have fun, and dont be a jerk

Thanks for the question. Do: - Be an active and engaging member of the community - Ask many questions - Answer with your opinions - Comment a lot - Have fun - Use decent grammar, capitalization, etc. Don't: - Insult others - Get into fights - Be afraid to voice your opinion - Down-rate others for personal reasons - Get involved in land wars in Asia

Do: -Give an honest answer to every question -Voice your own opinion -Rate helpful quesions/answers up and non-helpful q's/'a's down -Have fun!! Have a laugh and a sense of humour. Dont: -Rate an answer down as a result of your personal opinion (trolling). -Be racist or try to insult other baggers. -Ask questions primarily for attention -Ask people to give you points. -Let people get away with sending you nasty/offensive/pointless comments on your answers. Welcome. Im Dr Gonzo. Hallo.

Understand that TROLLS do exist...they are generally happy to give out negative ratings for 1. no reason at all, 2. because they just don't like your answer/question and it conflicts with some personal belief of theirs, 3. they are sad and lonely and believe they can tippy toe around (vailed) and just poop on everyone, because NO ONE gave them any points today! 4. because they haven't figured out what Answer Bag is REALLY all about..... Be sure you consider not just if you AGREE with someone, before you give or take points..but also does the answer address the question? Is it well written and easy to understand in addition to being accurate? Could someone become injured, sick or dead if they actually took the advise given? (goes hand in hand with accuracy!) Is the answer AN OPINION only...everyone has an opinion...just because I don't agree doesn't mean I have got to down rate an opinion that DIFFERS from mine! If I don't like it at all, I can make a comment, or better yet...GIVE AN ANSWER with MY opinion! Have fun!

don't take anything personal

1) not are avatars are created equal 2) have fun, ask and answer honestly. Joke if you want. 3) abbreviated spelling is frowned upon, misspelling is tolerated as long as you get the point across. 4) there are a lot of good people here, and some assholes. You will learn which are which quickly. 5) the newbie buys pizza 6) DO NOT TYPE in caps. It is like yelling, both rude and stupid at the same time.

Don't be put off talking if someone is particularly nasty to you. Unfortunately, although most folk on here are really nice, funny and friendly. There are one or two who will shoot you down if they don't like your question or your answer. Just ignore it, get back out there with your questions and have fun. This is a great place to chat and you can have a good laugh and learn quite a lot at the same time. Good luck.

Do ask Q's and post your A's. Don't be a smart ass or a troll.

just watch your language here on answerbag, don't swear,don't ask for points, respect everybody and there opinions,and just have a great time here.

Great question, LadyLuck. 1) Please use upper and lower case when you type - no ALL CAPS 2) Please spell out words like "you're" and "you" 3) Please don't answer questions with "I don't know" or "Maybe". If you don't know the answer, it's better to leave the question alone. 4) Please keep your temper in check. "Begin in anger, end in shame". 5) Asking for, or promising, points in questions is against AB's Terms of Service agreement, and is a sure way to get downrated. 6) Remember that while you can always edit your answers, comments are permanent. Think long and hard before you write something rude in a comment thread. 7) Lively debate is one thing, but when a debater starts name-calling and personal attacks, it's almost certain he or she is out of substantive arguments. When you see stuff like, "You're crazy", you can unsubscribe from the thread and walk away, because the debate is over, even if others continue adding comments. Recognizing that it's time to leave a heated comment thread, and then leaving, will help keep your reputation clean and you, out of the Penalty Box. 8) Because it's easy to misunderstand people in an all-text environment anyway, ABing after you've been drinking (or in some other altered state of consciousness, take your pick) is a bad idea. I can't count the number of times I've read explanations and apologies in comment threads like, "Sorry I wasn't making sense last night, but..." or "I gotta quit ABUI. Sorry about that." and it's all so unnecessary. I'm not suggesting you stop partying - but, you know - there's a time and place for everything.

This is an excellent question. Don't argue over a stupid question, more than likly it will be a troll looking for a rise. Its okay to give some humor but it should be done in the right catagories,

I have found that if you make a comment when you rate people, it makes a positive impression on them. They will remember you better and you will build relationships faster. This is a community here and relationships are important. Comments are the best way to join the community. Be polite even when you disagree. That will take you far. Ugliness leaves a bad taste in one's mouth. Avoid it if you can. Use the answer search to see if your question has already been asked. That will save you from having your answer flagged as a duplicate. It's at the top of the page and is called "search for answers." Respect other users. They may not be people you want to associate with but they have a right to be here just like you and me. Just avoid users who annoy you. That's the best way to handle it. If they don't get a rise out of you then they will get bored and move on. IGNORE TROLLS! Don't worry about a few negative ratings. We all get them. Most of the time you won't know why or who down rated you. That's just the way it is. Just examine the question or answer and if you think there is nothing wrong then move on. I turn my ratings button off so I don't even see them. It's better that way for me. I enjoy it here much more now. Use proper grammar and spelling when posting questions and answers. This goes a long way towards building your credibility. People will judge you based on your use of grammar and spelling. It's all we have to go on at first. A lot of people will just ignore poorly worded questions and you will be down rated.

Putting your Questions in the right Categories

Don't be afraid to say what you really mean. Don't scrub your first answer just to be PC or nice.

DON'T USE ALL CAPS AND MULTIPLE PUNCTUATION MARKS!?!?!?! use goood splling grmr Ignore trolls and other downratings. If you don't know don't answer. Ask questions in question form. e.g. no, "How to make cookies?" or "My PS2 won't read the disk?" Don't ask for points. Don't be afraid to downrate, but try to leave a comment. Use apostrophe's correctly <--(unlike that one). Go ahead and be funny, but if it's a serious question include a helpful answer too. If you are responding to someone's answer, post it in a comment with the "add a comment" button, not in another answer. Don't include your answer in your question. e.g. "What's your favorite color (mine is blue)?" Don't use ... instead of quotes. e.x. wrong: "What do you think of when you hear... How many boards would the Mongols hoard if the Mongol hoards got bored?" Correct: "What do you think of when you hear, 'How many boards would the Mongols hoard if the Mongol hoards got bored?'"

Ask and answer at your own risk.

Here are some of my responses to AB questions: Advice for Newbies? http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/2386652 See http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/2343017 for the basics. What makes an ABer's username stick in your mind? http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/2395662 What do I expect from other users on AB? http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/2381006 Why are ABers so nice? http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/2383192 Any ABers get annoying? http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/2387053 On being yourself on AB - http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/2386437 A good description of why the "NEW QUESTION" flag goes away, even if the answers are incorrect: http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/2130884 And I'm sure I missed some good ones I answered. OH... And when AB runs slow, don't hut the SUBMIT button on a new question more than once. It will submit the question more than once, and duplicate questions is an AB no-no. ;-)

Always be ready to give the best answer you can. For you never know how you make be of help to someone in need............M.C.S.

Don't try to start a fight. Stop calling eachother names! I can't believe how many seasoned members I've seen do that. The worst ones not to follow is giving mean, pointless answers to questions.

Do not post in all capitols. Don't take everything personally. Other people can't see your face, can't hear your voice inflections. It isn't all about you. 1-3 downrates don't make a troll, so don't go complaining about it. Downrates happen, get over it. Do give points to every question you find worth answering. Don't save your points for yourself. They aren't worthless unless used.

Dont whine about points, you cant do anything with them. Dont ask if you are pregnant, we dont know. ******Do try to have a good time, learn some things, share some things, and teach some things.

If you don't like an answer, don't rate it.

Well, I'm still new and finding my way but it seems pretty straight forward. I try to answer without being too judgmental unless an opinion is asked for. I also try to keep a sense of humor with it all.

All I can say is have fun. Contribute to the site. Learn to walk away when that is appropriate, and always remember, besides the terms of use, I havent been able to find a set of rules that wasnt made by another member... I hope this helps. Good to see you buddy!

1. Don't start drama. Seriously, see the links. Very few people like it. http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/877950 http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/861844 2. Be respectful. Contribute in a positive and meaningful way. If you disagree with another ABer, agree to disagree or debate in a civil manner. If you can't get along with somebody here--just avoid them. Don't look for a fight and don't be a hothead. Have a good attitude and you'll fit right in. 3. Dont be a Point Farmer :( http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/158512 On the flip side of that don't post statements. They will be flagged as nonsense. Plus, this is a Q & A site. That Q is very important. 4. Check for duplicates before you post a question. Just type your question into the search box to see if it already exists. Please no more Why is the sky blue? It makes all of AB groan simultaneously. 5. Rate answers to your questions. It's rude not to acknowledge answers to questions you ask. And rate questions you answer. 6. Retaliatory downrating isn't cool and it will earn you a trip to the Penalty Box: http://www.answerbag.com/c_view/5390 7. Stop by the Answerblog to see what's new. If the AB-Staff introduces a new tool or improvement to the site. Say thanks. It's not a lot to ask. 8. Don't congratulate yourself. Your AB Friends are here for that. It's not really the norm to congratulate people until they reach Sage (Level 50) too. 9. Watch your language and don't yell at people (post in ALL CAPS). 10. Got something "adult" to post? Do it in AB4Adults please. That's all I can think of for now. And everyone should read this http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/1919455

Have fun, and try to keep it family friendly, make friends, and give good answers, as well as ask good questions.

I would give them the same advice that was given to me .. http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/613126 Along with this link http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-behave-on-an-internet-forum

This is the BEST site for Q and A's, for there has yet to be a better site with more friendly and more intelligent people than Answerbag. The site is fluid, and you can do whatever you want, from commenting on a interesting answer to a Question, answering questions, as I do, or ask and discuss as much as you want. Get a drink and get hyper!

Hi top54u! Welcome to AnswerBag! This IS THE BEST Q&A site on the web! You get points for your Qs. Without taking anything away from you or your rating, you are expected to give points for our answers. All you have to do is click your mouse on "+" sign or "-" sign above the "Rate Answer". I HOPE you enjoy your time on AB. By the way, when there are times when you might be a little bored or you want a change of pace, PLEASE visit the "Sillyville Club". Simply type s-i-l-l-y-v-i-l-l-e in the box next to the blue "GO" button. Click on the "GO" button and you'll be in Sillyville! Very Truly Yours, Ron Berue Yes, that's my real last name! "HE Official Spokesman of Sillyville"

if you havent grown up yet, this site will make you do just that

Wear a helmet!

Remember your comments and questions cannot be deleted, unless you ask a staff member to specifically do it for you, which isn't always a garuntee.

All of my tips are in my profile - http://www.answerbag.com/profile/?id=174918 (Scroll down to "Answerbag Questions & Answers")

Don't fear the trolls There are many nice people who would cover up for trolling :)

This is from another answer, but it applies here too: 1. Don't start drama. Seriously, see the links. Very few people like it. http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/877950 http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/861844 2. Be respectful. Contribute in a positive and meaningful way. If you disagree with another ABer, agree to disagree or debate in a civil manner. If you can't get along with somebody here--just avoid them. Don't look for a fight and don't be a hothead. Have a good attitude and you'll fit right in. 3. Dont be a Point Farmer :( http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/158512 4. Check for duplicates before you post a question. Just type your question into the search box to see if it already exists. Please no more Why is the sky blue? It makes all of AB groan simultaneously. 5. Rate answers to your questions. It's rude not to acknowledge answers to questions you ask. Even better if you leave some comments. 6. Retaliatory downrating isn't cool and it will earn you a trip to the Penalty Box: http://www.answerbag.com/c_view/5390 7. Stop by the Answerblog to see what's new. If the AB-Staff introduces a new tool or improvement to the site. Say thanks. It's not a lot to ask. 8. Don't congratulate yourself. Your AB Friends are here for that. It's not really the norm to congratulate people until they reach SAGE (Level 50) too. 9. Watch your language and don't yell at people (post in ALL CAPS). 10. Got something "adult" to post? Do it in AB4Adults please. That's all I can think of for now. And everyone should read this!!!!! http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/1919455

answer, ask and have fun. TROLLS love to DR you and so do people who dislike your questions..know that the DR's do NOT count against you. they do not lower your average. in case you are one that DRs please know that everyone will be able to tell that by looking at your % level which now stands at 100% on your ratings..if it's starts etching down in the lower 90's, people start getting cautious of answering questions and answers. We have CL's who are awesome and do everything they can to make this site run and stay family friendly. Don't spam, be nice, do not argue and you stay out of the Penalty Box. Always use the unsubscribe button if you feel the person wants to argue (and some do that is all they are here for)..have fun.

Just have fun babe! WELCOME TO AB!!!

&quot;Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind!" -Dr. Seuss We all look forward to answering your questions and reading your answers! Oh and one friendly tip, don't downrate people just because you don't agree with their opinion.. only use the downrating tool when someone is flat-out wrong or is being offensive/stupid! Have fun on AB.. it is very addicting! :] xoxoMiss Paradise

Nope most of us are even housebroken :) Welcome to AB! Here are a couple of links that you might find helpful: http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/1919455 http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/305855

I found this place to be wonderful from the very moment I signed on. The moderators are all excellent and really care as opposed to some other bot sites where they just go by statistics or numbers and could care less about personal situations. Everyone is helpful and most people are kind but even the people that are not, are more than likely just being honest. I had only one bad experience on here and even that was no big deal. Just dont pick fights and enjoy helping people and being helped by people. and you'll have hours of fun and laugh your head off with a great group of people.

I'm new too!!! Welcome!! I LOVE this site and I'm addicted already. The only thing that has irritated me is that some people LOVE to correct your spelling and such. Who cares?

Hey Sunshine! Well, welcome to us both! Oooh, spelling, eh? Okay, thanks for that! English or American? Vive le difference! I know my eyes are hurting already! Take it easy.

Learn to turn it off and go to bed. It's highly addictive and you find yourself not paying attention to other things. Welcome by the way.

Enjoy and don't take it too seriously.

Just remember to giove peole lots of points - it keeps them happy and friendly and give yuo good karma - especially of you post comments like - exactly what I was about t say you saved methe troble +5. You can type more accurately though if you want. No one minds good typign.

No promises on the biting... just be respectful and don't take things to seriously...

depends on how seriously you take things...but it's not all bad

Ask good questions. Give good answers. Join in comment threads so you get to know people and people get to know you. Don't focus on points. If you focus on quality contributions, they'll come. Don't worry about being downrated. It happens to everyone. Stay away from negativity. Stay away from drama. Have a sense of humor. Don't take the site too seriously. Don't take yourself too seriously. AND MOST OF ALL, HAVE FUN!!!! Oh, and don't type in caps;)

Do ask lots of questions and don't be disrespectful of others opinions.

I never down rate..but that is me:) I have fun but..I am serious too:) I had to learn the hard way so must you..or not:):) Great question:):) I should of asked that my first day here:):

don't downrate people just cause they have different views thoughts and opinions..thats what makes us unique..be open and willing to take in weird ass questions..answers..and comments..lol good luck..and welcome stranger!!

Be as informative and as helpful as you can in the more serious questions and as witty and as funny as possible in the other ones. Do pass points around liberally. Don't cuss up a storm in debates, for the goal is to be as civil as humanly possible regardless of circumstances, especially if they aren't being civil to you.

yes. You must send chocolate and flowers to everyone

That's a great quetion, Claire...my tips are try not to be too rude when answering something, and if you're disagreeing with something try to be respectful about it, that way you're more likely to keep your points.

This has been asked before, but for sake of more people getting acquainted with the concept, here's a link: http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/305855

The following is from my profile, under the "Answerbag Questions & Answers" heading: How to behave on an internet forum (and/or AB, as the case may be) - http://www.videojug.com/.../...an-internet-forum and DON'T be and idiot like Brandon at http://www.theonion.com/.../...o_post_comment_on ;-) Newbies/Noobies: NOTE: When AB runs slow, don't hit the SUBMIT button on a new question or answer more than once. It will submit the question more than once, and duplicate questions is an AB no-no. ;-) ALSO, If you include a link in your answer, and include the http:// , make sure there's no punctuation immediately before or after the link (ie: "( http://www.example.com./ )", especially afterward. When AB makes it an actual link, it will "suck in" the punctuation marks. Make sure your link is surrounded by spaces. And don't just put something like "example.com". Make it a link. Tips for AB Etiquette - http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/2397758 (MY answer may include many of the following) . http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/3648659 . http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/2383192 . http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/2298271 , and http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/2453557 The AB 10 Commandments - http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/173281 (read more than one... They're GOOD). "Sins" on AB - http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/2227769 Take "The AB Oath" - http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/416416 Top 5 DON'Ts of AB - http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/647547 NOTE: You should not congratulate yourself. That's what your AB Friends are here for. Also, it's not really normal to congratulate people until they reach Sage (Level 50). How NOT to ask a question (note the disagreements in the comment threads of a couple of answers) - http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/2615601 - AND how to point out (as gently as possible) the questioner's errors and explain things (see comment thread - I KNOW this was flagged as nonesense, but it DID make sense and stopped some bad feelings between some actually really nice ABers) - http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/2616062 For more information about various subjects, including a lot on AB, see my profile (Click my avatar or username to see my profile.)

dont write in all capital letters thats rude on here and most likely on every message board on the internet

Don't be stingy with your points. It's always proper to give points to people who answer your questions. Even though you can't buy anything with them, it's always a good incentive for people to continue to answer your questions. Some people will NOT answer your questions if they know you don't give points or follow up with comments. Points have no limit in giving YOu have no maximum amount you can give so give freely.

Yes,Welcome to the Asylum we're all inmates here and we're loving every minute of it.Insanity and humor go hand in hand here...Rude answers are downrated or ignored altogether.Answers with humor and satire,often start conversations which can go for weeks..

PawkaGuRu, First of all, let me welcome you to Answerbag, we hope you enjoy your stay and we look forward to hearing what you have got to say. There are a few members who have taken the time to post some good information on their profiles for new and old users to help them along the way. I have some information on mine that you may be able to use. To get to a members profile all you need to do is click on their avatar and it will take you right to where you want to go.

Please see my profile ( http://www.answerbag.com/profile/?id=174918 ), the Answerbag Questions & Answers section. At the top of that section, you will find: How do you use this answerbag site? - http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/6051152 , and from Jodie and others: http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/305855