Several years ago, way back when I first bought my computer and came online - I chatted a lot and finally became a regular member. This chatroom also had its own forum, and in time, I became a chatroom host and a moderator of its forum.

I soon learned that communication, even at its best, is a tricky beast - one that can turn on you as quick as it can assist you. For example, there are several words that have different meanings to different people, and when a diverse group of people are involved, it is just a matter of time before these words that can mean different things to different people flare into something more than was ever intended.

Also, the mindset one person has while posting or replying plays a big factor. If that person is overly tired, upset, angry (I think there is a difference in being upset and in being angry), or agressive - their words, or post, or reply may be taken in a different manner than the author intended.

And the reader of that post, if they are overly tired, upset, angry or agressive can very well mis-read what was written, or take it differently than it was meant.

And then there are times - all the words are right, but the tone is wrong, or off, and that can change the way others view what is written.

I have yet to make a post, or reply and have it actually say and do what I originally intended. It's just darn hard to do it. Regardless of my intentions, or how well it may look after it is posted - I can always improve upon it later. Funny how that works. There is much to be said for hindsight.

So I learned that for me, I needed to have some rules in order for me to control negative or mistaken wording in my posts and replies. I'm not asking anyone to adapt them to theirselves, but stating what works for me.

#1 - I never post or reply when I am angry. Period!
#2 - I never post or reply when I am upset.
#3 - I never post or reply when I am terribly tired.
#4 - I never post or reply to an arguement!
#5 - I never take sides in an arguement publicly. I say publicly, because my show of support for one, or my lack of support towards another is a no win situation - and no one wins.
#6 - I always show my support viva IM, email or PM.
#7 - I never show disrespect towards another. To do so - robs myself of self respect.
#8 - I'm no doctor so I don't tell others what ails them. I do however, state my opinion as to what I think or what I would do if it were me.
#9 - My rights are not anymore important than someone else's. and ...
#10 - Have fun.

These are my 10 golden rules of posting. I may at times stray away from them, but never very far. I try to keep them, but I'm far from perfect.

I've seen several communities since I've been online. I've been a member of a few, and I can tell you - this is the best forum on the web - at least, in my opinion. I haven't met or spoken with Doc John, but from all I've seen and read - he is a very cool feller (probably even cooler now that fall is here and he has someone to remind him HE needs to take out the trash. And a piece of advice Doc - go ahead and do it when she asks buddy - for you can spend a week fighting her over it and still end up doing it. - Just kidding). And while I can't say I know all the moderators here (believe it or not - I really don't), I think their a truly great bunch of people to take on the extra amount of work so we can have this wonderful place to be. I've found it is hard engouh for me to come and post what little I do. Where - How do they ever find the time??? And the members here - what a great bunch! I admit I haven't replied or posted to all of you - there are so many different boards with as many different posts - I have such limited time, so I post to one here and there, but really, don't let my absence of replying ever make you think I don't hold you in high regard.

In closing ... I wish to thank Doc John, our Moderators, and you - my fellow members for all you do. You're all a credit to the human race.

Your friend Sam

Anyone can say I love you, but actions speak louder than words.