by A W Drake

Created on: July 20, 2010

Forums are one of the unique features of the internet and have become very prevalent. There are forums attached to many socially orientated websites as well as niche forums which are focused mainly on sharing information and helping members who need information. If you have been browsing one or two forums (or lurking as it is often called), you may be thinking of taking the plunge by making your own contributions. Before you do so however, it is just as well to keep a few considerations in mind.

+FORUM CLIQUES+

When first participating in a forum it may seem the established members are not paying much attention to your posts, and that there is a sense of an inner clique. This unfortunately is often the case, which can encourage newcomers to make over exaggerated statements that do not reflect their true personality in order to attract attention. The response to such posts is likely to be very negative and in the more temperamental forums can lead to some unkind statements.

As a new member to a forum it is best to simply keep making your posts and accepting that they may not initially receive the attention they deserve. Eventually as your name becomes seen more often by established members your posts will get replies and initiate discussions.

+SPAMMING+

Using a forum simply to entice members to visit a web page, particularly your own is often referred to as spamming, especially if numerous posts contain the same information. This kind of behavior will be met with harsh comments, and the original posts will be removed. It is also likely that once you have a reputation as a spammer you will be banned from using the forum.

Some forums allow members to add links to a web page in their signature and if this is the case with your chosen forum, this is where you should  include any link you may want to add. Always read the terms and conditions of the forum and adhere to it.

+TROLLING+

Trolling is posting a message on a forum to bait replies that inevitably lead to heated argument, name calling and insults. Such behavior can be pandemic on some forums and can lead to members either being suspended for a period of time or banned completely.

If you come across a trolling post, no matter how much the content may anger you, it is always best not to take the bait. People who write such posts (or trolls as they are called), want you to post an emotionally charged reply so they can bait you further. Such people are attention seekers and often stop their trolling activity if

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