welcome to OdSS.
This is a large and busy site, and with so many people it's easy for the board to get congested with too many threads of conversation, and it can be confusing for new arrivals, especially if you've never been on a message board before. Here are a few useful tips to help you get the most out of OdSS.
General message board tips:
Don't crash the party. When you first arrive on a board, nobody knows you (unless, maybe, someone already there suggested you join). This does not give you license to do the electronic equivalent of jumping up and down screaming 'notice me'! If you draw too much attention to yourself, people will think 'ignorant newbie' and ignore you. Far better to join in the ongoing discussion or bring up valid points than to simply draw attention to your newness.
Think before posting.
Particularly when posting new topics (as opposed to replying to existing ones), think about whether or not you have something new and interesting to say. Have a look at existing topics to see if someone has already started a thread proclaiming something before you start one yourself. If they have, join in there instead of creating a duplicate conversation thread. Also, think about where to post. There are descriptions below each forum title ('Randomville', 'The Magickal House' etc.) for a reason. Read them. If you, for example, post a thread about Herbs in the Out-of-Bounds discussion forum, then you will have this pointed out to you, and the thread will probably be moved by the moderators. This will make you look foolish for not reading the forum descriptions, displace relevant topics in that forum and create work for the mods, which is bad for both you and the boards. Also, do not post silly messages in the middle of serious discussion, as this will get people's backs up.
Be courteous at all times.
This should go without saying, but sadly, sometimes it doesn't. Do not insult other posters over a difference of opinion (though healthy debate is positively encouraged, fighting is not), tell them to leave the site, spoil their threads with random or annoying messages, post obscene material, etc.
If anyone feels threatened, is harrassed, or has problems with another member or moderator, please contact Lady Elaine with the problem via Private Message. Or you can use the "Request Ban" Function and remain anoymous. We do not tolerate stalking, or harrassment. This is the way to get permanently banned, the proper authorties notified, and your ISP being reported as well.
We desire to have eeveryone feel safe and comfortable bt being themselves and sharing their explorations and wisdom in their perspective Path. Please be courteous and respectful of this.
Take your time.
Don't expect to overnight become well-known and highly respected. This takes time, often lots of it. Post interesting opinions, original points, and intelligent and/or entertaining ideas, and people will respect and remember you.
OdSS-specific tips and information:
Netspeak.
Although it is commonplace on some Internet discussion sites, the use of Netspeak ('how r u', 'i luv u', 'got 2 go', etc.) and other non-standard English typing styles, such as wRiTiNg LiKe ThIs or TYPING EVERYTHING IN CAPITALS (equivalent to shouting), is discouraged where possible here. Do not abuse the different font and color options with lots of crazy sizes and colors for no reason, or else your post may be edited by a Mod, or at the least ignored by everyone else. Some of our members do not speak English as their first language and have enough trouble reading plain English without having to decipher strange abbreviations. Heck, people who do have English as their first language often have trouble reading Netspeak - I know I do. Please write clearly and use proper spelling and grammar as much as possible - it will put your points across better and make life easier for other posters. There is no rush to write posts - this is not a real-time discussion site like a chatroom and there are no prizes for writing the largest number of short, pointless and illegible posts.
Respect the Moderators and Admin.
The moderators' requests should be listened to and followed at all times. We do have the best interests of the board at heart (we don't get paid for this, you know!) and we want to see everyone happy and the site flourishing with interesting discussion. Any modifications, suggestions or requests we make are geared toward this goal. We will listen to suggestions or complaints (unless they've already been recently addressed several times, in which case we'll say so in an exasperated tone) and take them into due consideration.
In closing, a few more tips :
Roam around and visit as many forums as possible.
It will help you find the places where you can regularly meet with other members with interests which match your own.
Join in on and reply to the threads you enjoy.
Everyone's voices need to be heard.
Initiate threads ( Start "NEW TOPICS" ) on things that interest you.
PLEASE , Try to post your "NEW TOPICS" in the APPROPRIATE FORUMS so you will get more responses to your post, and remember to make sure there isn't already a thread with your topic!
Last, but certainly not least , WE HOPE YOU HAVE FUN!!!
Once again, welcome!!!
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