Like any pre-existing social grouping, there are all kinds of official and unofficial rules of engagement. Obviously it is impossible for a newcomer to fully understand the social dynamics at play. If you want to jump in head first, without looking, do so at your own risk.
Otherwise, we suggest the following:
Spend at least a day or two reading posts before actually posting. This will help to acclimatize you to how members interact. Like anywhere else, there are some great people on this site and there are some questionable characters. Don't let anyone dissuade you from participating, but be aware that they are out there. Some people like to talk tough from the safety of their parents' basement (or computer room at the insane asylum). There may be some cliques on the site that engage in a mob mentality at times. Ignore them. Also, there are “trolls” particularly Protestants, Atheists and even Witches and Satanists who love to get Catholic ire up. So forewarned is forearmed. In any response be “Catholic” and do not afraid to engage and fight for the Faith, with Hope and Love. When talking latest news event or critiquing something on the website, remember that this website is designed to inform and teach. Members like quality posts backed up with logical arguments or factual information. If you are not a Catholic, we insist that you keep your comments cogent and organized. This Administrator is not hesitant to engage any commentator in a cogent and organized fashion.
We can agree to disagree.
Regardless of the above, this Administrator reserves the right to cancel any Subscriber or Commentator and their commentary to this Café. When starting a dialogue, choose a good thread title. Choosing an overly long, nasty, non-descriptive thread title is a big no-no. It will not be allowed. Don't start a dialogue on a particular subject that is already being discussed on a recently started thread. Starting such a thread can be construed as you wanting to start a "look-at-me" thread. How can you quickly check if there is an ongoing discussion? Use the "Search" or "Last Post" features. If you miss it, don't worry. It's not the end of the world. And there is a delete function at the bottom of any thread that you start. Most importantly, don't make things personal. Be Catholic! If someone disagrees with you, be the bigger person. Don't launch into personal attacks and don't respond to personal attacks. This is one of the easiest ways to get into trouble around here.
Have we scared you off? We hope not. This is a great place. Why? Because it is more than a religious apologetic bulletin board. As such it is a real dynamic community. With this Conversation Café it is hoped that uncountable friendships and acquaintances will be made that impact the lives of our members in very real and positive ways. The site is not just popular with the Faithful Remnant but with their families and friends. There are some really good conversations here. Questions You May Have:
How do I gain acceptance from the regulars? Please do not be foolish or overly emotional. Don't try to make a big splash at first. Make quality posts. People will then look forward to reading your stuff. Also keep in mind that if you write something outlandish or not supported by the evidence, you are going to get called on it. So be prepared. What if I feel like I'm being personally harassed by another poster? There is a fine line here. Just because someone disagrees with you and/or always disagrees with you does not mean that person is "harassing" you. At the same time, personal attacks are not allowed. If you are being personally attacked, contact the administrator, Nich Fluh, and the time and date of the offending posts. But you had better have solid, specific examples of the problems.
Spamming and promotion of commercial products and charities are not allowed! You cannot use this website to promote commercial or charitable activities without our permission. Not only does this junk up the site, but it's a legal issue for us. One last point, foul language and curse words are not tolerated. Those who post such language will be banned from commenting on the website.
So welcome aboard! We hope you become a valued and trusted member of this community.
How do I gain acceptance from the regulars? Please do not be foolish or overly emotional. Don't try to make a big splash at first. Make quality posts. People will then look forward to reading your stuff. Also keep in mind that if you write something outlandish or not supported by the evidence, you are going to get called on it. So be prepared.
What if I feel like I'm being personally harassed by another poster? There is a fine line here. Just because someone disagrees with you and/or always disagrees with you does not mean that person is "harassing" you. At the same time, personal attacks are not allowed. If you are being personally attacked, contact the administrator, Nich Fluh (that’s me), and the time and date of the offending posts. But you had better have solid, specific examples of the problems.
Spamming and promotion of commercial products and charities are not allowed! You cannot use this website to promote commercial or charitable activities without our permission. Not only does this junk up the site, but it's a legal issue for us.
One last point, foul language and curse words are not tolerated. Those who post such language will be banned from commenting on the website.
So welcome aboard! We hope you become a valued and trusted member of this community.