Heed These Warnings for Internet Message Boards

Before I begin, I would like everyone to know about etiquettes presiding over message boards or forums, and suggest you to read this article by a fellow Associated Content writer, Steve Thompson. I came across this article on Google, but it has several great fundamental points that everyone should know.

As internet access has become more ubiquitous, the number of forums increased and surrounded on topics that range from popular search topics like Twilight to Chevrolet fans, and for academic disciplines as in the case of Art of Problem Solving (mathematics), Student Doctor Forum (medicine), and Top Law Schools forum (law). A wide array of useful information, however, comes with its own costs, such as trolling, spamming, and of course, attacking.

Practice Being Reticent

If you do not like something that someone is saying, the best advice in message boards is to simply ignore it. Click that back button, and never return to that webpage again. If you join the flames in the discussion, you will most likely be tormented by acerbic remarks from other user(s) and may end up engaging in arguments. Remember, these people do not know you, and you do not know them - hence, there is no reason for a line of respect (other than the general courtesy rule by the forum), and both sides will likely to say things that they wouldn't if they actually confronted each other in person.

Defend Once and Retreat

History proves to mankind that retreating is not an uncommon strategy to actually win a battle. If you find yourself necessary to argue with someone in the message board, defend yourself once, but retreat and take a break from the forum for a while. You may feel that you actually "lost," but just like bullying, fighting in forums never stop unless moderator comes into break the fight, or one person gives up. Giving up here is not losing; instead, it is a smart move to not waste your precious time and do productive tasks instead.

You Are Not Lincoln, Gandhi, or Superman.

Whether you are right or wrong in your belief, there will always be people who remain adamant about their beliefs no matter how hard you try. Face the fact that in internet, you cannot be Abraham Lincoln and use something like Gettysburg Speech in a forum about Italian foods.

Also, believing that everyone will reach a harmony in forums is a great dream, but it won't likely happen. You cannot sacrifice yourself like Gandhi to change people's perceptions. Some users will think that their remarks do not offend anyone, or even do not care - so, stop trying to fix everything. It's not possible.

You cannot be like a Superman and save every person who is arguing with another. It just isn't realistic in terms of time and efforts. Just let it be. Most problems will end on their own, and others will be shut down by moderators or administrators. You do not have to be the one to try to amend the difficulties.

Your Posts Are Like Spilled Water

While it is possible to edit your posts in some forums, this is not always the case. Furthermore, some users will "quote" your thread when they reply, so your posts may remain in cyberspace forever. That is why when you are posting something, think twice. Would you say this in your real life? If not, don't say it. If you are going to say it, check for grammar, content, and any area that other people may find offensive or open for attacks.

Once you click that "Submit" button, it is no longer under your control. Just as you cannot pick up spilled water back into the glass, you cannot remove the posts in the forum unless you are the moderator (and in that case, you usually know well on what to say or not). This may appear insignificant, but I have seen many people who have experienced these negative experiences, and it is not always pleasant. Be cautious, and heed these warnings.