To start off this thread I would like to give the obligatory video of Posting and You. Now that THAT is out of the way, I would like to get onto my guide of posting in OT (Off topic). ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ So you are on TIF right? Want to post something that has NOTHING to do with Runescape? Well this is the place to do it: The Off Topic forums! When posting, remember a few simple things: You have an opinion! Other people have opinions too! Be prepared to defend your opinions! Be prepared to take criticism from other, whether it be light or harsh. USE THE SEARCH BUTTON! OPINIONS Now, why you might ask am I focusing on opinion? Well, opinion is one of the most over looked things when posting. Some people miss understand others when they say something as opinion, mistaking it for them stating a "fact". There are times when opinion is OKAY and UNAVOIDABLE. One does not need to state if something is of their opinion as other people should be assumed smart enough to see the difference between what is actually opinion and what is meant to be fact. Lastly, do not attempt to argue opinion to your grave. It will get you no where. The opinion of others is their own as yours is of your own, thus, just leave other people alone! Criticism We are all criticized. Period! Don't go crying if someone says you were stupid or if what you posted was stupid. It's the internet for goodness sake! Take everything with a grain of salt! Trolls EMO! Ya your post sucks! I made a little girl cry last night! These are all phrases of a "troll". But not really. This is the normal misconception. In reality a troll MAY say these things, but really, a troll is just anyone who wants attention. It is just best to realize who a troll is and then ignore them. DO NOT FEED THE TROLL! Self esteem/blog topics You walk a fine line when making these kind of topics. If you focus on your self esteem or real life too much, you are just asking to be CRITICIZED! It may not be nice for people to criticize you based on your feelings and real life, but it will happen. What is the best thing to do? Treat them like trolls and ignore them. Although they do not want attention, they most likely think you are a troll and want attention. If you are a legit non troll, then feel safe in knowing that what they are doing is just trying to be mean. Do not retaliate back and just ignore them. Negativity :( "Bah! This sucks!", "It was ok, but probably won't work", ect. ect. As my friend would say, you are all "Negative Ninnys!" Some times being negative is all it takes in order to make a post go down hill. Whether your post be through your own negativity in real life, or the negativity that you feel about something in the post, it doesn't matter! Try and be positive! Try and not let your negative feelings and emotions hinder your's and other's posting experience! Current News What can I say? I really don't want to hear about how Brittany Spears had her kids taken away, or how some sort of government treaty should be stopped. If you wish to use an article to start a discussion by showing perhaps a clip of the article, linking it, then starting on the reason for your discussion, then perhaps you might want to use an article. But until then, don't just copy and paste or give a link to an article... thats boring. Scamming/Scam Bumps So if you come looking through the forums, and realize, "OMFG, it's a runescape forums! Let post teh 1337 |-|@x!" Then I seriously hope you click the log off RL button. Yes this is a RS forums, yes there will be people you can scam into getting their accounts, but remember we also have crack team of mods here which have ban hammers at the ready, so think twice! Now obviously scammers wont read that, but just encase they do, or if any of you have thought about it, DON'T! On this note, please do remember that there is one thing close to wanting people's accounts that these scammers want: PUBLICITY. Now wait... how am I giving them publicity, it's not like I want to? Simple! You bump their post with a "Don't post here!" post. So think twice before giving these scammers their publicity as it is just as bad as FEEDING TROLLS! Behaving on the side lines (PMing) Often times when a flame wars starts, either a mod or the better of the flaming users (Pun not intended you immature people), will suggest to take the war to the sidelines (or private message). This is a good idea, and I fully support it. Most times this helps to solve problems quickly, and then everyone gets along nicely. The odd time though, people make things personal. Calling someone names will not get anyone anywhere, and will only result in a hate fest, a long with broken forum relationships. One would be wise to finish a debate either with compromise, or if it won't work out, just 'agree to disagree'. Remember also, you can be reported for your PM's so keep them respectful and within tif rules! __________________________________________________ This is all I have for now, I hope this helps and if you have any comments, questions, opinions, or criticism of this thread, will you kindly post it bellow or pm me. Thank you. (Might be getting examples, depends on if my example maker hurries up..) Project Offtopic shine and polish edit by Turtlefemm, July 17, 2008