Hello all!
If you're anything like me, you like to browse the general discussion forums frequently.
There's always a whole host of ideas and fresh topics to discuss. This guide isn't a set of rules, since the official forum rules have that covered. These are simply guidelines that can help you to be a positive force in your online gaming community, and make the forums a better place.
1. Remember that your opinion, and the OP's opinion, carry the same weight.
The OP's feelings are just as important as yours, even if they are someone who just started last month, while you have been playing since Vanilla. You are both WoW players, the only distinction that matters. Keep this in mind when you disagree with the OP. If you feel the OP is factually incorrect, politely explain why (and cite sources as appropriate). When you offer your opinion, it's a good idea to use your experiences to help illustrate why you feel the way you do. Just remember that length of time played does not make you more important. Both your feelings matter.
2. Don't resort to name calling.
You may passionately disagree about something, but if you start saying things like "Anyone who thinks X is a moron" you've just completely lost any chance of convincing them of your point of view. When someone calls you a name, do you suddenly become more inclined to agree they are right? Of course not. Stick to the issue at hand and keep it civil.
3. Reply with substance, not spam
Whether you agree or disagree with the OP, your reply should illustrate how and why you feel that way. "I think that would be a great addition to the game, because it would be a lot of fun" or "I don't think that would be a good change, I think it would be quite frustrating to deal with because X" are good examples of substance. "+1" or "Blizz will never do that" doesn't really further the conversation in any meaningful way.
4. If you think the OP is irrelevant, don't post
If someone has an idea for pet battles, and you never pet battle, it makes little sense to try and shoot down a pet battling idea. The people who pet battle are more than capable of discussing the thread without your input. I know it can be difficult not to shower the forums in your wisdom at every opportunity, but the forums are a better place when we can exercise restraint from time to time.
5. Try to stay on topic
If someone is making a pet battle suggestion, it's not really the time to discuss hunter pets. Sometimes it's appealing when you see an active discussion and you naturally want to discuss similar issues that are important to you. Just remember that you have the ability to make your own threads about those issues. It's impolite to derail a conversation. Besides, if you make your own thread, other people who care about that issue are more likely to see it and join the conversation.
6. Keep an open mind
You never know. You may just learn something new! That, and even the best of us can find out they are mistaken once in awhile.
If anyone else has a suggestion or helpful tips for positive interaction with other posters on the forums, please reply. Happy posting!
If you're anything like me, you like to browse the general discussion forums frequently.
There's always a whole host of ideas and fresh topics to discuss. This guide isn't a set of rules, since the official forum rules have that covered. These are simply guidelines that can help you to be a positive force in your online gaming community, and make the forums a better place.
1. Remember that your opinion, and the OP's opinion, carry the same weight.
The OP's feelings are just as important as yours, even if they are someone who just started last month, while you have been playing since Vanilla. You are both WoW players, the only distinction that matters. Keep this in mind when you disagree with the OP. If you feel the OP is factually incorrect, politely explain why (and cite sources as appropriate). When you offer your opinion, it's a good idea to use your experiences to help illustrate why you feel the way you do. Just remember that length of time played does not make you more important. Both your feelings matter.
2. Don't resort to name calling.
You may passionately disagree about something, but if you start saying things like "Anyone who thinks X is a moron" you've just completely lost any chance of convincing them of your point of view. When someone calls you a name, do you suddenly become more inclined to agree they are right? Of course not. Stick to the issue at hand and keep it civil.
3. Reply with substance, not spam
Whether you agree or disagree with the OP, your reply should illustrate how and why you feel that way. "I think that would be a great addition to the game, because it would be a lot of fun" or "I don't think that would be a good change, I think it would be quite frustrating to deal with because X" are good examples of substance. "+1" or "Blizz will never do that" doesn't really further the conversation in any meaningful way.
4. If you think the OP is irrelevant, don't post
If someone has an idea for pet battles, and you never pet battle, it makes little sense to try and shoot down a pet battling idea. The people who pet battle are more than capable of discussing the thread without your input. I know it can be difficult not to shower the forums in your wisdom at every opportunity, but the forums are a better place when we can exercise restraint from time to time.
5. Try to stay on topic
If someone is making a pet battle suggestion, it's not really the time to discuss hunter pets. Sometimes it's appealing when you see an active discussion and you naturally want to discuss similar issues that are important to you. Just remember that you have the ability to make your own threads about those issues. It's impolite to derail a conversation. Besides, if you make your own thread, other people who care about that issue are more likely to see it and join the conversation.
6. Keep an open mind
You never know. You may just learn something new! That, and even the best of us can find out they are mistaken once in awhile.
If anyone else has a suggestion or helpful tips for positive interaction with other posters on the forums, please reply. Happy posting!
