[JaneYoung]

Originally Posted by Andy Baker

I'll chime in here also.

Along with all of the wise advice above, be concise.

Keep in mind, every post you make on this site may be read by over 1,000 people within one day. These people include adults and students, executives and siblings, people who can hire you and people who can turn you down for a possible job. Each one of these readers create an instant opinion about you. Careful posting will drive positive opinions.

Andy B.

I love it when I can quote the wise ones like Andy Baker.

This is a thread resurrection but I think it is ok. It's a good read and has some wise advice such as the quote you are enjoying from Mr. Baker. I'd like to add a couple of thoughts about tone and usage of a smiley.

Smileys are awesome when used well. When misused, they are a distraction and can be annoying. They also emphasize the tone of the post. As Andy says, careful posting will drive positive opinions. If you are posting in a Chit-Chat thread, it is very possible that the discussion will be a little different than say, a rules thread or an awards thread. In threads where information is being exchanged, discussed, or clarified - clear communication is necessary. Humor is a great tool when used wisely. When humor or sarcasm is misused or applied with too heavy a hand, it can derail or interrupt the discussion, perhaps causing confusion instead of clarity. One should also try to keep in mind that people who read threads like the rules threads, may be reading them for more than discussion's sake and they appreciate the integrity and careful thinking reflected in the discussion.

Jane