onlinedating

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Some online dating websites offer forums or message boards for users. Though topics may vary, they will usually include subjects like advice about profiles, questions about site features, and general dating information and advice.

When using forums and message boards, there are a few matters of etiquette and courtesy to keep in mind: 

• While it may be easier to be open and direct while sitting at a computer versus in person, rules of common courtesy still apply. Remember the Golden Rule and follow it.
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• Threadjacking is the act of posting about an unrelated topic in a thread. While some people and some sites seem to be accepting of this because of the friendly feel of the community, others take immediate and strong action against those who threadjack. Become familiar with site policies and with the attitude of message board/forum members.
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• Business Promotion and Spam. Many sites have rules against anything in posts and profiles that links to or in some other way is selling or advertising a product or service. Violation of this rule can result in an immediate removal from the site. Check out the site policies before posting anything that could even be remotely considered to be advertising or spam.
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• On sites where there are forums and message boards, there is a greater feeling of community and a higher likelihood that members are being acquainted as friends. This opens up possibilities of gossip, rumors, and childish behind the scenes games. Do yourself a favor and avoid the drama. Your reputation for staying out of the pettiness will win out.  Aside from reasons of personal ethics, since you are on a dating site, this matters.
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• Remember that once you post something on the message boards/in the forums, it is “out there” for the whole world to read. Employers and others have been known to troll the internet looking for information about individuals. Potential dates may troll the boards even though they do not post on them. Bits and pieces of what you post can be used to invade your privacy. Use caution when you post.
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• Some posts and replies do require some explanation, detail, or length. Generally speaking, however, it is taboo to submit long posts and replies. Most people want to be able to read and leave online materials very quickly. Some sites will penalize you for posting long replies and posts.

 
Today’s Question: If you read message boards/forums, why do you post or not post on them?

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