However, if you are new to a messageboard, there are a few things you MUST do before your fingers start dancing on the keyboard. Quite often I see new people join a board and then get flamed because they didn't follow proper protocol. I don't want to scare you, please don't take it like that, it's just that sometimes a new person will come along and jump right in without even reading the posting guidelines or taking time to go through the current threads. It's obvious they don't know what's going on and haven't taken the time to do any reading. This is very annoying, not to mention, disrespectful, to the regulars on the board who take precious time out of their day to post valuable information. Typing an informed answer to someone's question takes a lot of time and if the question was answered two threads down, do you really think anyone wants to answer it again?
There are a few things you MUST do before you decide to post. Here's a short list to get you started. In addition, just pretend as if you were already part of the community and treat others how you would want to be treated. If you just do the these things, you will be welcomed with open arms.
· Read the posting guidelines. Most messageboards have a thread, usually stuck to the top of the board, that outlines the policies and guidelines you need to know before you make a post.
· Read through the threads that were started within the last few weeks. If it’s really busy board, you may not have to read that far back, just be sure you get a feel for the climate of the board. Don't consider posting anything until you've at least done that.
· If you have a specific question, find the search feature and use it. More than likely you will find the answer to your question. If your question involves trends or a timely issue, consider what you found in the archives, learn from it, and then reframe your question so you get answers that are more current.
· NEVER, NEVER, NEVER advertise unless the section of the board you are posting in is specifically for advertising. Often there is a section reserved for advertising, look for that section and if it doesn’t exist, then you cannot advertise on that board.
· Using a sig line with your name is normally okay, however, it's best to check the rules and guidelines for posting before using one.
· Always remember, it's better to say nothing than to say something mean.
· And along those lines, if someone says something mean about you and you feel you must defend yourself, do not do so immediately. Write what you want to say in a text document on your own computer (not on the messageboard) and wait until the next day to read it. Sugar is always better than vinegar. If you run a business, consider that your customers may happen across the messageboard and you wouldn't want your company name immortalized by something you said in a tiff. Actually, you might find it would be petty to even respond, be the bigger person.
Now that you know there are rules and courtesies to consider, go out and find a messageboard that discusses a topic that interests you. Enjoy and learn from the diversity you’ll find there, just remember to play nicely.
About the Author: Reba Collins has been making a living online for the last 7 years. Visit her site at http://www.workingathomeinfo4moms.com to find ideas, articles, & discussion on how to make a living online. Reba's other sites ~ Gift Basket Wholesale Supply at http://www.giftbasketwholesalesupply.com & Putting Up The For Sale Sign at http://www.puttinguptheforsalesign.com
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10 Profitable Reasons To Add A Discussion
Board
Or Chat Room To Your Web Site
1. You'll be able to communicate with your visitors. They'll begin to trust you and get to know you on a more personal level. People will purchase products quicker from somebody they already know and trust.2. People will revisit your web site to participate on your discussion board or chat room. They will meet other people with similar interests and your web site will become a hang out were they can chat.
3. You can learn important information about your visitors by reading the conversations they have. They may chat about your web site or products. With this information you could learn to market your products more effectively.
4. You could answer the questions your visitors ask in your online communities. You'll become known as an expert by giving the answers to their questions. This will give you and your business more credibility.
5. You could teach a f.ree online class using your chat room. This will give you an expert status and i.ncrease traffic to your web site by offering the f.ree class.
6. When your discussion board or chat room becomes popular, you could sell advertising space on them. This will give you an extra i.ncome stream for your web site.
7. You can network with other businesses by having a chat room or discussion board. You could exchange business ideas, leads, advertising, etc.
8. You could allow other web sites who don't have a discussion board or chat room to use yours. You will get f.ree advertising by allowing them to link to your online community.
9. When you have a discussion board or chat room you can get f.ree advertising by l.isting them in online community directories. You can also join web rings with similar discussion topics.
10. You can make m.oney by advertising y.our own products and services on your discussion board or chat room. You could also join other people's affiliate programs and make commissions advertising them.
Quote of the Day:
"How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a naughty world." -- William Shakespeare
Peter Dobler http://www.getresponse.com/t/409307/
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