The major purpose of this forum is for sharing knowledge about ministry and for professional support. It is not a place to hold theological discussions or for shameless promotion.

Forums generally have a constant influx of “newbie” participants. If you have done well in responding to a particular problem - explained the answer clearly and simply - keep the answer, it will be needed again.

As it is difficult to know your internet audience in a forum - and in the interest of appearing professional - this is one place where humor is best avoided or ‘gentled’.

Most of all, enjoy meeting new people on the net who have the same interests that you do. After all, they will love meeting you.

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Forum Rules and Guidelines
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All Rules are open to different interpretations. The moderators of a Forum should have the final decision as to what constitutes an infringement of the rules as well as the responsibility to remove, edit, move or close those posts that they see as being harmful to a forum. Consistent abuse will lead to account removal, but more importantly it will undermine the benefit others receive.

*CRITICAL*

Do not clog the forum with repetition, subjects that are not pertinent, long personal anecdotes, or inappropriate language.

Do not, at any time, post something on a forum that would be embarrassing or too personal in nature.

ADVERTISING

The purpose of a Forum is a free and open exchange of ideas. It is understood that there are times when the idea itself requires that a product be mentioned, critiqued or evaluated. There are also times when the recommendation of a product is the answer to a posted problem.

Blatant advertising on a Forum, however, is rude. Such postings should be removed. The definition of ‘Blatant Advertising’ is generally at the discretion of the moderators of a Forum.

APPROPRIATE TOPICS

Cross-posting (i.e. post the same message in more than one forum board) is rude. Choose the forum topic that is closest to your post, and place it there only.

CRITIQUES

Many forums call for critiques from members on a particular project. This is a wonderful learning tool if handled properly. Remember, this is a learning process. If criticism is too harsh, someone may be dissuaded from presenting his or her project for criticism. If criticism is not honest, no one will learn. Both extremes defeat the purpose of the forum.

If you are being critiqued: Do not take criticism personally. Evaluate it and decide if you can use it. If you can’t, then put it totally out of your mind.

If you are critiquing, unless you can offer an improvement or substitution that you feel would benefit previous remarks, do not comment. (Others will.) Please do not comment on a subject outside of the forum.

FLAMING & ABUSE

Please, no messages that harass, insult, belittle, or threaten another member.

Many forums have a range of emoticons or Avatars for the use of their members. This eliminates the need for capitalization to make a point. A message that is delivered in capitals is considered “shouting” or “flaming” on the internet and is considered rude.

LANGUAGE

Offensive words and / or graphics should not be tolerated.

POSTS

While your post to the forum is available to the group as a whole, you should generally use the name of the person to whose comment you are responding for two reasons.

1) It makes a better impression. You are trying to expand your network as well as perfect your skills.

2) It focuses you on the fact that there is a real person on the other end of your message. Too often, we feel an anonymity on the internet and respond in ways that we would not respond person to person. If anything, we need to be kinder on the Internet. It is fast paced. We tend to forget that once it is written - it is always there.

Special Notes:

Sig (signature) lines should be subject to all the rules and guidelines that a post is - including links.