Read the Fluther guidelines several times before you start to use Fluther.
Do not become irate when another Jelly suggests that you need to re-read the guidelines.
Do your best to write proper English sentences. If you have trouble with English, please let us know so that we can help you. We are more than willing to give you a break if you have problems with English. But do not become irate if someone asks you if English is your first language. It’s often difficult to communicate with people who’s first language is not English, but if you don’t admit that to us, then we can’t be helpful. It’s also not helpful to call other Jellies racists, if they ask you if English is your first language. English is not a race, but Fluther is an English language website, so it’s necessary to do your best to write clear, concise sentences in English, or ask us for help if you need it.
Pay attention to what you write, and how you say things. Because Fluther is all written, and not being heard, some people might think you are angry or being challenging, when you don’t mean to be. Also pay attention and try not to use slang words out of laziness. Slang words and textspk are generally not helpful, so use them sparingly and try to use them only when you need to use them to make a specific point that involves slang or textspk.
Try to control yourself and choose better words than curse words. Again, there are certain occassions when you may need to use a curse word to make a specific point, but try not to use them just because you have the right to use them or because you are lazy. There are all kind of folks using Fluther from 13 year old kids to older folks who were taught not to use curse words. I’m not saying this to censor anyone, I’m just asking if we could all learn better ways to express ourselves. When in doubt, try to use language that would be suitable for use in mixed company, like at a Thanksgiving dinner at friend’s home, or in a place of worship, or at a school open house where children are present.
If you make a bold statement, don’t become irate when another Jelly asks you to prove or provide a specific example. If a Jelly makes a bold statement that you disagree with, please refrain from mocking him, simply ask him to prove or provide a specific example, or respectfully prove or provide him with a specific example that illustrates the mistake. There’s really no need for hostility. And if you can’t control your hostility, then simply ignore that question or that Jelly for awhile.
If you have a problem and the question that you are posting relates to your problem, try to be precise and honest about what your problem actually is, and what kind of solutions, ideas or answers you hope to get. If you aren’t specific, the Jellies will simply give you their best answers based upon their knowledge and experience. Do not become irate when a Jelly asks you to clarify something. If we could read your mind, we wouldn’t even need Fluther. If you don’t like the answers that you get, please do not keep repeating the same questions with slightly nuanced changes in the wording. Jellies grow weary after reading the same questions over and over and over again by the same Jelly.
When you get 100’s of similar answers to your question, but you don’t like any of the answers, take some time away from Fluther to consider if the way you worded your question is really what you wanted to ask. Also, consider that even though you may not like the answers, the answers may be correct. And please don’t be one of those Jellies, who after receiving 100’s of useful, correct answers, say “Yeah, but….” or “You’re not a psychiatrist.” Remember you are on Fluther, not a psychiatric site, so all of us are simply Answer Givers. You’ve asked for advice, we give answers. You are always free to ignore everyone’s advice.
Do not become irate if someone asks you if you are a troll. There are certain characteristics and writing techniques that trolls use. If you are not a troll, simply explain why you are not, and try to write your Q’s and A’s in a better way. If you really are not a troll and you really do want answers, try to be more open and honest, avoid becoming snarky and angry and simply let us know what you need. See above ^^ for problems writing in proper English.
Stay away from Fluther when you are really angry. Cool down a little bit first. If you are very angry when you get on Fluther, you are likely to say something that you will regret, and you are just as likely to say something to hurt another Jelly, even if that wasn’t your initial intent.
Remember that Fluther is a community site. So at any time, every single member of Fluther could potentially be reading what you are writing, so don’t use Fluther as if it is your own personal Facebook page. What I mean by that is, if you talk about inside jokes and people who the collective does not know, or use slangy/coded language, you will come across as not understanding how Fluther works, you are likely to anger or irritate some of the Fluther members, and you are likely to get modded.
If you inadvertently (or even on purpose) derail someone’s thread. Take the time to apologize, directly, on the thread, or in a PM to the OP. It happens, and the motive is usually not bad, but it’s still not fun for the OP. So when you realize you have done it, apologize immediately. Most Jellies will forgive you.
Realize that when a Jelly tries to correct you about grammar or punctuation or just about anything else that has to do with the English language, or the structure of Fluther, they are simply trying to make you realize that Fluther is a great website because of the high standards. Do not become irate when a well meaning Jelly offers advice on how to “correct” your writing, realize that you will be a better member of Fluther once you learn how to write better. If you are unable to accept help from another Jelly, in a polite manner, then simply ignore them.
And last, but not least, if you have any problems, try to restrain yourself from posting nasty messages or quitting Fluther in haste. Simply go to @augustlan, state your problem and ask for assistance. That is what she and all of the mods are there for.
