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A Few Tips For New Members - Feel Free To Add More

Exjuliemccoy's picture

Submitted by Exjuliemccoy on Tue, 08/27/2019 - 11:33pm

I've noticed we've gained quite a few new posters recently, and thought I'd start a thread for helpful suggestions. Here's several that have occurred to me:

  • Preserve your anonymity! Do not use any variation of your real name as a user name, and don't reveal too much personal/identifying info.
  • Please use paragraphs when posting. It's hard to read a wall of print, and you'll get more feedback if your post is easy to read.
  • Don't hijack people's threads by going off on tangents, getting lost in side conversations, etc. Stick to the topic the OP is addressing.
  •  There are some individuals who troll this site, so take what's useful, ignore what isn't, and don't hesitate to use the delete button if a troll pops up on your post.
  • We tell it like we see it here, so please don't take it as a personal attack.

 

Jump in, everyone. I'm sure there's stuff I've missed. Let's make newbies feel welcome and help them get the most out of StepTalk.

Comments

lieutenant_dad's picture

Submitted by lieutenant_dad on Wed, 08/28/2019 - 5:30am

Utilize private messaging if you find a member who you can relate to.

If you do want to go off topic, start a new blog. There's nothing wrong with that (so long as the new blog is about a topic and not another member).

This is not an echo chamber. While you are free to vent, members are free to provide feedback and advice. If we think your actions are harmful to yourself, others, or the image of stepparents, we will unapologetically state that. Also, all because we are critical doesn't mean we aren't supportive. Many of us have been stepparents for years, and have been on this site for years. We aren't trying to belittle, we've just seen it before and know how it plays out.

Learn the acronyms. There is a thread in the forum section with a list.

ITB2012's picture

Submitted by ITB2012 on Wed, 08/28/2019 - 7:17am

You will also get better responses if your post uses proper spelling and grammar. The occasional typo and confusing sentence can be excused but if a post is littered with misspellings and bad grammar people may not want to put in the effort to read it. 

ITB2012's picture

Submitted by ITB2012 on Wed, 08/28/2019 - 1:26pm

quite evident and the sentence structure, even if it's incorrect, is usually consistent so it isn't too hard to understand.

Dawn-Moderator's picture

Submitted by Dawn-Moderator on Wed, 08/28/2019 - 7:44am

Please flag comments/posts that are breaking site rules.  There is a lot of content on the site. A problem will get taken care of quicker if it is reported.

Also, feel free to contact me via private message if you are having any problems.

advice.only2's picture

Submitted by advice.only2 on Wed, 08/28/2019 - 1:08pm

Don't take advice as a personal attack on you and your spouse.
If everytime you post you feel the need to defend, defend, defend, maybe take that as something to reflect on.
Nobody knows your situation better than you do, so when posting don't be vague.

--figureditout--'s picture

Submitted by --figureditout-- on Wed, 08/28/2019 - 1:39pm

If you are an affair partner who broke up the home, don't paint yourself as a victim when the skids don't like or respect you.*wacko*

Mountains's picture

Submitted by Mountains on Thu, 08/29/2019 - 10:10am

Realize that you are submerged in the emotions and drama of your situation whereas others on this page can give commentary and advice based on experience and a more clear perspective.  It is hard to see a way when the waters are muddy as my grandmother used to say.  This forum can help you find a way to think through the muck.  It may come across as not caring but it’s the difference in perspective.