My thoughts on proper thread etiquette

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Jan 6, 2010
1,520
Here are some of my personal/professional comments on posting/replying threads to this site and hopfully making it a better experience for all.

I was under the impression that folks post to these forums seeking guidance & solutions. If one follows the responses to the original questions/problems, I always felt that the replying post by post would reveal itself in order to find solutions. No one knows all, that's why we're all here.

I have been on this site for a few years now, And thru responses, feel that my input has been welcomed. but sometimes I become frustrated as NORMAL forum rules are not followed by some sailors.

At times, I find insulting direct responses to my posts (albiet with little forethought) and view it to be more attitude than substance. This in-turn slows the intended process. I feel I have given first-hand & good advice in finding the best solutions. Some agree & some do not. On a good note, this process of "yea and nay", in fact becomes part of the solution.

However, many ongoing problems I experience can easily be avoided as follows:
AS A THREAD ORIGINATOR: your responsibility should be as follows:
1. The original thread author's responsibility SHOULD be to first see that a question NEEDS to be asked if it may be beyond his capability and/or experience.

2. The originator then posts his question/problem by starting a new thread.In doing so, it should be the author's responsibility to first look at his problem and jot down any observations he sees. Along with this, he should take note of the equipment, areas, and/or limitations.

In addition, sometimes it would be helpful for the "advice givers" that you attach pictures of the problematic areas to give a better idea of the problem at hand, showing additional information. A picture may be worth a thousand words.

3. remember that the more info given up front, the better the advice will follow.

AS A REPLY PERSON your responsibility should be as follows:
1. Thoughtfully read the original thread post, keeping in mind what solution he/she is asking for.

2. Follow the replies, and add any helpful info you feel is pertinent, while NOT forgetting the original question. If this can be done in-order, the shorter will be the thread.

3. Never go off on tangents, as the thread will become that much harder to follow & reply to. Stay within the original questions/problems train of thought.

4. Private replies work great too. In this way, you can help the thread posts to stay in tune to the original question/problem while adding insight to the author.

5. If you disagree with a reply, fine that is your prerogative. However, this is NOT a rant & rave thread, so please do not reply with "ATTITUDE" and or useless info thus deviating from and not keeping within the architect structure of the thread.

Remember, the purpose is to find a solution, not put forth personal attacks insults, or off-tangent comments. And those who respond like this, well you know who you are & need to rethink your approach.

We are all here to help our fellow "Club Members" to better enjoy their sailing experience.

The good guys on this site know this and conform, unfortunately, those that hurt this process sadly may never will.........

CR
 

Squidd

.
Sep 26, 2011
890
AMF Alcort Paceship PY26 Washburn Wi. Apostle Islands
Blahhh...Too many rules...

I hate rules...
 
Nov 8, 2010
11,386
Beneteau First 36.7 & 260 Minneapolis MN & Bayfield WI
You make some good points, and there is never a need to be a jerk in public forums. I like to use the test:

"would you say that face to face"?

to any post I make.

But I'm with Squidd on the rules part. Forums work because threads DO take a life of their own. And the forum owners are interested in traffic, not the most efficient threads. And having to scan the rule-book before posting would be a drag. Just stay civil and all is good.
 
Feb 26, 2004
23,008
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
Blahhh...Too many rules...

I hate rules...
Squidd, without SOME rules, we'd all be in deep doo-doo.

"Starboard" comes to mind.

Anyway, I hear ya, Ron, 'cuz sometimes things just happen.

One of the things I really like about this board (in addition to always learning something, a good search engine, and everything chronologically, i.e., "NO" separate "categories" to confuse people - do alternators go in "engine" or "electrical??? - my pet peeves are over for now...:dance:)

...is this:

Forum Guidelines: http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/announcement.php?f=58&a=6

One of the best I've ever seen.
 

jrowan

.
Mar 5, 2011
1,294
O'Day 35 Severn River, Mobjack Bay, Va.
I have to agree with Capt. Ron that there are some folks on this site that just like to be overly critical & pick on others responses. We are all here and respond with the purpose of trying to help each other. Tearing each other down & critcizing is not constructive, and I believe that others will be less likely to post if they feel like they will be unjustly criticized for it.
 
Feb 26, 2004
23,008
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
In addition to the Forum Guidelines

there's this interesting thread that Maine Sail started some time ago.

http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=575574&highlight=newbies

I think it's great that "regulars" can "jibe" each other some times, and hope that newcomers don't take it wrong. "Sailing for Dummies" turned out to be a great Xmas gift for me, and I thank Ron2034 for that one. I can never agree with Bill Roosa on ANYTHING, but that's only 'cuz if I say "mauve" he'll say "purple!!!"

I can just see the two of us sailing together: I say "starboard," and he says "right." Who's on first?!? :eek:
 

mortyd

.
Dec 11, 2004
952
Catalina 30 easy living
take up flying so the two of you can agree there is red starboard light on the right wing. really.
 
Feb 6, 1998
11,703
Canadian Sailcraft 36T Casco Bay, ME
5. If you disagree with a reply, fine that is your prerogative. However, this is NOT a rant & rave thread, so please do not reply with "ATTITUDE" and or useless info thus deviating from and not keeping within the architect structure of the thread.

Remember, the purpose is to find a solution, not put forth personal attacks insults, or off-tangent comments. And those who respond like this, well you know who you are & need to rethink your approach.

I will remind everyone that we do not tolerate personal level attacks. Heated discussions do ensue but PLEASE keep to the topic not each other...

If you feel a poster as maligned you or someone else use the REPORT POST BUTTON.

The report post button is in every posters post box and looks like this:
 
Feb 26, 2008
603
Catalina 30 Marathon, FL
"would you say that face to face"?
I think this is a good idea for any forum. There are too many folks online who write things they would never say to a guy on the next barstool.

That said, this forum is MUCH more civil than some others I frequent.
 
Sep 20, 2006
2,952
Hunter 33 Georgian Bay, Ontario, Canada
Here are some of my personal/professional comments on posting/replying threads to this site and hopfully making it a better experience for all.

I was under the impression that folks post to these forums seeking guidance & solutions. If one follows the responses to the original questions/problems, I always felt that the replying post by post would reveal itself in order to find solutions. No one knows all, that's why we're all here.

I have been on this site for a few years now, And thru responses, feel that my input has been welcomed. but sometimes I become frustrated as NORMAL forum rules are not followed by some sailors.

At times, I find insulting direct responses to my posts (albiet with little forethought) and view it to be more attitude than substance. This in-turn slows the intended process. I feel I have given first-hand & good advice in finding the best solutions. Some agree & some do not. On a good note, this process of "yea and nay", in fact becomes part of the solution.

However, many ongoing problems I experience can easily be avoided as follows:
AS A THREAD ORIGINATOR: your responsibility should be as follows:
1. The original thread author's responsibility SHOULD be to first see that a question NEEDS to be asked if it may be beyond his capability and/or experience.

2. The originator then posts his question/problem by starting a new thread.In doing so, it should be the author's responsibility to first look at his problem and jot down any observations he sees. Along with this, he should take note of the equipment, areas, and/or limitations.

In addition, sometimes it would be helpful for the "advice givers" that you attach pictures of the problematic areas to give a better idea of the problem at hand, showing additional information. A picture may be worth a thousand words.

3. remember that the more info given up front, the better the advice will follow.

AS A REPLY PERSON your responsibility should be as follows:
1. Thoughtfully read the original thread post, keeping in mind what solution he/she is asking for.

2. Follow the replies, and add any helpful info you feel is pertinent, while NOT forgetting the original question. If this can be done in-order, the shorter will be the thread.

3. Never go off on tangents, as the thread will become that much harder to follow & reply to. Stay within the original questions/problems train of thought.

4. Private replies work great too. In this way, you can help the thread posts to stay in tune to the original question/problem while adding insight to the author.

5. If you disagree with a reply, fine that is your prerogative. However, this is NOT a rant & rave thread, so please do not reply with "ATTITUDE" and or useless info thus deviating from and not keeping within the architect structure of the thread.

Remember, the purpose is to find a solution, not put forth personal attacks insults, or off-tangent comments. And those who respond like this, well you know who you are & need to rethink your approach.

We are all here to help our fellow "Club Members" to better enjoy their sailing experience.

The good guys on this site know this and conform, unfortunately, those that hurt this process sadly may never will.........

CR


I don't think I got that many rules to follow when I was asked to be a Moderator ....... :D



I look at forums as standing at a bar and having a conversation with friends.... sometimes you follow along the discussion, sometimes you wander. If someone starts to tell you when, where and how to reply you lose interest quickly.
 
May 10, 2004
182
Catalina 30 Puget Sound
Don't change anything. It has been perfect for years........Looks like Captain Ron has been here less than two years and wants to fix it.
 
Jan 22, 2008
404
Catalina 380 16 Rochester NY
And I think Seanshine's response hits it on the head....

Is it really necessary to say that? Or perhaps Squid's original tongue in cheek response "Blah..too many rules" is a 'nicer' more polite way to say I agree, but I disagree.

By the way Ron, I have no problem with what you said and I especially like your comments about pictures.

I try to always include pictures in my questions and my responses because they are a tremendous help.

I can't begin to tell everyone what a god send this forum is. I was able to rewire my entire boat, replumb the head, sand down and reglass the 'Catalina Smile', use the right wax, sand and repaint my stern, set my sails correctly (well not quite) and so much much more.

People I'll never meet but I know by name have been there for me and for many, many others. I try to pay it forward as best I can, I'm not an expert, but I know what I've done and I know I can pass on what I've done. I feel it's my duty to check this forum every day and answer those questions or add my thoughts whenever I feel they will help and not confuse or contridict with others. A duty that others OBVISOUSLY feel too!

Thanks Ron

Chris

(of course this broke one of Ron's rules of going into a tangent :doh:)
 

mortyd

.
Dec 11, 2004
952
Catalina 30 easy living
when writing the constituion hamilton told madison the death of our future would be to give the vote to the stupid, and madison asked 'who are the stupid?'

we all want a web sit with no rude or offensive posting, but who decides?
 
Jan 22, 2008
880
Fed up w/ personal attacks I'm done with SBO
we all want a web sit with no rude or offensive posting, but who decides?
The administrator and moderators are at the controls. It's their decision which posts survive and which don't. Participants have the ultimate choice whether or not to be part of a forum with rude members or un-enforced rules. Negative experiences will certainly affect participation.
 
Sep 20, 2006
2,952
Hunter 33 Georgian Bay, Ontario, Canada
when writing the constituion hamilton told madison the death of our future would be to give the vote to the stupid, and madison asked 'who are the stupid?'

we all want a web sit with no rude or offensive posting, but who decides?

Like I always tell my kids, theres 2 ways to make your point. You can tell someone they're an idiot for their opinion or respect their opinion and express your ideas. The first will end up with moderating, the second not.


We actually do not have too much in the way of Moderating posts and have commented many times how good the entire SBO group of sites are, which is a huge compliment to all you guys and gals. :D

Once in a while some get out of hand and start calling each other names etc. and we have to step in, but mostly we just delete spam, advertising etc. etc.
 
Feb 26, 2004
23,008
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
...madison asked 'who are the stupid?'
The guy who is governor of Wisconsin, for starters. :D

The guys who moderate this forum are the nicest bunch of folks I've ever worked with. Even if I have been taken to task for asking some "questioners" to read a book before they asked away after a long thread which answered their questions already.

All I did was to forget to quote the Forum Guidelines. :dance:
 

jrowan

.
Mar 5, 2011
1,294
O'Day 35 Severn River, Mobjack Bay, Va.
I agree with that Stu! Well, I think there are always things that we regret after we have said them, which seem justified in the heat of a moment. Myself definitely included.
My take on what Ron was pointing out was not to post things that are just for the sake of being arguementative or malititous. Pointing out that someone else is wrong doesn't necessarily make you right, it just makes you look mean spirited.
 

Squidd

.
Sep 26, 2011
890
AMF Alcort Paceship PY26 Washburn Wi. Apostle Islands
Or, as Mrs. Squidd always says...

"It's not 'what' you said...It's the 'way' you said it..."
 

Squidd

.
Sep 26, 2011
890
AMF Alcort Paceship PY26 Washburn Wi. Apostle Islands
Of course, she says "Grow Up...Your so Immature..." a lot too... ;)
 
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