Occasionally it is good for us to review some 'Forum Etiquette' basics for the new members joining us and as a reminder for our seasoned veterans. Without further adieu, here are some things to keep in mind:


1. Message boards are a non-verbal, written mode of communication. It is therefore incredibly important that you use correct spelling and proper grammar when composing your posts. Do not type in all CAPS, its considered shouting and in bad taste. It is also important that you plan out what you intend to say before you post it.

Until it is possible for the reader to unscrew your head and read your thoughts, these two things go a long way toward ensuring that what you meant to say and what you actually said are close approximates of one another.


2. We must be respectful of each other and not trample on one another's threads of discussion with off topic, or worse yet, disparaging remarks. The person who initiates a thread is considered to be the Original Poster or the 'OP' and it is they who define what the subject of the thread will be. All others who post in their thread from that point forward should keep their comments relative to the original spirit of the the thread.

Posting disparaging remarks in a thread for the sake of derailing conversation is exceptionally rude behavior and will not be tolerated. If you do this, the response from the PontoonStuff moderators can include your being removed from the PontoonStuff community entirely.


3. Often many of the questions people ask in threads have already been answered previously in a thread or in another thread all together. For that reason you are encouraged to:

• READ threads before replying to them.
• SEARCH the forum before starting a new thread, especially if you are asking a question.

4. Finally, realize that things like sarcasm and dry humor don't always translate well into written text. Not only should you try to use smilies to indicate the intended tone of certain comments (the wink smilie is a good example) but you should also try to give the author the benefit of the doubt when you read something that could be taken any number of ways.

It could be that their sense of humor just didn't translate well across the wire and left you with the initial impression that they were being a jerk when they were in reality just trying to bring some levity to a conversation.



Thanks.