Remember: Be Friendly

[Dave]

It seems that lately there have been quite a few cases where disagreements have turned into name-calling and other bad activities. I'd like to remind everyone that this is a public forum and everyone has the same right to post their opinions. If you don't agree with another member's opinion, actions, etc., you too have the right to express your opinion and disagree. We just ask that you do so in a polite manner. Please, no name-calling, attacking or any other harsh comments.

I will mention that those who do get attacked often will report to a staff member, myself included. So even if the staff might not see the negative comments firsthand, they will often be made aware of them at some point. What does that mean for you? Be polite at all times. Whether you are communicating on the forum, through profile messages, or through PMs, don't send any messages that go against forum rules.

A reminder of the Level 3 rules in question:

No flaming/bashing. This means you cannot make fun of someone for any reason.

Be respectful and polite to other members and staff. Re-read what you type before you submit your post. Could what you wrote be offensive? Could it be taken the wrong way? Is it degrading or disrespectful in any way? These are questions you should think about before submitting posts, especially in a heated discussion.

These apply for all areas of the site, not just the forums. Profiles and PMs are subject to these rules as well.

Also, I'm not talking about any specific instances. This is a general reminder. So for those who will ask, "does this have to do with what I said?" It might, but that depends on what you said. :P Either way, I didn't write this with you in mind personally. Again, it's just a general reminder.

If you have any questions, please let me know. :)

[Pippin's mom]

We can all use reminders.:) Thank you for posting this Dave. I think it helps to remember that behind all the words and postings there is a real person.

I would like to add too that if someone doesn't know about something to do with Budgies or the forum its better to gently teach then to immediately jump on them and then have five or six others all jump in saying the same thing. I have been guilty of this myself at times.:( As I went back and read through some of these threads I can see where the original poster would feel attacked and not very welcome. We are focused on our own post and comments and don't realize how it sounds if all of these posts are read right in a row. At least if we are going to comment too lets do it thoughtfully and in a way that is productive.:)

Just something to think about...

[aka.pody]

Thanks for the posting Dave. I'm going to echo Pippin's mom's words.
Sometimes folks think that their opinion is so much more important than anothers'. It's the old "I'm right and you're wrong syndrome".
There's real people with real feelings behind the names.
Learning respect doesn't always come from age and maturity. Sometimes we have to learn from one another.

[softie]

Very nicely put!

I would also like to remind that this is not just a forum, this is also a community. As you get to know me better, you'll realize just how seriously I believe in this community. We're a part of everything and we're all connected, and I think that in itself should be a reminder to be nice, be friendly, and be considerate :)

And in this community, we have a wide range of ages, so not all point of views will be the same or understandable. Please remember to be patient, as everyone deserves it. :)

[Bethany]

i agree thanks dave we all need to remember like Softie said we are not JUST a forum but a community, we should all care about others opinions!

[Budgietom]

As I went back and read through some of these threads I can see where the original poster would feel attacked and not very welcome.

I have seen instances like this too and I feel so sorry for the person. Thanks so much for the reminder Dave. I know a few members on here who get verbally attacked based on their past mistakes.

Remember everyone. Although most of us are adults this is a family friendly forum...
:)

[Leel]

:D maybe we should have a naughty corner? thanks for the reminder I agree we aren't just a fourm, we are a community! :D:D:D

[Pippin's mom]

I. I know a few members on here who get verbally attacked based on their past mistakes.
:)

Commenting to this thread is fine, but we need to keep our comments general and not bring up specific instances or members.:)
Even if they aren't mentioned by name. Thanks.

[birdybuddy1]

Thank you, Dave. This is all so true, everyone should be able to express their opinions with out a fear of being insulted. :)

[Budgieloveee]

Thanks for posting that! Like birdybuddy1 said, we should all be able to express our thoughts without the dangers of getting hurt

[LORI]

:budge::budgie::)Thank you . If we expect respect we need to respect. After all were here to learn and have fun not war:):):)A smile reflects what is in the soul.

[trixa]

thanks for posting this dave..:):):) TB is our happy place..:) so we really should avoid offending anyone...:)

plus, i wanted others who doesnt use smileys to use them, that way we may understand a person's emotion, because when you read posts that gives advice, knowledge, SPECIALLY corrections or comments, w/o smileys, some might find it offending..:( and might lead to a quarrel...:( anyway...


HAVE A GREAT DAY!!!:D:D:D
MOTM is on, and im hoping everyone will be as friendly as possible..:) (lol i think i sound like a staff member.:P)

[AngelWings]

thanks for posting this dave..:):):) TB is our happy place..:) so we really should avoid offending anyone...:)

plus, i wanted others who doesnt use smileys to use them, that way we may understand a person's emotion, because when you read posts that gives advice, knowledge, SPECIALLY corrections or comments, w/o smileys, some might find it offending..:( and might lead to a quarrel...:( anyway...


HAVE A GREAT DAY!!!:D:D:D
MOTM is on, and im hoping everyone will be as friendly as possible..:) (lol i think i sound like a staff member.:P)

LOL i agree with the smilies :D
i think we're the only two in this side who actually use them a lot XD even though you use them more than me XD:P

[softie]

I would agree that smilies definitely bring a good vibe to the posts :) I prefer to use them, than not use them, as smilies show that I'm approachable, and I mean no harm!

Not everyone uses smilies, and that's perfectly fine, as their posts are quite friendly anyways :)

[absolutangel]

I love the smilies and think the wink or sticking tongue out ones are great to show what you said was in jest, in case people aren't quite on the same wavelength. The smiling ones are good too, kinda friendly feeling.

[Josie]

Thanks for that little reminder!

It's often hard to deal with someone who has a different opinion about something and is stubborn about it, but there is always a way around it. One doesn't always have to result to name calling.

Thankfully I have never been verbally attacked on here. I'm happy to say this is the friendliest forum I go to :D

It's nice to have a reminder though, just to keep things in check :)

[Kip.The.Great]

This is a really friendly forum. :D I can't imagine anyone here being nasty. :rolleyes:
I would like to congrats everyone, this forum has proberly saved many birds, and gave people hope for there little birdies. This is a truly great website! (*and extremly addicting!)
:congrats:

[Kestrel-8]

I always try to be friendly:);):Dlol

[softie]

*Bump* :)

Just a reminder to be respectful and friendly :) I encourage everyone to re-read (or read for the first time) Dave's announcement :)