Forum Rules Reminder Do's and Don'ts

[Brian J. R.]

Do set a good example for others. If other's see that you are being kind to the newbies, they will do the same.

Do remember, Chief Delphi is a helpful place. It has gotten me out of a pickle more then once. Be a kind, understanding, helpful person. You will get it in return.

As Big Mike said, they are just dots. But do pay attention to what people say when they give you reputation. If it is good reputation, keep doing what you are doing. If you get red dots, that means that you are not acting as would be expected of a FIRSTer. Remember, this is not a typical forum, this is a resource, contribute to it as if you where taking to the person face to face.

Do constructively criticize. It helps everyone out to be told, in a professional manner that is, that their ideas can be improved upon.

Above all, Do remember Gracious Professionalism. It is the lens we all view each other through.

If anyone disagrees with me or wants to add to my thoughts feel free, I love constructive criticism.

[JaneYoung]

Originally Posted by Brian J. R.

If anyone disagrees with me or wants to add to my thoughts feel free, I love constructive criticism.

Wish I could spotlight your entire post. Beautiful.

[Brian J. R.]

Originally Posted by JaneYoung

Wish I could spotlight your entire post. Beautiful.

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.....

[Mike Schroeder]

Originally Posted by Brian J. R.

Above all, Do remember Gracious Professionalism. It is the lens we all view each other through.

If anyone disagrees with me or wants to add to my thoughts feel free, I love constructive criticism.

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.

[Andy Baker]

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

[JaneYoung]

Originally Posted by "Big Mike"

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.

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.

[Brian J. R.]

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.

[synth3tk]

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.

[Alexa Stott]

Originally Posted by blakcheez

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.

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.