Posted 12/10/2009 4:29 PM (GMT 0)
WE seem to always discussing the DON'Ts when discussing the Rules, so I thought I might share some DO's from Peter's Rules and Information Page. I added a little tidbit to the end to maybe help people to understand we Moderators job better.
Guidelines (DO's):
1. Check for open topics. Before posting a new topic, please check to see if there is already a topic open on the subject.
1a. Take time to look at the date of the last post in a thread before posting. You may be going to post to a thread that is 1, 2 or more years old, with the chances that whoever you are posting to has moved on and is no longer active. If you are looking for an opening to make your first post, go ahead and click Post New Topic and start your own thread by introducing yourself and making your comment or asking your question. This is a better way to do it than bringing up old posts, some of which may have deserved being left in the distant past.
2. Ignore bothersome members. If there is someone on the forum that bothers you, select the Ignore button at the top right corner of the post. You won't see any posts from this member again.
3. Report posts that violate the rules and guidelines by selecting the Admin alert button at the top right corner of the post to notify the administrator. We will act on the report as quickly as we can. Do not reply to the offending post as that typically only encourages the poster.
4. Use good judgement. NEVER rely on information or opinions exchanged via the forums or chat rooms to replace necessary, personal consultation(s) with qualified health or medical professionals to meet your individual health or medical needs. Remember that what's right or has worked for one person may not be what's right for you.
5. Lend a helping hand. A bit of compassion can go a long way toward helping people with life's challenges and reaching out can help alleviate feelings of loneliness. We're all different, but we're really all the same. At sometime or another, we all need or want help or simply someone with whom we can share our burdens or successes.
6. Don't be afraid to share. If you're feeling alone or hurting, don't be afraid to share your fears and tears. If you're rejoicing about the results of a recent medical test or treatment, share that too.
7. Welcome new members. When newcomers arrive, say "hi" and welcome them. Help new folks "learn the ropes" about how to find information and resources, save time, and how to get involved. You will also find a lot of help using the forums themselves.
8. Use descriptive titles for new posts. Avoid "generic" post subjects like "Help" or "Question". You will receive a better response to your posts by being more descriptive about the content of your post.
9. Shorten your signature if possible to save bandwidth. Uncheck the "include signature" box if you post more then one time in the same thread.
10. Food For Thought - Hey Brothers...When possible combine your
questions into one thread instead of starting a new one... Also when
possible try to find answers to your questions in previous threads.
We need to try and free up some time/effort and resources for new
members that join us...
Know Your Moderators:
HealingWell.com Community forums and chat rooms are moderated by volunteers that have some special understanding of your health condition. While they may not have answers to all your questions, moderators are here to help in any way they can. Moderators have the right to edit or delete posts without prior notice that violate of the rules above. They are also responsible for keeping promoting participation in the forums and chats. You can spot a moderator because their posts indicate that they are moderators. We are always looking for new moderators to help with our many disease/disorder topics. Find more about moderating here.
Each moderator, being human with different life experiences, may see things through slightly different eyes and some variance is to be expected. However, moderators promise to base their decision making on the content of posts rather than personal feelings about the person posting in them.
If you have a question for a moderator on a decision, you can email them and discuss it privately. They may not see things the same way you do, but they are open and approachable.
Please Remember:
Users that do not abide by the rules may be subject to having their posts edited or deleted, their member account permanently banned from further access and/or deleted without notice.
Rules and guidelines may change at any time, please re-read them regularly.