While internet forums are not new, registering to and using a forum is not as common as it used to be. If you're new or just need a refresh on forum terms and etiquette read on.
Terms to know
- Bumping: Replying to a thread with little or no content to add to the discussion so that it can be moved up into the feed of recently active threads on the forum.
- Necroposting: Posting in a thread that has not had activity in a long time (usually months or years). The discussion is generally seen as "stale" and some users may have shifted their stance on the subject. It might be better to create a new thread.
- Thread: A single topic of discussion where the first post (or "OP") is replied to until the discussion ends.
- General/General thread: A special type of thread where the topic is usually some broad subject that constantly has updates or new information. This means instead of making new threads for everything related to that subject, the "General" simply continues with new discussion topics.
- Tags: The term used by the Flarum forum software to describe categories where threads are divided. You can see the tags on the sidebar of the forum on desktop devices.
Make Yourself Heard
Want to start a new discussion? First spend some time browsing the forum, familiarize yourself with the tags, and do a few searches for keywords related to your topic: it could be someone has already started a discussion about it!
When you're sure you're ready to start a discussion, please keep the following points in mind:
- Give it a good title! You'll get the best results if your title makes it clear what you want to talk about.
- Choose the right tag(s). This will increase the likelihood your post will be read and replied to promptly.
- Don’t post repeatedly about the same topic, as doing so will tend to have the opposite effect.
- If not using a tag set aside for multilingual use, post in English only.
- Remember, you don't need to sign your posts. We've got your profile to let us know who you are.
Please make the effort to help us keep things organized.
Make Your Reply Count
You're taking the time to participate in a discussion, in the hope that others will read your ideas and take them into consideration. So why not make the effort to make your reply worth reading?
- Don't reply to a title. Take some time to read the OP, and at least scan the rest of the conversation first.
- Ask yourself if your reply adds to the discussion. If it doesn't, give it some more thought before posting.
- Avoid making one-word posts just to agree with someone; you can use the "Like" link for that.
- Avoid making multiple posts in a row when one would suffice. This is a forum, not a chat room.
- If your reply is likely to divert the course of the discussion, consider starting a new discussion instead.
- Make sure your replies provide constructive feedback and support to allow for an inclusive community.
No one's going to complain about the occasional joke or smart remark. We like to keep the mood light! But to keep things productive, as well, we ask that you try to avoid derailing a discussion altogether.
See something? Say something!
If you'd like to report a post that falls out of line with our standards use the Flag function on the post and a moderator will review it. This also works for Private Discussions! If there is some matter that is not specific to any post, open a thread in the Support tag. Only you and staff can see or interact with threads you make in Support.
Above All, Be Cool!
We're all here because we enjoy fighting games. Familiarize yourself with the Code of Conduct and our General Content Policy so you know what is and isn't allowed here.
The above text is partially adapted from the Flarum Community Guidelines.