Rules of Engagement

Hello Forum Fans!

               Forums are a lot like the social networks we use on a daily basis but they can be even more personal. You can meet new people on Forum sites and build relationships that last for years. Everyone on the forum is likely to share your same interests or seek the same information about a topic or type of product that you were hoping to find.   

  Keep these tips in mind when interacting on Forum sites (like Amazon, CNET, and others). 

• Be helpful and stay on topic. As you type commentary or chat inside your forum, remember the topic of that forum and stay on point. It's not always about you wither. All comments and answers should stick to the subject at hand. 

• Get to know the message board, chat room or forum's style. Is the particular forum or board more "text speak" style or grammatical? Communicating within a group requires an understanding of the group's culture and reading other's posts before you comment can help you seamlessly fit into the group.  

• Respect specificity. Treat others as you wish to be treated, and be specific in your shared opinions. Be yourself, but be courteous and respectful of others.  

• Be transparent. Increase your credibility. If you represent a brand,  organization or client, put that information in your bio. It's even proper online etiquette to add a short disclaimer to your answers and responses (to remind others of your affiliation). 

• Don't feed the trolls. You can find all types of troublemakers on forums. Do take the time to differentiate between what the industry calls a "troll" and participants with legitimate complaints or concerns. By definition, a troll can never be satisfied.

        By following these guidelines, you can master the art of forum participation or management in no time!

Until next time!
~~ Abby and Meng