Community Behavior Online . . . The Inside Scoop

Change is inevitable in the real world as it is on the internet, like reality we must learn to bend and change as our world does around us. IF a particular website proves to be more of a negative place than a positive place for members, then perhaps they need to consider leaving the site for greener pastures. It is not that certain members are not welcome.

That is far from the truth, but the truth is this. There are Terms of Service (TOS) in place on websites for a reason, the most important to keep a site from turning into an overgrown playground with bullies around each corner and plagiarized material on every page. The TOS is a guideline to help members keep an eye on the purpose of the site and nothing else.

And for those who feel individual members should not be commenting on articles and giving advice as to the TOS. I'd like to say this, those who comment are more likely than not, offering advice to help the membership work within the site to the best of abilities and to get the most out of the site. I, like other members must abide by the TOS as well.

When I see a member who might be overstepping the line with a possible TOS violation on a website I am fairly knowledgeable about, I will step into the conversation and warn the participants of the TOS and the fact that they are coming close to a flag being thrown which may ultimately cause them more problems than simply curbing their enthusiasm and following the TOS in the first place.

That is not to say that I will be the one to throw said flag, it is usually the case that another member tosses it as I am commenting, but on many occasions I have received messages after comments have been posted from members informing me that they had no idea the thread was becoming close to a flag. In most cases, it was a simple comment that others did not follow but which was dangerously close to pushing the limits.

In these cases, I tell the owner of said thread what I felt was pushing the line, urge them to contact gather for more advice should they feel they need it or if my explanation is confusing and go from there. I give facts as I know them and I go on with my daily duties in my various online positions and in my B&M life as well.

In no way do I, sit and watch for TOS violations and pounce on posts. We are usually alerted to them in our travels onsite or quite honestly, when another member contacts us about a questionable article and the content within. To help calm down a volatile situation is what I intend to do when I visit threads, to offer assistance and quite honestly enjoy the site, good and bad are my purposes for being here in the first place.

For those who question if the internet is big enough for all types of content and persons. I say, simply this. If you had a wide space that was barren ground for as far as the eye could see, would you only want ranch style home on it? and when these homes were built, would you require them all to be red brick? Of course not, and so it is with sites we frequent every day. We have member's homes which are ranch, split level, townhouse, condo, villa and even apartment building in size. Heck, we even have a few tents and bedrolls here and there too. And I wouldn't want it any other way.

To think of removing one of these individuals from the neighborhood just because I don't happen to like the loud colors of the Victorian home across the street from myself would be silly, I need to look at that home from different angles and learn to appreciate how the colors change as the day progresses and how the tone softens as nighttime falls. And in regards to the man sleeping in the pup tent in my front yard...I need to be a good neighbor and give him a blanket or invite him in for a cup of coffee. For in doing so, I may well discover we have friends from long ago in common or perhaps we both share a love of the opera.

In short, if you enjoy being on the internet and enjoy online communities and/or blogging, the advice I can give you is this.

Read the TOS and learn it well. If you do not understand something, ASK QUESTIONS. Do not assume that you have interpreted the TOS correctly. Oftentimes there are nuances that new members miss and need be clarified.

Watch and learn in regards to what is and is not acceptable onsite. If the site is family oriented curb the enthusiasm for bar language and vulgar jokes. And if the site is more adult oriented, keep that in mind as well. Certain communities are very aware of what they expect from their members and to know those ins and outs is beneficial to you as a new member.

Do not try to buck the system from the get go. This basically means, don't go into a website, guns blazing and think you will change things "for their own good". Consider that perhaps the site is perfectly happy where it is and wants to retain the image it currently has.

Evaluate if a site is really a good fit for you. If you find yourself continually complaining on a site, in blog after blog, it may be time to consider a change. Life is too short to be wrapped up in a site that causes you stress and upset. There are plenty of sites on the internet, you only need search.

And lastly. Remember that although you may be active on a website you do not actually own the site. Most sites are owned by a corporation and run by a board of directors. These individuals are highly educated (in most cases) and have a goal in mind for the site. Just because you are an active member onsite does not give you license to direct the site in the manner in which you see fit. If truth be known, one member doesn't hold all that much weight so save your opinions for when they are asked and monitor your comments with care.

The above points were stated in all good faith and with many years of experience in member management under my belt. They are simple to be sure but points that we each need to consider when using the internet and when conducting ourselves as adults onsite. Thank you and Good luck in your cyber adventures!