Netiquette (NBR)

[pedalfaster]

NBR=Not Bike Related

It struck me while reading some of the earlier posts that some of the women on-board might not only be new to cycling, but also new to posting to cycling bulletin boards. I did a little searching around the TE site, but couldn't really find a guide to posting, other than the very basic f.a.q. section. Since the stated purpose of the board is sharing information and educating cyclists I thought I'd start this thread.

Three rules I try to follow when posting:

1. Timeliness: Check the date of the original post (on the left hand side under the user's name). Bikes, like cars, have model years and accessories and components are ever-changing. A post that is more than a year old and related to equipment is generally "dated".

2. Relevance: I love the way women's minds work, the flowing of ideas and information. It's one of the reasons I so enjoy all-girl rides! However, on a searchable bulletin board it's a good idea to stay somewhat on-topic. Imagine the frustration of a new rider in WA looking for a good saddle...when she finds she has to wade through 20+ posts on a century ride in Georgia (I made that up..appologies if it has really happened). If you find yourself "straying" start another thread.

3.Play nice (I got that one from my mom). Seriously, you never know when you might meet a cyber-pal in person. I learned that lesson the hard way. After a long and lovely day moutainbiking with a new friend from Canada (whom I met on another list) , she shook my hand and said "Wow, you are really nice in person...I have to admit I was kind of scared to meet you...". Whoops.

I'm sure some of you have other ideas on how to make the board more helpful and user-friendly???

Good read on general netiquette : http://www.albion.com/netiquette/corerules.html

[Irulan]

great post, pedal faster!!

I have some general comments to add, as a very old hand at boards, and a moderator in other locations. None of these pertain to this board spefically, more just the general concept.
The only thing I can think of to add it that you need to understand the "flavor" of whatever board/forum/newsgroup etc you are in. Every group has different levels of tolerance for different types of on line behavior. As a general rule, for whatever group, when you are a new comer you should abide by the flavor that already exists and not try to change an existing group to your personal standards. I personally feel that a little bit of controversy and discord is a good thing as it keeps things lively. A steady diet of "nice" can get a little stale.


Irulan

[MightyMitre]

Thanks Pedalfaster - useful post. Interesting website link as well.

[christine]

It struck me while reading some of the earlier posts that some of the women on-board might not only be new to cycling, but also new to posting to cycling bulletin boards.

It's probably narcissistic of me, but I get the feeling this thread is directed toward me -- the person new to cycling and new to cycling bulletin boards. If so, I again apologize if my responses to others' posts were offensive, especially to the more senior members here. I am familiar with netiquette generally and regularly participate in other boards.

I agree that proper organization of threads is essential to a user-friendly board. To that end, I made a mental note (before posting) that the posts I was responding to regarding stolen bikes were recent (they were posted this month). I don't know why the issue was in an old thread, but I didn't feel it was my place to move someone else's discussion to a new thread.

As for playing nice . . . No, I didn't play nice once I was attacked by someone else who wouldn't play nice. Prior to that, I thought all I did was join (an admittedly off-topic) dialogue on stolen bikes. I've apologized in the earlier thread, and I apologize again. It was wrong of me to respond to rude comments in kind, but I honestly don't see how my initially joining an existing conversation was itself poor netiquette.

Every group has different levels of tolerance for different types of on line behavior. As a general rule, for whatever group, when you are a new comer you should abide by the flavor that already exists and not try to change an existing group to your personal standards.

Before I posted on this forum, I read thru as many threads as I could, eager to learn more about cycling and to absorb the enthusiasm of the women here. I would not have posted had I thought I couldn't fit in with the tenor of the group. I didn't know that personal attacks were permitted. I'm sorry if I've upset the status quo by responding.

I realize I may be too defensive to stay in this group, and rather than cause more trouble I will stay out. Again, my apologies to all who have had to read thru all this. This was the first flaming war I've been in, and I realize I just need to end things myself.

[Trek420]

"It's probably narcissistic of me, but I get the feeling this thread is directed toward me -- the person new to cycling and new to cycling bulletin boards."

Nah, Christine, it's probably at me; an old cyclist, relatively old hand on the net...heck, just old ;-)

"I agree that proper organization of threads is essential to a user-friendly board."

Here was my thinking hapahazard, creative, unconventional, dissorganised, coloring outside the lines as it oten is:

Why do we buy new bikes?

1) they're beautiful (see thread "can you have too many bikes?")
2)all things being equal (my legs vs yours) with a better bike I can dust you (see race threads)
3) specific ride or need (see "ode to commuter bikes")
4) because the bike is worn out (see "uprade vs new" thread)
5) crashed/broken (endo threads)
5) sometimes because some &^%$ peice of &^% has stollen your bike. couldnt' find a thread just jumped in 'cause I'm really just missing my bike, shopping, can I make my beater mountain bike suitable to commute on etc? Will it be a mountain bike after...etc. Sorry for any confusion I have caused.

"To that end, I made a mental note (before posting) that the posts I was responding to regarding stolen bikes were recent (they were posted this month)."

And I'll read everything on the board find the most current/applicable before saying word one and not go off the "properly marked trail" as it were

"As for playing nice . . . I was attacked by someone else who wouldn't play nice. Prior to that, I thought all I did was join (an admittedly off-topic) dialogue on stolen bikes. I've apologized in the earlier thread, and I apologize again. It was wrong of me to respond to rude comments in kind, but I honestly don't see how my initially joining an existing conversation was itself poor netiquette."

Apology accepted as is I hope mine. I think women apologize too much (see self defense thread in "other sports" section) but may be needed in this instance ;-)

Bet it's in the "netiquette" link (great link!) humor, sarcasm, warmth, kidding vs serious, all these things that make us like each other don't come off at all on the net. Always good to use lots of emoticons and explain stuff. Friendly folks can sound harsh without meaning too easily, up to this time I've found this group very friendly. Hope that continues with or without me.

TREK420 (soon probably renamed Mondonico)

[missliz]

No girls- it's me! While self absorbtion is not the most obnoxious trait I have, (BF says #6) this one is mine mine mine! No one needs to comment on my most obnoxious habit- my posts are too long. And some would say too opinionated.
Let's all say sorry and get on with our lives. It could be argued that all are rude- or questioned which one is rude. Best to all be a sport and ride away from it. Isn't the cat fur all over making your nose itch? It is mine, time to move on from it.

I'm sad that your bike was stolen, Trek, thats as bad as the dog dying and why don't you start an in memorium thread on it all to itself. Many of us, including myself, can commiserate. A good bike deserves it. And keeping issues separate will keep things clearer. Especially for newbies.

Lizzy

[Irulan]

flame warriors

Liz I think your post length is just fine, as is your personality.

Irulan

[Trek420]

missliz "I'm sad that your bike was stolen, Trek, thats as bad as the dog dying and why don't you start an in memorium thread on it all to itself. Many of us, including myself, can commiserate. A good bike deserves it. "

consider it done, liz!

and please, no talk about Mae the wonder-dog dying, oy gevalt, that's all I need right now ;-) my girlfriend's left me, my bike's gone, but my dog still loves me... hey, isn't that a country western song???? ;-)

[MightyMitre]

Sorry girls - time for a dumb question, but what is 'flaming'? I went to the website link posted by pedalfaster but still don't quite understand.

Is it anything to do with people posting a controversial or argumentative view just to get a reaction out of people?

[Irulan]

there are several kinds of flames, subject to intrepretation of course. The range can be from mild to extreme, and from silliness to extreme unpleasantness.

"you are an old fart" to "you are a freaking idiot" and everything inbetween and then some. There are fun flames where it's just fun teasing that everyone present should know is a joke.


A Flame War is when a discussion pretty much degenerates into insults of various degrees, with some people trying to hold the original context together, and more usually the "trolls" come out of the wood work to join the fray. The worst case scenario is death threats and public confrontations, the best case scenario is that it adds some spice to a forum, where the regulars can step back and say, "oh look they are at it again" ( like two toddlers in a sandbox)

If you read the flame warriors humor link I posted you could get a pretty good idea.

And don't ask how I know this stuff. I counted up how many years I have been doing online discussion and it's a scary number.


HTH

Irulan

[pedalfaster]

http://www.winternet.com/~mikelr/flame18.html



Thanks for the link Irulan!

Seriously, the post wasn't aimed at any particular individual.

Wonder if those boots are SPD compatible.....