DU Etiquette-A Guide For the Young and Old.

[hang a left]

I have been thinking about posting a How to DU guide. Although I have not been around here as long as some, I think that I can get this thing started. Please feel free to add any suggestions you have. Some of these I am recalling from another thread that was posted a few months back, some I have figured out on my own. You can disagree with me as well (Like you need my permission).

1. Try to adhere to the short form of the rules for discussion as follows;

a. This is a message board for Democrats and other progressives.
b. Treat people with respect. Don't be rude or bigoted. Discuss the message, not the messenger.
c. Don't post entire articles. Instead, post short excerpts (not exceeding 4 paragraphs) with links.
d. Respect the wishes of the moderators and administrators.

2. There are lots of new DUers with the campaign season in full swing. Try to give the poster the benefit of the doubt. Unless of course, they are a blatant troll. Then of course hit the alert button. (But not before you have thoroughly humiliated them) :-).

3. If you ask for help, make sure you thank the person or people that have helped you. People go out of their way to look for things, and to contribute to your discussion. You can always thank them in advance, I am sure that will suffice. The best way to keep track of this is to check "My Posts" at the top of the board pages. This will lead you back to the posts that you have made in the last 24 hours and the replies to your posts. (Took me a while to figure that one out).

4. It is considerate to contribute to a post that has already been started by another DUer. So if there is a subject already on the first page that has to do with the particular subject matter you wish to discuss, go ahead and add it that thread. It helps that poster's thread along and keeps it alive. It also lessens the redundancy of a subject and keeps everyone else's posts on page 1 a while longer. You will always have a chance to start an original discussion and perhaps that same courtesy will be extended to you as well.

5. If you are making a short comment in the subject line without any text in the message box; add n/t (no text), or eom (end of message) to the subject line. That lets people know that is what you had to say and they don't need to "view all" or click onto your post when they are checking back for comments on a thread.

6. Kick other peoples threads that have subjects you are interested in or show a concerted effort. Sometimes the GD threads move very fast. You can miss alot if your aren't glued to each forum 24/7. It is courteous and I am sure the favor will be returned.

7. Remember this is a very populated website. We get all kinds. You are not going to agree with all the opinions that get stated here. Try to disagree respectfully. One man's conspiracy theory is another's deep belief. I have been around here long enough to watch many conspiracy theories become conspiracy fact. I think we should be free to discuss without reprimand. There are thousands of live threads to sift through if you don't like the one you have recently clicked on.

8. If someone makes you laugh tell them so. It is nice to find out that your humor amuses others. People crack me up all the time around here. Lots of discussions are very serious and sometimes LBN can sink you into a deep depression. There are some pretty funny people around here that can brighten things up real fast. Encourage them.

9. If you are able please donate. I would be lost without DU and the stars are pretty. :-) It doesn't have to be during the fund drive, you can contribute anytime. I believe we get many visits from campaigns and media. I also think we get used as a think tank without knowing it. DU is a powerful source of information and is very worthy of your contribution.

10. If you see someone new, welcome them. It is nice to be noticed. I love my invisible friends.

I am going to stop here. I hope others add to this guide.

[Wonk]

1. It's almost always better to add your thoughts on a subject to an existing

thread about it instead of starting another one.

more...
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=105x1618701

This thread is an exception to that, though, imho, since the other one I linked to above is in the lounge, and some DUers avoid the lounge.

[hang a left]

3. That is hillarious.

Thank you for sharing.

[jrthin]

2. Valuable reminders. Thanks. n/t

[NewHampshireDem]

4. I would add, "Read, READ, READ!" then post ...

Just like if you were entering a party, you would walk around and listen and mingle a bit before you started yapping. Do the same here and you'll quickly get a sense of what works and what doesn't. I myself 'lurked' for quite a while before I joined.

[calimary]

5. Kick! There ARE lots of new people here. This is a good idea.

Every now and then it's good to catch people up. How many times do you see a post from someone who asks the meaning of MIHOP or BFEE or *? Things like that took me awhile to figure out, too. New people are popping up here in noticeable numbers. I see some threads that may not be terribly long, but have several new arrivals.