I am a big fan of forums. They provide an unique opportunity for users of various expertise and common passions to interact and exchange ideas. However, it seems to me that over the last few years forums are getting to be a bit hostile. Both directly against a specific vendor or service provider, and individuals. So I thought I would throw out my thoughts on proper forum decor. They are worth exactly what you paid for them..

If a vendor or service provider did you wrong by all means let us know, but before you do so give the vendor a chance to work it out with you. Then once you hit a road block, let the sharing begin. However, don’t spew vehement angry tirades as it hurts your credibility. It makes you look like the problem rather than the vendor. For example, one could say I purchased product X, it failed after two days. I contacted the vendor and after numerous exchanged they told me tough luck. I am angry and frustrated! Buyer beware! It’s simple and lets folks know that you reasonably approached the vendor and were denied a proper response. On the same note if a company treats you right, give them some credit, folks appreciate the information.

Another pet peeve is the poor sap who asks the dumb question and gets beat on. Bullying affects society at all levels, lets avoid this on the forums. Sadly, these forums can be certain individuals sole source of public interaction. Let’s not push them over the edge! Nothing wrong with asking folks to use the search button and kindly suggesting things, but pure brow beating is uncalled for and not respectful. Remember the forum is made up of a group of individuals sharing a common passion. We are all in it together, and we should look at our interaction as both a chance to learn and help. Forums are a place to both be a “mentee” and a mentor, but be honest and specific as to your level of expertise and don’t hesitate to go back and correct assumptions and posts as your knowledge grows and opinions change.

Keeping that in mind with, we all know less then we think we do. Be careful providing information and recommendations. Be clear, precise, and honest as to your experience with the given topic or product. Nothing is more frustrating than to hear a guy go on and on about how awesome his boots are and then find out in a different thread he bought the darn boots three days ago. He could have been just as excited about his boots, but adding his experience to the update would have been much more helpful and informative, yet still provide a chance to share his excitement of a new piece of gear.

Watch your language. We are ambassadors for the given forum theme (hunting, shooting, photography, trucks, etc.). Would you want the thread published on the front page of a big time newspaper stating this is how the group converses and acts? Additionally, younger generations can be just as passionate about the topic as others and we need to be solid role models and nurture the next generation of hunters, shooters, 4×4 junkies, etc.

Sometime it can’t be helped, emotions run deep, companies screw up, people lie, exaggerations are made, and things spin out of control. If you spewed something out go back and edit it, if you can’t edit it reach out to the forum moderators. Clean up your junk, apologize and move on. We all have those moments.

Lastly some companies and people seem to set themselves up for controversy. It just seems like they keep putting their foot in their mouth no matter how hard they try not to. Don’t be that guy, don’t be that company. If you are such a company an investment into a public relations consultant might be a wise consideration. If you are that guy, and you can’t and won’t stop, I highly encourage forum owners to empower their moderators to banish you. Forums are a great place to communicate, share, learn, and be entertained. If you are constantly changing the tone and ruining the atmosphere you need to go.

Forum Behaviors, 5 rules for happy posting..
listen and learn more than you post
be courteous and respectful to all
be honest as to your level of expertise
don’t ever hesitate to admit you were wrong
figure out how the forum works (understand private messaging (PM), posting photos, etc.)

Thoughts?