noun. It makes your opinion look well-thought out, and will be received better by the reader.
Examples of an uneducated vocabulary include: netspeek(1337 Speak, 3117 Haxxorz etc) aim lingo(hey was ^, yt? brb, lol, g2g). Stay away from shorthand. Type everything out. Also, punctuate correctly. This makes a huge impact on your post, it signifies coherency and organizes your thoughts into easily separated ideas. Always capitalize where necessary, and use all periods, commas, and apostrophes.
5. Veteran Respect:
There are a lot of members who have been on this site much longer than you. They have earned their respect, and expect to be respected. Just be intelligent and all will be well. Common courtesy is all anyone needs.
In conclusion, I think this guide provides ample amount of practical advice to help you gain the respect of all of us here at FFR. Don't ever be afraid to post, as long as you follow these guidelines here, members will be thankful that someone new and intelligent has joined. They may praise you even. Most of us are cool people here, just respect the rules and FFR's forums will grow into something better than ever!
1. Read All The Forum Rules
This is a must-do. I realize that many new members don't read the stickies nor the announcements, but reading the rules is extremely important. It will give you a basic understanding of how the board operates and how you should behave. FFR has a fairly standard set of forum rules, but reading it won't hurt.
2. Does Your Post Contribute?
This is where a lot of new posters get burned. They find a thread, such as "DDR SuperNOVA". They think, "Wow, I like DDR", and decide to post in it. Before you do this, think to yourself, "Will my post contribute in any way to the thread?". Example: "Wow, I love DDR, it is so much fun". While this may be true, it doesn't really contribute to the purpose of the thread, which is discussion of the newly-released DDR machine in arcades.
An example of a model post would be something along the lines of, "Yeah, my arcade just received DDR SuperNOVA as well. I played it and enjoyed the song selection, even though I didn't like the new graphics". This post is clearly better. It contributes to the purpose of the thread by keeping the subject of the sentence DDR SuperNOVA (The topic at-hand), and giving your own personal opinion on the game, with pros and cons, that may affect others' opinion on said game. That is a worthwhile post.
3. Type Coherently.
I can not stress this enough. Even if you follow the above mentioned rules, but you type in such a way that makes you appear unintelligent, or just plain silly, your opinion and you will not be respected, and there is a chance you may be flamed. Example:"o, ddr suparnova is teh shiz yo, i played it this mornin, i din't lik duh gfx, but duh songs wer 1337!!!!!!". That, my new friends, is a very bad post. Although it does follow the rules, and contributes to the thread, it comes off as unintelligent, lazy, and hard to read.
An example of a coherent(or easily able to understand using correct English) sentence would be,"I played DDR SuperNOVA yesterday. I enjoyed the diversity of the song selection, ranging from pop to IDM. I don't really like the new graphical style involved, it distracts me away from the gameplay, making it hard to focus". This post clearly states the intent of your opinion, while making it enjoyable to read, and explains in great detail, which leads me to my next point.
4. Use An Educated Vocabulary
Here at FFR, the more intelligent you present your opinion, the better it will be received. The example I gave in the last step:"
"I played DDR SuperNOVA yesterday. I enjoyed the diversity of the song selection, ranging from pop to IDM. I don't really like the new graphical style involved, it distracts me away from the gameplay, making it hard to focus."
Examples of an uneducated vocabulary include: netspeek(1337 Speak, 3117 Haxxorz etc) aim lingo(hey was ^, yt? brb, lol, g2g). Stay away from shorthand. Type everything out. Also, punctuate correctly. This makes a huge impact on your post, it signifies coherency and organizes your thoughts into easily separated ideas. Always capitalize where necessary, and use all periods, commas, and apostrophes.
5. Veteran Respect:
There are a lot of members who have been on this site much longer than you. They have earned their respect, and expect to be respected. Just be intelligent and all will be well. Common courtesy is all anyone needs.
In conclusion, I think this guide provides ample amount of practical advice to help you gain the respect of all of us here at FFR. Don't ever be afraid to post, as long as you follow these guidelines here, members will be thankful that someone new and intelligent has joined. They may praise you even. Most of us are cool people here, just respect the rules and FFR's forums will grow into something better than ever!
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