The good: the food, the friendships, the silly banter, the witty banter, the spot on advice, getting and giving a new perspective on things, very specific answers to very specific questions, hundreds of different answers for very general questions, lots of Jellies with the ability and desire to do lots of research to answer your question, being able to read through the lines and cut through the B.S., giving vulnerable Jellies a safe haven (most of the time) having lots of parties.
The bad: over-zealous modding (but that problem seems to have worked itself out after we all had several huge group discussions about what should and should not be modded and in what context).
Having to deal with some users (often new) who ask outrageously loaded questions and then get angry with the answers they receive (if you just take your time and ask your questions in a thoughtful manner, you’ll get all the good answers you need, ask for clarification if you see a comment that doesn’t seem to make sense).
Sometimes people ask questions about a specific problem, but don’t give enough background information for us to give informative answers.
Some people ask the same question over and over and over again (with slight changes in the details) and then get mad when other Jellies point this out to them. If you do need to ask a similar question, maybe to get more clarification, or to give more details, it’s useful to refer to the original question so people know that you aren’t just re-asking the same question.
Sometimes some people ask questions that are too vague. Just be specific and to the point, then you won’t have that problem. Details are very helpful. You can always use specific details, while at the same time guarding your privacy. If you need to discuss a delicate personal problem, lets say regarding family or friends, make up fake names like Larry and Alice, or use person A and person B. If you need to discuss a delicate physical problem, make sure you put NSFW (Not Safe For Work) in the title question itself and then use proper terminology so that people know exactly to what you are referring to.
People on one side or the other of a political or religious question making rude comments about the other side. People on one side or the other of a political or religious questions thinking that they have been insulted, when maybe they’ve just been asked to clarify something or give proof. We’re big on seeing proof on Fluther. If you are easily offended by comments that go against your religious beliefs or political beliefs, it can be a wise choice simply to avoid those questions. No one expects you or anyone else to participate in every thread that comes down the pike. Choose the questions that interest you.
Questions that are presented as veiled attempts of homophobia and misogyny. We’ve got lots of gay and lesbian people on Fluther, as well as women, and men who are feminists (meaning that feminism is a belief that women deserve equal rights and respect). We don’t like it when when ugly/false assumptions are made about us and other members of Fluther. Keep the veiled mean sh*t to yourself or find an alternative Q and A site. Otherwise, you’ll be fine. Most of the people on Fluther are very nice, except for the small handful that are not.
Bad grammar. Luckily we’ve got a few great Jellies that are extremely knowledgeable about grammar and are very happy to help you. If you can appreciate, rather than be insulted, by someone’s helpful attempt to correct bad grammar, then you’ll do well. Some of these folks, the one’s who know correct grammar, are more than willing to help you behind the scenes if you’re struggling.
Now, how can we help you?
