Forum Etiquette And Tips: Center for Diagnostic Assays

The main focus of this discussion forum is to create an open communication channel between all of our participants. Having the ability to network with colleagues working in similar fields is extremely valuable. The sharing of information will hopefully improve all aspects of the discipline. However, please remember that discussion content reflects the views of individual participants only. The Center for Diagnostic Assays bears no responsibility for the accuracy of participant comments and will bear no legal liability for discussion results. So how do you maximize the discussion forum potential?

1. Stop and Read. Many threads include sub-conversations within the original posting. When you're ready to respond, select the "Reply" option (not the "New Topic" option) and make sure that you're currently reading the post to which you want to reply. Many posts often get lost because a user will attach it to a wrong original post, or worse yet, post a whole new message when they wanted to post a reply to a particular message.
   
   
2. Do not promote products, services or businesses on the discussion forum. The discussion forum will post banners in the appropriate location. Please contact the Forum staff to inquire about this. If advertising is taking place in the forum itself, the posts will be removed.
   
   
3. Do not post open jobs or positions on the discussion forum. Instead, post them on the Classifieds area. Also, please do not post resumes on the discussion forum. You can also do that in the Classifieds pages.
   
   
4. Write a well worded question and description. Nothing solicits comments and suggestions from experts more than a well thought-out problem statement with appropriate data. Make sure your posting has a question if starting a thread.
   
   
5. Stay on topic. Replies should be answers to the original question. Try not to create sub-conversations in a thread as it complicates reading and really doesn't belong in the thread. If you have a discussion topic that was generated from reading a thread, just start a new thread.
   
   
6. Be considerate to others. It should go without saying that you should treat others as you would like to be treated. If needed, forum moderators will delete repetitively rude, obnoxious and abusive forum posts. Moderators also have the ability to ban users from posting to the discussion forum entirely, but we hope to never use this function.
   
   
7. There are no dumb questions. Many readers do find users obnoxious if they haven't made a good faith effort to determine if a similar topic has been previously discussed. But you can use the Search function to sift through forums, topics, and threads. If you know of an answer to a question that has been previously asked, don't hesitate to link to a previously answered post.
   
   
8. Don't abuse the forum. This should go without saying, but certain posters have required this specification. Do not post under many screen names in order to support your position. Don't try to deceive. Do no harm. We track information associated with each post and abuse will not be tolerated.
   
   
9. Respect Other Users. Sometimes people can write something that you may find offensive. Before assuming anything or responding in anger, please consider that the person may not have intended to cause offense. It is very easy to misinterpret a post on forums, especially when dealing with multinational citizens. There is absolutely no need to resort to insults. Respect another's views even if you disagree with that person.
   
   
10. No Trolling. A troll a person who posts something for the sole purpose of irritating other users and then watches as people start arguing. Sometimes trolls get friends to join in or post under different names. Generally they will do anything it takes to get attention. If you see a message like this, please refrain from replying to it and notify a forum administrator. Trolling is further considered one of two things; Either running a topic into the ground incessantly or dragging up old and negative arguments long after the original discussion gas been put to rest. Trolling is the first step toward outright harassment of other members. This is the single biggest "no-no" in the community. Letting every argument drop isn't always a possibility, but learning when to let things go is important.
    
    

Unsolicited Commercial E-mail (UCE or "spam") can occur when users reveal their email addresses and others use them for personal gain. Although the Diagnostic Speak forums asks for an email address, we do not reveal your email address to anyone unless you give us permission to do so. If you feel the need to reveal it in a post, at least break it up or modify it so automated email harvest programs cannot capture it (for example, myname @ emailhost dot com) but people can easily decipher it.

• Use a clear subject line when you post a message. Does it give readers a good idea of what your message is about? By using a specific subject, you can attract the attention of the right person without them having to read every single message to find yours.
  
  
• When replying to a message, use the "Reply" button so your message will stay in the "thread". A thread is a set of messages all on the same topic.
  
  
• The first post of a thread should explain the intention of the discussion and give as much data as possible. If you're looking for help setting up a data collection plan, describe the process, data to be collected, factors that will come into play, etc. The more information you provide, the more likely someone is to respond.
  
  
• Search the forum for similar posts. Before creating a thread on a topic, try using the forum Search function. If you have any more tips for others, please feel free to contact us. Please also see our Privacy and Confidentiality statement.
  
  

If you have any more tips for others, please feel free to contact us. Please also see our Privacy and Confidentiality statement.


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