Come out, come out, wherever you are
Sept 23, 2015 21:47:37 GMT
Post by bixaorellana on Sept 23, 2015 21:47:37 GMT
This is going here instead of in the In Port section because it's only a collection of my ideas on the subject, rather than official anyport guidelines. 
Anyport has never had an official welcome section. Many forums do and of course people say nice welcoming things because that's what is expected. Here is more of a democratic free-for-all where you show up and are welcome to participate anywhere you wish.
Sometimes new people are reluctant to jump in and create a thread or even a post because of false perceptions such as that it's too hard, or that everyone elses are so marvelous that they'll never live up, or that their efforts will be rejected, or that they just don't know how to start. To address those in order:
1) Too hard: It's true that when you first start posting pictures it is kind of a pain. The How to Post Pictures section of In Port has been updated, but if you find it confusing, please let me know either in a PM or in the Tech thread. If in PM, I would be more than happy to walk you through it as many times or as many ways as necessary. If in the Tech thread, others often have better or different techniques or explanations that might click.
2) Every elses stuff looks so marvelous simply because it's already there. Trust me -- yours is going to look equally marvelous.
3) Your efforts will not be rejected. People are on this particular forum because they know that reports are gifts from the people who make them. Often reports by different people cover the same subjects, but each report is interesting because of the individual point of view..
4) As far as how to start goes, you can either look around at threads whose formats you admire (which can lead to over-thinking) or just jump right in and do it your way. That can mean reams of text, no text but linking to information, captions, introduction then no captions, etc. etc. etc. However you decide to do it is the right way because it's your thread.
If all the above doesn't make you feel ready to make a thread, you can still work up to it by posting around the forum or by sticking pictures in Image Bank or elsewhere. A forum will only stay interesting if there are many voices and new voices are always appreciated. Every voice on here was once a new voice.
In terms of guidelines to making a thread, the Posting Etiquette part of In Port pretty much covers it. And the Welcome section lays out what is covered by the various boards on the forum. As far as etiquette within a thread, I think some people wait to comment and others comment when they see fit. I think both are equally valid. Those who wait are probably being efficient and polite, while the more spontaneous comments may help to cheer the thread maker on. In terms of what one contributes to anothers thread, I'd say the main thing would be to stay on topic. Personally, I think no pictures should be added to someone elses thread unless you have PMed that person & gotten permission. Some people won't care, others might, so better to be sure.
Anyport has never had an official welcome section. Many forums do and of course people say nice welcoming things because that's what is expected. Here is more of a democratic free-for-all where you show up and are welcome to participate anywhere you wish.
Sometimes new people are reluctant to jump in and create a thread or even a post because of false perceptions such as that it's too hard, or that everyone elses are so marvelous that they'll never live up, or that their efforts will be rejected, or that they just don't know how to start. To address those in order:
1) Too hard: It's true that when you first start posting pictures it is kind of a pain. The How to Post Pictures section of In Port has been updated, but if you find it confusing, please let me know either in a PM or in the Tech thread. If in PM, I would be more than happy to walk you through it as many times or as many ways as necessary. If in the Tech thread, others often have better or different techniques or explanations that might click.
2) Every elses stuff looks so marvelous simply because it's already there. Trust me -- yours is going to look equally marvelous.
3) Your efforts will not be rejected. People are on this particular forum because they know that reports are gifts from the people who make them. Often reports by different people cover the same subjects, but each report is interesting because of the individual point of view..
4) As far as how to start goes, you can either look around at threads whose formats you admire (which can lead to over-thinking) or just jump right in and do it your way. That can mean reams of text, no text but linking to information, captions, introduction then no captions, etc. etc. etc. However you decide to do it is the right way because it's your thread.
If all the above doesn't make you feel ready to make a thread, you can still work up to it by posting around the forum or by sticking pictures in Image Bank or elsewhere. A forum will only stay interesting if there are many voices and new voices are always appreciated. Every voice on here was once a new voice.
In terms of guidelines to making a thread, the Posting Etiquette part of In Port pretty much covers it. And the Welcome section lays out what is covered by the various boards on the forum. As far as etiquette within a thread, I think some people wait to comment and others comment when they see fit. I think both are equally valid. Those who wait are probably being efficient and polite, while the more spontaneous comments may help to cheer the thread maker on. In terms of what one contributes to anothers thread, I'd say the main thing would be to stay on topic. Personally, I think no pictures should be added to someone elses thread unless you have PMed that person & gotten permission. Some people won't care, others might, so better to be sure.
