by Victoria Tiegert

Created on: May 02, 2009   Last Updated: June 02, 2009

The online writers community, Helium.com, has provided many tools to aid their authors/users in attaining success as freelancers. They have provided information in the form of "User Guidelines" as well as their own blog and separate special interest type zones. Another very useful area the website has made available are the community forums. The link to get to this area of the site is found on the bottom of almost any page you access, so it is simple as can be to get somewhere for answers to questions or comments. However, there are some things that are good to remember before posting on the forums. Following these tips will keep the community area a user-friendly and pleasant for all members.

*Choose your new post topic title well. When other users are going through the posts, it should be clear what your post is about so that they need not search endlessly through posts that are not what they need information about. By carefully wording your topic title, you save other users time and draw the appropriate people to respond to your need, be it for information or other opinions.

*Check for relevant posts before posting a new topic. To ensure that the forums do not become overloaded with similar topics, take a moment before you hit the "new topic" button and check for prior posts that address your need. If you are having trouble with something, such as a technical difficulty, it is likely that others have experienced it as well and there will be a thread already started that you can add to.

*Use good manners and appropriate language. Never slander or resort to name-calling in the forums. There are etiquette standards that must be adhered to or you will be simply wasting your time. Someone will notice this quickly and have it removed. The forums are to remain friendly and tactful in tone, not malicious or rude.

*Do not over-post. If you have a need, be it a question or a slight need for venting, there is no need to post the same thing all over the boards. Post to the appropriate topic and leave it at that. If you want to follow the responses, check the box for "notify me of replies" and you will get an email when you have a response with a link back to the topic.

*State yourself as clearly as possible. Avoid vague words, selecting wording that describes your question accurately. Other members will want to assist you, but if they can't understand the question, they won't be able to help.

*Do not self-promote. Self-promotion is not allowed on the forums and will be deleted. Do not use links back to your articles or other online pages you are in control of. The only time a link is allowed is in the "writing critiques" area. This is where you can submit articles for a bit of friendly advice for improvement.

The community forums on the Helium website are a treasure trove of information for users. When you have a need, this is a great place to go after checking the "User Guide" for answers. The community of members is very helpful for the most part and will be glad to lend a hand, or even a word of encouragement, when needed.

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