I had never posted on a board until I found the Fuselage – I’m not really into computer’s, but Yeah! I thought, I had found a site with people as equally obsessed with the show as I was.* So I read the FAQ’s, poked around, pushed buttons, read the links and then clumsily figured out how to post.* But here’s the deal, there appears to be a number of “unwritten rules” to posting that I kinda … um…sorta . . .* figured out the hard way.*

For example – I’m more of a kidder, ;) I like to joke around with people :lol2:, however if you post without all the dancing happy faces and characters -* it comes across as kinda rude >:(* Unfortanelty, this didn’t occur to me until after I made numerous posts, re-read them a couple of days later and I thought- Oooooh, that did sound a little harsh – but that wasn’t my intention.*

Here’s another example - in some theory threads, what I would consider to be a normal brainstorming process, is actually referred to as “Thread Drifting.”* The Theory Police may just decide to issue you a ticket for this offense.* When I do creative thinking, I meander and roam freely, however I am sensing many people on this thread tend to think more linearly, take themselves fairly seriously and don’t appreciate this.* If in doubt, it’s best to just start a new thread.*

There also seems to be something about editing your own posts – I think you’re supposed to tell people what and why you’ve edited – but I’m still a little unclear on this one.

There’s seems to be firmly established cliques (the members with 200-300 posts and up) that like to discuss their new ideas and they like to high-five and pat each other on the back with their revelations. And that’s cool* 8)– they know each other and obviously enjoy each other, it’s just that jumping in on their threads might not be the best idea – it seems to be safer as a newbie to jump in first with other new posters and try and start your own threads. Some of them are more tolerant of new posters than others, and quite friendly and helpful, but when you are new, it's easy to take something personally if something you post is ignored or attacked, or disagreed with.* Newbies shouldn't take things personally.* * *

Also, If you jump into this site mid-season – all the new posters who are so full of excitement and so eager to share their new insights, should understand that the posters with tons of stars have been talking about all of this stuff forever and basically everything has been already been hashed out forwards and backwards. It’s like they’ve forgotten the fun and excitement of uncovering the layers and depth to this show and some will get a little testy, like you are bringing up old news. Others are really, really nice and will direct you to where the information was.* *Don’t make the same mistake I did – at least try and skim through the bazillion’s of back pages.*

Now, I understand that this may not be particularly socially or politically correct to bring up some of these issues, but if it helps any other new posters, then hopefully they can learn from my mistakes.* I know I would have appreciated knowing a little of this. My overall experience on this site is that most people are really, really friendly and helpful.* *Thanks!* *

Hi craftydorthy,

I've never posted on a board before the Fuselage either and I had some unpleasant experiences in the beginning of my posting life here. I have since made some great friends, but due to some of the unpleasantness, I avoid posting in certain areas. ;)

It is sometimes hard to tell when someone is being funny or sarcastic, but you can sure tell when they are being rude eh?

PEACE

jamie

let me weigh in on this.* *first of all...welcome.


there appears to be a number of “unwritten rules” to posting that I kinda … um…sorta . . .* figured out the hard way.*

For example – I’m more of a kidder, ;) I like to joke around with people :lol2:, however if you post without all the dancing happy faces and characters -* it comes across as kinda rude >:(* Unfortanelty, this didn’t occur to me until after I made numerous posts, re-read them a couple of days later and I thought- Oooooh, that did sound a little harsh – but that wasn’t my intention.

i do realize that it can seem foreign to those that dont post regularly as well as never before.* the one thing that i try to pass along to NEW posters is to remember that the readers of your post are NOT IN YOUR HEAD.* * while it may funny to you b/c you KNOW what you were saying it can come across as harsh or rude.

Here’s another example - in some theory threads, what I would consider to be a normal brainstorming process, is actually referred to as “Thread Drifting.”* The Theory Police may just decide to issue you a ticket for this offense.* When I do creative thinking, I meander and roam freely, however I am sensing many people on this thread tend to think more linearly, take themselves fairly seriously and don’t appreciate this.* If in doubt, it’s best to just start a new thread.*

i dont think there are Theory police out there.* if you EVER feel that you have been handled harshly by ANY of the posters, report the post/thread or whatever. that is what the little "report this post" button is for.* that said, i would advise you to not ramble on in your posts as to clog the boards with said creative thinking rambles.*

also DONT START a NEW THREAD just b/c you dont feel welcome to post.* ALL threads that are duplicates will BE DELETED.


There also seems to be something about editing your own posts – I think you’re supposed to tell people what and why you’ve edited – but I’m still a little unclear on this one.

i highly recommend telling what or why you edited your post.* it is a courtesy.* that way if the discussion gets a bit argumentative, it will not look as if you changed something to make your counterpart look bad or make you look better.* ;D
yes i have seen that done...and IMO it is very bad form.


There’s seems to be firmly established cliques (the members with 200-300 posts and up) that like to discuss their new ideas and they like to high-five and pat each other on the back with their revelations. And that’s cool* 8)– they know each other and obviously enjoy each other, it’s just that jumping in on their threads might not be the best idea – it seems to be safer as a newbie to jump in first with other new posters and try and start your own threads. Some of them are more tolerant of new posters than others, and quite friendly and helpful, but when you are new, it's easy to take something personally if something you post is ignored or attacked, or disagreed with.* Newbies shouldn't take things personally.* *

i disagree with a lot of those comments.* while some have been here from day one...there are others that just joined and already have 200 plus posts in their counter.* you are allowed and encouraged to post anywhere you want to post.* no one should exclude you AT ALL.* *there is NOT one thread reserved for new posters and you SHOULD jump into any and all conversations/threads.
and again i suggest you do NOT start you own new thread just b/c you dont feel welcome in whatever topic to which you wish to post.


Also, If you jump into this site mid-season – all the new posters who are so full of excitement and so eager to share their new insights, should understand that the posters with tons of stars have been talking about all of this stuff forever and basically everything has been already been hashed out forwards and backwards. It’s like they’ve forgotten the fun and excitement of uncovering the layers and depth to this show and some will get a little testy, like you are bringing up old news. Others are really, really nice and will direct you to where the information was.* *Don’t make the same mistake I did – at least try and skim through the bazillion’s of back pages.*

yes that bit about having already discussed things does happen.* however sometimes something little has been missed.* i would not suggest that you start a brand new thread just b/c you dont think the topic has been discussed.* yes do skim the titles of previous threads.* yes there are many of them in the back pages.* being informed is important.* so dont click on the eppy title (for example) and just post/start a new thread b/c you are excited...only to find that 3 other people have already posted the same subject.


Now, I understand that this may not be particularly socially or politically correct to bring up some of these issues, but if it helps any other new posters, then hopefully they can learn from my mistakes.* I know I would have appreciated knowing a little of this. My overall experience on this site is that most people are really, really friendly and helpful.* *Thanks!*


you had some good points however i think your view is a bit skewed b/c of your newness to posting boards.* *it can be harsh sometimes but common sense helps make it better.
i am glad that you have found most of your experience here positive. the MODs are trying to help keep this site the best that it can be. enjoy your stay. :)

halfrek, let me just say that you and the other MODS are awesome.

I do sort of agree with some of the things said. Its sort of nice to see someone has taken the effort to try and explin some of this stuff to newbies, cause I know I was one, and learned a lot of things the hard way.

It would maybe be nice if some of these guidelines were in the FAQ, as their own section, like etiquette or something, (if that doesn't exist for more serious things like swearing etc), because it can be hard to figure it out if you don't know how online communities like this work

That said, this is the easiest forum I've used to just jump in and not be called a n00b all the time, easily the most courteous of all them out there.

So ya thanks to you guys for making this board as awesome as it is, I love spending time on here

I'm a newbie here, but I post on messageboards quite regurally, and the things that you (craftydorthy) mention are common to most boards. If you're kidding, put a :P . Because the internet has no facial expression, gestures, or tone of voice, we have to use emoticons to add some of those. Also, *never* be afraid of the oldbies. Trust me, I came here from a board with some downright scary oldbies. :P Jump into their threads, try to make inteligent comments and contribute to the discussion. It's a good idea to read some of the thread before you do so, but someone's post count should never, ever discourage you from posting somewhere if you think you have something to contribute.

Honestly, I think the best advice I can think of is to lurk before you post. Get a feel for the message board, the etiquette, the atmosphere. Lurking never hurts and it can always help. :)

The White Lady

The hardest thing for me was the lingo. Every board seems to have its own little sayings. And the nicknames for posters just baffled me! I had NO idea WHO or WHAT they were talking about!

halfrek, let me just say that you and the other MODS are awesome.

Just echoing that, the modding on this board is excellent -- it's the perfect balance of keeping order without stomping on people.*

I'm a newbie here, but I post on messageboards quite regurally, and the things that you (craftydorthy) mention are common to most boards.

Absolutely.* I've been posting on boards for about a decade now, and the same dynamics exist on every last one of them. There is a lot of excellent advice on this thread that will take you through the awkward newbie stage without too much trauma.* *:)*

There’s seems to be firmly established cliques (the members with 200-300 posts and up) that like to discuss their new ideas and they like to high-five and pat each other on the back with their revelations. And that’s cool – they know each other and obviously enjoy each other, it’s just that jumping in on their threads might not be the best idea – it seems to be safer as a newbie to jump in first with other new posters and try and start your own threads. Some of them are more tolerant of new posters than others, and quite friendly and helpful, but when you are new, it's easy to take something personally if something you post is ignored or attacked, or disagreed with. Newbies shouldn't take things personally.

Crafty,
Let me say that if you were to poke your head into any thread, they would welcome you and if they don't then pooy on them! Please come in and say hi, we can see your name when your in a topic and if you don't come in and say hi you may get someone in there telling you to get in there and post :laugh: I sure hope you find it fun here and your welcome to come to the groups anytime PLEASE some of them need new blood ;)

ACK! The people who have the highest posts are in fact the people you WANT to jump in topics with! I have never ever shafted a 'newbie' because they have not posted as much as me! I love meeting new people and if they can have the same laid back fun as me then were all right with one another!

So speaking for the 1000+ groups, WE ARE NOT CLIQUEY! In fact, we are all really tired of one another and would love new company! We mostly convene here in chit chat *or at least me* so if you want to meet people, joke around and make friends, hop into some random thread and post away! Cause I just love talking to new posties! In fact, I spent like a half an hour talking to this new guy who only has posted 6 times and we had the most awesome chat! (Lost-cowboy rocks mah sox!) SO don't let anyone tell you otherwise. We're nice people and if your post is ignored, its not because we are shafting you! Its because not EVERY post gets attention! I am a long time poster and not ALL my posts get attention. But I DON'T CARE! It doesn't matter to me. What matters is that I get a chance to say something and if someone has a comment on it, then thats great!

So jump in posties! I want to talk to ya!

Also speaking for the 1000+ "groups", I encourage you to jump into any conversation. I'm getting really sick of Ophelia ::) ;)

Yeah, me too, theG. They should ban that ho from this place! GAWD! ;D ;)

Don't tell her I said this, but her feet smell :sick:

I won't - I know how sensitive she is about people talking about her smelly feet. ;)

I'd like to say that Yoda is a weirdo. *nods* :-* for Yoda.

Does everyone think the high posters are stuck up? I just don't get that. I hope we can change that assumption.

Does everyone think the high posters are stuck up? I just don't get that. I hope we can change that assumption.

I don't think so. I had loads of fun with those of you in the 1000+ group last night. :) Yoda is still a weirdo.

Err...yes. *I do hope no one thinks that...

I mean, I personally feel that Nicholee shouldn't be name-calling. I'm not fond of the name-calling.

I think its because we post alot in chit chat that people think we are cliquey. Its not that. Its just we don't post ONLY about Lost, which is weird cause thats why we come here but really, we like to hang about with people with the same tastes in entertainment and genres. Thats all. So when we are not posting our theories and thoughts, we are chatting! Its very addictive, really. I have tried to stop many a times but its very difficult.
Really, I love everyone here and I hope this barrier thing gets resolved.

I mean, I personally feel that Nicholee shouldn't be name-calling.* I'm not fond of the name-calling.

Shh Yoda, I am a weirdo too. :-*

I came to this board because I was informed that it wasn't clique-y. *I don't feel I belong in any cliques or anything of that nature. *The best advice I can give to people is what's already been given: *jump in the conversation!

And, I must say, that Chit Chat discussions do turn into stuff about LOST sometimes. *I know I've talked about Shannon/Sayid offspring taking over the world (because, let's face it, with those genes it's totally possible) and what would be said about LOST on an "I Love the *decade*"...err...just wanted to say.

I came to this board because I was informed that it wasn't clique-y. *I don't feel I belong in any cliques or anything of that nature. *The best advice I can give to people is what's already been given: *jump in the conversation!

And, I must say, that Chit Chat discussions do turn into stuff about LOST sometimes. *I know I've talked about Shannon/Sayid offspring taking over the world (because, let's face it, with those genes it's totally possible) and what would be said about LOST on an "I Love the *decade*"...err...just wanted to say.

Wait... it's clique-y here?

So did we ever decide on a name for the Shayid child? I still think Nicholee would be great.

If more people would converse outside of the "serious" topics and reconvene where we can all be lighthearted, then yes, maybe we would know you all better. This goes two ways. In order to feel accepted or taken in, you have to make a step yourself. Its not all about us.

Perhaps we should discuss that in the Sayid/Shannon groups section.

I think we may come off a bit clique-y because we've been posting here for some time now and we all know little things about each other--we've all kind of got inside jokes and whathaveyou. *I've even formed some while talking about LOST and not chatting about the stuff we chat about.


If more people would converse outside of the "serious" topics and reconvene where we can all be lighthearted, then yes, maybe we would know you all better. This goes two ways. In order to feel accepted or taken in, you have to make a step yourself. Its not all about us.


I concur. I disagree with bri about a lot of things on LOST, but we're cool because we chat in other threads. Chit Chat is an awesome way to get to know everyone and have meaningful conversations.

Perhaps we should discuss that in the Sayid/Shannon groups section.

I think we may come off a bit clique-y because we've been posting here for some time now and we all know little things about each other--we've all kind of got inside jokes and whathaveyou. *I've even formed some while talking about LOST and not chatting about the stuff we chat about.



We probably should.

I just formed a clique with Shannon, anyone want to join? Shannon is love. le fin.

Maybe we should make a Topic just for talking about nothing! . . . oh wait . . . there are already about 500 of them!

Ophelia that smell, the smell that surrounds you . . .

Just jump right in with some silly talk about silly walks or silly wonks and we'll all have lots of silly laughs together!

Cannnn you feel the Lurve tonight . . .

:angel:

This board isn't really cliquey at all, the only thing i've found is that O, G, V, bs4, pb, I just can't keep up with you guys and contribute to the conversation quickly enough (stupid school),

Take for example my attempts to keep up with my 1000+ thread......whoa lol

But that's not a bad thing, cause look at all the ridiculously funny discussions you guys have made.

y'all are great, and make this place awesome, keep it up! :)

Does everyone think the high posters are stuck up? I just don't get that. I hope we can change that assumption.


I have never found this to be true. Most of them have been very nice and even when we disagree on a topic it is in a respectful way.

I certainly hope not ^ I love everyone here! :-*

I certainly hope not ^* *I love everyone here!* :-*


We wuv you too car88win! *huggles you*

I'd like to second car88win's statement. *I'd also like to add that I love her shirt-ripping-off feeling-inducing avie.

Rips a bit more for G ;) give us a chance really every single person on here has been absolutely the best. Since I've been on here there was only one poster and that one is gone One big Lost Luvin Family!

Yeah we are like the Care Bears. If you are a big bad meanie Care Bear then we snuff you out with our love and endearment. ;D

so i say stop the waaaaaaamulance and hop on the lost ship and enjoy the ride!

I'm Baby Hugs Bear!

I'd like to second car88win's statement. *I'd also like to add that I love her shirt-ripping-off feeling-inducing avie.

yes, me too!
It is a sin for a man to be that sexy! *mind wanders away* droool.

Hey Me......take a number :lol2: everywhere i go now I've got no shirt left!
Hugs to Baby Hugs Bear I gotta hit the hay but i've had so much fun tonight :-*

car88win baner17, i think that there is some posting etiquette in the FAQ, but it is mostly directed towards the LB.
i need to expand that to include the TB. thanks for the suggestion. :)

edited to fix name.

car88win, i think that there is some posting etiquette in the FAQ, but it is mostly directed towards the LB.
i need to expand that to include the TB. thanks for the suggestion. :)


ouch....that hurts.....halfrek, that was my suggestion!! >:( No offence car, if you did say something, but I checked and couldn't find it :dizzy:

oh well....no worries though

ouch....that hurts.....halfrek, that was my suggestion!! >:( No offence car, if you did say something, but I checked and couldn't find it :dizzy:

oh well....no worries though


oops my bad. i am sorry. yes it was you. that will teach me to post that late at night. let me remedy that.


GREAT IDEA , baner17, thanks for the suggestion. i think it will be a great addition to the FAQ. :)

Its no big deal, i was just joking, we're all one big happy family here

had me running scared there for a sec :fear3: