More folks have run afoul of the "Play Nice" rule than any other (though political speech and guns run a close second and third). So since I am waiting for the paint to dry, I thought I would write a short article on "How to Disagree" and "Caveat Lector" (Reader Beware).
1) If you ask a question or request help, RESPECT the fact that someone took the time to read and answer your post. 99% of the members will not bother.
2) EXPECT that the reply may or may not help you (and may even damage your camper!). This is where Caveat Lector comes in. However, remember rule 1.
3) Not everyone who replies will actually know what they are talking about. It is up to you to separate the "Wheat from the Chaff". However, remember rule 1.
4) If someone DOES help you, remember to "Thank" them. That button (may no be available on the Mobile App) will increment the members "reputation" for being helpful. That way if some one has to flip a coin between advice from two sources, they can use the user's profile to compare how helpful one person has been versus another.
5) The WORST arguments we see are from two people fighting over a nuance (picking nits). If you mostly agree with what was said; LET IT GO.
6) If you disagree with what was said, your point of view has more credibility when you include links and photographs to support your premise. ANYONE can say they have 30 years in the industry and their word is "Ex Cathedra" (Right from God's mouth"); most times they are pretty clueless.
7) What do you call a doctor who graduated DEAD LAST in his class? "Doctor". Even experts disagree. AGREE TO DISAGREE. If it becomes clear that no amount of supporting evidence will convince some bozo that you are right; then GO AWAY. Be the adult and drop it. If what is being promoted is flat out dangerous (PM the original poster and say so to rest your conscience).
8) Not everyone here is from the Good Ole USA. About a third of our membership is from Canada and many are from all over the world. Parochialism just don't cut it. We are here to talk campers and camping and nothing else (OK, a good joke every now and then).
9) Speaking of jokes; just because you thought that racy, sexist, racist, disgusting joke you heard was the greatest thing since sliced bread, SOMEONE here will be offended. There ARE really funny G rated jokes. Save the bathroom humor for the bathroom please.
10) "RED ONE, STAY ON TARGET" (Not just for Star Wars). Wandering off topic is a good way to antagonize people. It makes it hard for them to find "THE ANSWER" to their problem in the 40 posts of irrelevant drivel. Take your irrelevant drivel to the off topic area.
11) TONE does not come across in a post. Just because you are joking with your best off line buddy, the REST of us take your post at face value. Sarcasm does NOT translate well.
Condescension, unfortunately, comes through loud and clear. I am not trying to be condescending with this post (even if I succeeded); just helpful. See item 1.
Herk
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Lou & Freya the wonder dog
2008 GMC Sierra 3000HD Allison Duramax
2019 Flagstaff 8529FL
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Mike and Yvonne
and Sophie, the little white dog
2017 Columbus 320RSC
2021 Chevy Silverado 3500HD DRW 4X4 Duramax “It's not how old you are, it's how you are old.” ― Jules Renard "It's not the years...it's the mileage." - Indiana Jones
thanks for that post. I have found majority of people here very helpful and very responsive to receiving help. Every once in a while get one that just wants to argue with all the help they are receiving. Don't ask if you can't handle sorting through the opinions.
I have been thinking about this topic since we went on the St Augustine rally. For the most part everyone is polite and for a forum that is unusual. The big difference for FROGs is we all want to meet. It was great to meet face to face folks that you have talked to on the forum for so long. Looking forward to Goshen and putting more faces to names.
having been a member of a number of RV-related forums, over the past 8 years, i often see new members frustrated when they get more than they ask for, on their thread.
they fail to realize that this is a public forum and no matter what you ask for, people will post what they want to, whether it's related to the thread or not.
as long as they aren't offensive or violate forum rules, people are allowed to post what they feel like, in answering the original post.
often times, the thread will get highjacked by members going off on another tangent. but we all should remind them of staying on the thread's subject.
but this forum is, by far, the most polite and helpful one that i frequent.
go and check out RV.net's forums and see what the other side of polite is.
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Dan-Retired California Firefighter/EMT
Shawn-Musician/Entrepreneur/Wine Expert
and Zoe the Wonder Dog(R.I.P.)
2016 PrimeTime TracerAIR 255, pushing a 2014 Ford F150 SCREW XTR 4x4 3.5 Ecoboost w/Max Tow Package
4pt Equal-i-zer WDH and 1828lbs of payload capacity
LOL, Crabbyguy. I've had a ton and have been biting my "fingers"!
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Officially a SOB with a 2022 Jayco Precept 36C
Checkout my site for RVing tips, tricks, and info | Was a Fulltime Family for 5 years, now we're part-timing on long trips
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Scot, I am "that guy"
2014 Raptor 27FS
2014 Ram 1500 Laramie
Days camped in 2013 = 30 final.
Days camped in 2014 = 27 final. igkra.com
How to Play Nice
2011 Flagstaff 831 RLBSS
"PT Crew Members Since 9/2010"
can`t forget that little guy!
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