FAHA: FAQ and How to start a thread here?

[Bharat Nain]

I noticed it is not very clear on how to go about starting a thread here, so I am going to clear some confusion.

First, the purpose of this forum.

Originally Posted by Ken Leung

The anonymous mailbox is for:

1) Sharing your concerns and frustrations about your team, friends, family, organization, or other individuals you work with because of FIRST.
2) If you just want someone to listen.
3) Ask for advice when you don’t know what to do.

The anonymous mailbox is NOT for:

1) Bashing your own or other teams, organization, or individuals.
2) Start controversial arguments.
3) Anything non-FIRST related.

Ok, Don't violate that.

Starting a thread
Simply click on the New Thread button on the top left. Type in whatever you would like the moderators of this forum to see.

How does it work?
When you post a thread, it will NOT appear in the new threads list for public viewing. Beth or myself will review the thread and post it anonymously under our CD user names. Remember, we are not the author of the post. We are merely posting on behalf of the anonymous FIRST-a-holics.

Approval Procedure
When we receive a thread, our first task is to determine if the subject is appropriate for this forum. If it is, then we proceed to make sure the content of the post DOES NOT identify any teams, persons, places, events and such. While we try to keep the posts in their original condition to preserve the meaning, tone and feelings of the author, we do not want any obvious identifiers. After all, this is an anonymous forum. We also prefer decent english (like most of the CD forums).

What about responses to a thread?
Thread responses are reviewed the same way for appropriateness and content. We have to approve the post in order for them to show up in the thread.

Who else can see my post?
Beth, Bharat, CD administrators and a couple very trustworthy and long-standing moderators of the CD forums. However, if you feel your post is highly sensitive and you want absolutely privacy, feel free to PM/email it to Beth and/or me.

Can I respond to a thread anonymously?
Yes. PM the responses to Beth or me. However, we will only post it if it is appropriate under our discretion.

Tips for a great FIRST-a-holic submission
1) Keep any information that identifies a person, place, team, event, location and such out of your post.
2) If your post involves feelings of any sort, spend some time to describe them concisely.
3) If you are starting a discussion that debates an issue, clearly describe your view and ask specific questions.
4) If there is any history, provide just enough of it.
5) Keep your posts to about a max. of 4 - 5 paragraphs.
6) End your post with the outcome you expect from your readers. If it is a rant, then thank your readers for reading. If you need advice, make it clear. Your readers need to know what response you ask from them.
7) Check your spelling and grammar carefully. Don't use AIM/chat language or one line per paragraph. If your post can be read easily, you will get more positive responses.
8) Remember the big picture of this forum is to help you grow out of your problems or let you vent. So post away.

Tips for a great FIRST-a-holic response
1) Your responses do not need to be long, but they need to add some quality to the discussion. Depending on the discussion, the responses can vary from 1 to 6 paragraphs.
2) Understand whether the FIRST-a-holic is looking for comfort or advice.
3) Even if you feel that the original poster is wrong, be respectful to them. If often helps to "be on their side" and still help them see what you feel is right.
4) Add your own experiences to support your view.
5) See #7 Above.

Feel free to ask more questions or request more stuff to be added here.

[omsahmad]

I have no idea where you are referring to in the top left of the screen for a new thread button.

Thanks.

[Bharat Nain]

I mean on this page: http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/fo...play.php?f=124