So I've been on forums for many years. IVE SEEN SOME STUFF MAN. That has shown me the very best of forums and the very worst. There are many things at my other forums that I agree with and many I don't. Keep in mind this forum is ten years old than EP and 35 times as massive as far as members go. It is inevitable that people will get ignored. But EP is different. It is a much closer, tight-knit community. Sure we argue sometimes, but overall, it is very pleasant here. Here are some things that I know for a fact make a good community and may help you guys do even better than you already are. Keep in mind, I am NOT telling you what to do, but I know what works and doesn't. The Chill Factor Part of being a good poster is keeping calm. Do not loose your head. Think through your posts rationally. Don't lose your temper. This may cause people to try to set you off. I don't find it very likely in a community such as this but you never know. If you are about to lose your cool, remove yourself from the thread. Immediately. The Troll Triangulum Don't troll. Just don't do it. It doesn't make you cool nor does it automatically make you funny. Even if you do gain a few laughs, it will not gain you any popularity and could easily hurt it. Which brings me on to my next point: The Humor Hypothesis There is a difference between trolling and humor. Trolling is constant harassment (which some find funny I DUNNO). Humor is making people laugh. It is one of the best feeling in the world to make a person laugh. Sure, some are more serious and some are more playful, but you've got to have moderation in both regards. Let's look at this example: When this person could have easily gone along with it and had a good laugh as well or be like: Obviously in a joking way. But if a poster says: For the love of God, do not make a joke afterwards. Pay attention to previous posts. This will be covered more in a bit. All about moderation in that regard. Making Friends and Talking to People You make friends by talking to people. Don't leave anypony out unless they are trolling. Show people you genuinely care about them and about their problems. Everypony has problems. Everypony is somepony, right? Do your best to stay friendly! ^_^ Stay on topic If you are not posting in the GCT, stay on topic. Straying a little is ok but try to stay with the general theme of the thread. A fun thread can be strayed away from more than a serious thread. If it is a more serious topic, however, make sure YOU STAY ON TOPIC. If you are new: -Don't be afraid to join in conversations. A person may have 8,000 posts but that really doesn't matter. They could also be an unpopular member. You won't know until you join in on the conversation! -Jump in! Make friends. Follow these guidelines and you will be the talk of EP. Everypony will want to be your friend. If you have a little extra time on your hands... Try new things! Don't be afraid to try your hand at RPing or fanfiction or drawing. Heck, even venturing out of this section would be a start! When in the GCT: -You do not have to stay on topic -It would be wise to read a few posts back before posting -If the topic is not something you are interested in, feel free to start a new topic -If a fight has broken out, please inform the staff ASAP -If a serious, personal subject is being discussed, please try to contribute or simply don't post for a while (a good rule of thumb is about an hour) Please inform me if I should add more (which I probably will later, that's not everything) or expand on anything. IT SHALL WORK.
wow superRD that just hits the spot, glad you actually took the time to write that down. even though everyone should be able to figure that on their own, but still... props to you man!
Well, to be honest, I've noticed some members that are much more prominent than myself not knowing some of this stuff. Not only on the this forum but others as well. Many of these issues will definitely come up as the site grows.
maybe you could also add "don't be afraid to join in a conversation" or something along the lines. when you're new to the thing it's not always that easy to hit it up with 10000 posts fellas i have been in those shows, months and months ago, when i first came here^^
I support all of the above. I think it gives the right sort of message. Also yeah, what Timotei says lol, don't be afraid to join a conversation. I wasn't shy at all when I joined and: > Showed up start of February > Befriended half the site > Became Community Officer in mid-April :derpe:
quite the career man you are^^ nah seriously, mark my words... i'm still a bit nervous to try out the group RPs
that would destroy half of all topics on this forum, hell we have a thread dedicated to mindless not on topicness
Nopony tells me when to be calm! Nopony!!! . . . . . But seriously: as to the last bit about trying new things, I think a lot of it comes down to simple ignorance. Since I know how to write decently I could probably write half-way decent fanfiction if I put my mind to it, but I honestly have no idea what to do regarding, say, RPing. I've never done it. I would probably be open to it, but my complete lack of exposure to it makes me nervous even about just lurking in that forum.
>Appeared randomly May last year >Befriended the staff >Hired in October Poetic has me beat in his family charms and mannerisms. I cannot compete. Suddenly, Dan. On a side note, I really like this thread. I'll see if I can get it stickymafied.
Bottom line, people can post however they want to. If I want to be an sympathetic troll, I'll be a sympathetic troll. While I may not be -liked- for that, it's my right to do so. (This is only an example.)
That might be okay, but I want it to be left in here because this is the most active section. Well, of course. Members can choose to ignore all of this. I've found these useful and wish to share with the awesome members here. Plus, I want the newbies to feel welcome.
