Re: Forum Rules Reminder Do's and Don'ts
 

Wish I could spotlight your entire post. Beautiful.

Re: Forum Rules Reminder Do's and Don'ts
 

Why thank you, and something just hit me...

Do not think that the question you have to ask is insignificant or not worth the time it takes to ask. We have all been rookies (sounds strange saying that....it being our second year now...) and we know how it feels to need a quick definition of a rule or an example of a play strategy. They key thing to remember is that we all understand. FIRST isn't like football, you can discuss strategies and tactics without worry. So ask away, the help is here to be used.


gaaaahhhhh i can be long winded some times.....

Re: Forum Rules Reminder Do's and Don'ts
 

Actually i don't think GP should ever be used to judge another person, Gracious Professionalism is a way of life not a tool to judge people.

Re: Forum Rules Reminder Do's and Don'ts
 

While you follow this great advice, keep this in mind; you are creating relationships here on ChiefDelphi. I have become very good friends with many people I met on this discussion board over the last 10 years. In many cases, it took a few years before we met in person.

What you post is really the only way many of us know you.

If your post is sincere and thoughtful, then we automatically think that you are sincere and thoughtful.

If your post has full sentence structure, has been proofread, and is easy to read, then the thousands of readers will appreciate your effort and show you mutual respect.

If your words make you appear like a fool, then we will think of you as a fool, even if you're brilliant.

Please adhere to the advice on this thread, and you will be well received here.

Sincerely,
Andy Baker

Re: Forum Rules Reminder Do's and Don'ts
 

Somehow I didn't interpret that as a judgment. After reading your post, Mike, I was reminded of the year, 1968. I wanted rose colored glasses. Literally. I found a tiny little shop down by the St. Louis Zoo <grin, I love that zoo> that would fit me with rose colored lens. It didn't change my view of the world nearly as much as I had hoped but it did give others a perspective with which to view me.

Gracious Professionalism has become a lens that I do look through when working with others and when viewing the world. To me it is a lens of wisdom not judgment. I do agree with you that GP isn't a phrase to be used as a tool to judge others, and that at its best, Gracious Professionalism can be viewed as a way of life.

Re: Forum Rules Reminder Do's and Don'ts
 

I see what you mean Mike, and I am sorry that it sounded different then what I meant....there I go again speaking in half sentences...

I view GP as a lens to judge actions, not as a tool to judge people you are right. When I said that, I simply meant that if I where to begin flaming you for responding to my post, then people would view my actions through GP, because as a member of the FIRST community, thats what has become expected of me. I just believe it important to recognize that GP has become expected of all of us within FIRST, and letting newbies know what to expect is beneficial to all. So that they do not get berated for doing something they did not know was wrong, and so that their image is not tainted in our eyes.

I apologize for wording my original post a little awkwardly, I hope this says what I really meant.

Re: Forum Rules Reminder Do's and Don'ts
 

As you can see from the above short conversation,

Do try to be understanding of what others have posted. Chances are they may not have fully expressed what they wanted to say. Sometimes it's hard to put your ideas/thoughts into typed words.

Re: Forum Rules Reminder Do's and Don'ts
 

A very good suggestion.

Remember that online communication leaves much room for interpretation. Tone can be hard to decipher. When posting, be as concise and clear as possible. When reading or responding to one's comment, be understanding with him or her. Miscommunication and/or misinterpretation are silly causes for a flame war.

Re: Forum Rules Reminder Do's and Don'ts
 

See, this is an example of reading the WHOLE thread. I was going to post this. But Pavan got to it first. :)

On that same note, if you ARE going to suggest reading the manual, try to point the person to the section, if not the exact rule, that answers their question. Chances are they missed it. With the exception of one team member, we're all human.

I couldn't agree any stronger. Chief Delphi is a place for getting your questions answered, and making friends in the process. Don't be afraid to stick your neck out- however, stick your neck out in a gracious, well-worded, and understandable way. (As in, DnT tYp3 l!kE dis.)

I joined CD halfway through my freshman year (I'm a junior now), and I remember being a scared little newbie. Please, please, welcome the newbies. For that matter, welcome everyone. If they have a question, it's because they don't know and want help, not because they want to annoy anyone else.

Just be nice. It works better in the long run. This is supposed to be fun, after all. I've met fantastic people through Chief Delphi, and I hope everyone can get the same experience.

:)