Do read the documentation from FIRST. If you don’t read it and you ask an “obvious” question, we will probably answer with the text of the appropriate section of the Manual–and a link so you can read the rest.
Don’t post everything in the “General” forum. There are many, many forums and subforums on CD, which have been created for specific topics. Search for the appropriate forum before posting. Chances are you’ll get better results to your questions if they are posted in the appropriate forum/subforum.
Do use regular English for your posts and not “text message” language.
Do remember the importance of communication in these forums and in FIRST. Correct spelling, use of punctuation, and clear sentences are the tools to be used in conveying thoughts, asking questions, and sharing information.
Do use the edit button for changes. I love the edit button.
Do remember your ‘thank yous’ - they are always welcome.
Except game/trivia threads! Usually the last one or two posts will suffice unless you want to read 10,000+ posts! :eek:
Do wait for a minute if the page doesn’t refresh right after you click “Submit Reply”. Sometimes it just takes a while. This is usually why double posts happen.
Do not hate FIRST. FIRST is good for you.
Don’t hate FIRST after you already joined, or else we’ll come to hunt you with robots in your dreams. :]
More forum related,
Don’t be afraid to give helpful links that you/your friends/your team/etc. had made, in a post requesting for help/info/resources. It’s a good marketing tactic.
I think. (^_^)’
For game/trivia threads, if you aren’t going to read the whole thread, be sure to read the first few posts to make sure you know and understand the rules of the game! Then you are free to skip to the end and read the last few posts.
Do not use the phrase “RTFM” no matter what that acronym is supposed to mean. Posting an acronym like “RTMP” is not helpful at all either so please refrain from posting if you are not going the give the answer requested by the topic starter.
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.
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.
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.
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.
