Interaction Rules
- Be Respectful: Always treat participants with dignity. Avoid personal attacks, insults, or demeaning language.
- Critique Ideas, Not People: It is acceptable to disagree with an argument, but focus on the logic and evidence rather than the individual making the claim.
- No Yelling: Avoid typing in ALL CAPS, as this is interpreted as shouting and can be offensive or hard to read.
- Stay on Topic: Ensure posts are relevant to the specific thread’s subject to keep the discussion organized.
- Read Before Posting: Review existing comments to avoid repeating what others have already said and to ensure your contribution adds new value.
Content & Quality Standards
- Be Substantive: Avoid simple “I agree” or “Me too” posts. Expand on your reasoning with examples, experiences, or questions.
- Cite Your Sources: If you use external information, provide proper attribution to the original author to maintain credibility and avoid plagiarism.
- Use Professional Language: Maintain proper grammar, spelling, and sentence structure. Refrain from using “text speak” (e.g., “u” for “you”) or excessive slang in formal settings.
- Be Concise: Keep posts brief and to the point—ideally one to two meaningful paragraphs—to respect others’ time.
- Use Informative Titles: Give your thread a short, descriptive title so others can easily navigate the forum.
Administrative & Safety Rules
- Protect Privacy: Never post your own or anyone else’s personal contact information or private details.
- No Spam or Promotion: Do not use the board to advertise products, services, or outside organizations.
- Report Issues: If you see inappropriate behavior or encounter technical glitches, alert the moderator or instructor rather than engaging in a public dispute.
- Think Before Sending: Remember that once a post is submitted, it often cannot be “un-rung”; review your tone and content one last time before posting.