Advice for new posters please!

garcias1

I have been lurking for a while, and I have started posting in the past couple of weeks.  I have learned some unwritten rules about etiquette on TK boards, but I was wondering if some of the more experienced posters could enlighten some of us newer posters.  Could you please let us know what ticks you off most about posts or responses to posts?  This is not sarcasm, this is actual curiosity for my own sake and for other lurkers/posters like me.

Thanks!

LesPaul

OK, the best advice I can give is to lurk on the boards for a while.  Each board has a different vibe.  Club boards and local boards tend to be a little 'nicer' than some of these international boards.  Then start posting in threads in which you have something to contribute, or on a topic in which you're interested.  Gradually people will start to recognize you and respond to your comments.  If it's a lively thread or controversial topic, or if you ask for advice, stick around to respond to other posters' questions, or to explain/defend your position or opinion (if necessary).  Remember that many of these ladies have been here a while and 'know' each other. 

Enjoy!

marissa_claire

I think LesPaul explained it pretty well.  Try to get a feel for a board before posting there. 

The only thing I would add is before you post a new topic, search the boards to see if your question has been asked before.  The way to do this is to go to the homepage of the Knot and there is a search box up top.  For example, we get tons of girls asking if a honeymoon registry is a good idea.  They usually get jumped on because that question has been asked tons of times before, in addition to the etiquette reasons as to why it's bad.  

garcias1

Thanks LesPaul.  I have definitely seen that the Local Boards are different.  Sometimes people who are very active on the Local Board aren't active on the International Boards at all.

Do you find that some posters are more active on some international boards than others?  What I mean is, is each international board a different community of posters, where you have to introduce yourself and make yourself known?

Beachy730

Yes and no.  I usually stick to the Etiquette board, and sometimes people will come in and introduce themselves, sometimes they just start posting.  Usually if someone starts posting more frequently we will start asking them about themselves.

A few other things to add, don't dirty delete your posts, or DD.  Its just rude, and most people will have quoted you anyways so its pointless.  Also, when people respond to you and tell you that you have a bad idea or suggest other ideas, don't get defensvie and jump down their throats.  Especially on E we don't sugar coat answers.  So most of the time if you ask for advice we just give you a straight answer, whether its agreeing with you or not.  Many newbs take the bluntness as being mean or attacking them, and then start fights and arguments, which just leaves a bad taste in the mouths of all the regs. 

waltzingmatilda13

I agree with everything LesPaul DNB said. From what I've seen, most regular posters, or regs, have 1 international board that they call home and they post there most frequently. So their will be a different group of regs on each board,  but we also like to board hop. You don't really have to introduce yourself, just jump right into the conversations that interests you, just don't try to give advice about things you know nothing about. After a while you'll firgure things out.

MyNameIsNot

I would agree with the things PPs have said.

I'll also add that it is helpful to use decent spelling and punctuation when you post.  It isn't a term paper, but a giant block of text isn't going to get very many helpful responses.  From your OP, I can see that this isn't an issue for you, but I'm just mentioning it for anyone else reading.  

I think it also helps to get a feel for different people if you are really becoming active.  You learn to read their posts in their "voice."  Some people are just sarcastic or short, but when you get to know them, you see that they aren't being rude or mean, it's just their style.  You'll also learn who to take with a grain of salt, and who is living in 1956, etc.  

Celles

I noticed you posting on E today and really like you so far, so I think you're off to a good start. Plus, your puppy is adorable. 

garcias1

Celles, thanks for the nice words!  I am still learning the nuances of the boards, but it's coming gradually.

twihard08

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_advice-new-posters-please?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:553c87f3-80b7-4aef-8bb6-ce0f8eb6fe45Post:2ad8dc28-5b2b-44f7-8340-cc139d3741d6">Re: Advice for new posters please!</a>:
[QUOTE]I agree with everything LesPaul DNB said. From what I've seen, most regular posters, or regs, have 1 international board that they call home and they post there most frequently. So their will be a different group of regs on each board,  but we also like to board hop. You don't really have to introduce yourself, just jump right into the conversations that interests you, just don't try to give advice about things you know nothing about. After a while you'll firgure things out.
Posted by waltzingmatilda13[/QUOTE]

I only quoted you for your symbol for your siggy :) HARRY POTTERRR :) :)
Hahah  had I not seen that last night I woulda been like uh wtf? :) But I loveee it!

twihard08

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_advice-new-posters-please?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:553c87f3-80b7-4aef-8bb6-ce0f8eb6fe45Post:fe244aca-55eb-4a40-8f0a-a59a263e9ba6">Re: Advice for new posters please!</a>:
[QUOTE]Yes and no.  I usually stick to the Etiquette board, and sometimes people will come in and introduce themselves, sometimes they just start posting.  Usually if someone starts posting more frequently we will start asking them about themselves. A few other things to add, don't dirty delete your posts, or DD.  Its just rude, and most people will have quoted you anyways so its pointless.  Also, when people respond to you and tell you that you have a bad idea or suggest other ideas, don't get defensvie and jump down their throats.  Especially on E we don't sugar coat answers.  So most of the time if you ask for advice we just give you a straight answer, whether its agreeing with you or not.  Many newbs take the bluntness as being mean or attacking them, and then start fights and arguments, which just leaves a bad taste in the mouths of all the regs. 
Posted by dnbeach12[/QUOTE]
Omgsh yes! This happened to me! But I don't think I fought back, or at least I didn't mean too. And I tried to learn something from the experience (even tho I was a baby and freaking cried about it all lol.) But yeah the E board is intense, and no they do NOT sugar coat things. You should go and read my first few posts and you will see! =] But their advice honestly did help me. In the week or two since I got their imput things are 100 times better for my situation!!

:)) Thanks ladies!!

saisongbird

I think people need to remember that we're not your family and we're not necessarily your friends.  We're internet strangers who have to take what you say at face value.  If someone comes looking for advice, they're usually just looking for validation.  And if that's the case, they're probably not going to find it on the international boards.  If you've truly been wronged, then yes, the E ladies will have your back.  However, the E board is fantastic at sniffing out the bull and calling people on their crap - and for giving people a real look at the situation and how things should be handled.

tldh

Ditto all the PPs and I would add, do not go running to another board to whine about how "mean" some people are.  That will likely be discovered and it will not go well for you.  Too many people confuse bluntness and honesty for mean.  Your feelings are not my concern; the feelings of your guests, wp, mom, etc. are.