WELCOME TO LONDONMOMS.CA!!!
Since we have a large number of relatively “new” members right now (some who might not be familiar with online forums and/or Londonmoms.ca directly), we thought it might be helpful to create a quick fact sheet on online forums.
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Read the forum rules. --Even if you're excited to be a member of a new forum and can't wait to join in, take the time to find the group policy page and read it thoroughly. This will help introduce you to the forum and their goals and expectations of posters in more depth.
!*!*Lurk a little to get comfortable.--
Some might find it helpful to read a number of posts, or check out the group's archives. Get a feel for the tone of the forum so you can participate accordingly
Common short forms and acronyms
!*!*We Can’t See You. -- Words alone can only tell so much. Without the benefit of tone, body language or facial expression, they can often be misconstrued. Remember to use descriptive wording, emoticons or examples to ensure your meaning is clear. By the same token, don't jump to conclusions about another poster’s intent. When in doubt, ask for clarification.
!*!*Would you say that IRL (In Real Life)? -- Say online exactly what you would say in person. In other words, if you wouldn't say it to the person's face, you shouldn't type it into a forum. Be respectful and appreciate that your opinion is one of many. Expect disagreements (we are over 3000 women with differing views) but remember you can disagree with another person without being disrespectful or making personal attacks. .
!*!*Once it is out there, it is out there! -- Remember before making your post that you are ‘speaking’ to everyone on the forum. Unlike IRL where you may only be speaking to 1-2 ppl at a time, we have over 3000 members and all can view your post at any time. Be careful not to post any personal information that you do not want to share. Even if you later go back and delete the post, it does not erase it for those that have already read the information.
!*!*We are all at different stages in our parenting. -- Londonmoms.ca is a great place to come and post for suggestions, ideas and/or just general chit chat. As it is an open forum, members come and go throughout the day. With this being said, you may not always get a response to your post. You may only get a few responses. If you find you are not getting the responses you were looking for and/or want to ensure more people see your post, you can always ‘bump’ it up (by writing in your thread again). Do not take it personally! Even the most seasoned posters have threads that do not get tons of responses. It all depends on the topics that day.
!*! Get your screen name out there! -- The only true way to get comfortable and meet other members is to take a chance and get yourself out there. Let people get to know you (by your posts, your comments to them etc...), actively participate in threads/outings, give reps for posts you agree with, ask questions if you don’t understand something/and or feel uncomfortable and PM (private message) individuals you want to know more about! Take ownership of your comfort but don’t be afraid to ask questions. Remember even the most senior of member was new here once too!
Hope this helps and that you learn to love Londonmoms.ca as much as we do!
Thanks to Happily Ever After and Mamabear for putting this together!
Guidelines for Newbies (if you don't know what a newbie is...you are one!)
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