Beccazon
Crowing
I have read two comments today...both from individuals who had asked for opinions/information...and one a few days back...from a long-term member leaving a response to a question from a newer member...that bothered me quite a bit. So as a newER member who still asks questions but been-around-the-block enough to also answer some, I felt the need to make a point.
(This may not be the correct forum so move or delete if necessary).
The wide idea of this site is to share, inform and learn by way of pictures, articles, questions and responses. When a question is asked, assume it will get replies. Those replies come as text, not voice. Emotion can be implied...CONVEYED by visual words or emojis, but not guaranteed. It is safe to assume the vast majority of replies are NOT judgmental or intended to upset. Questions from responders are asked in an effort to gain more info so as to help as specifically and thoroughly as possible with whatever original question or situation was posed. Not to scrutinize and demean others' choices or opinions.
On the other side of that point, responders should also realize how their replies come across. It helps to reread your comment before tapping that "post" button. I have found myself rewording after rereading...more than once!
This section IS, after all, a chat forum. You are GOING to get responses. If you don't want responses, this is probably not the place to make points or ask questions lol. That said, there are also a darn LOT of us here. That means a darn LOT of ideas, opinions, information, knowledge, questions, and PERSONALITIES.
I personally feel it is each member's responsibility to help keep BYC a considerate and comfortable place to hang out! That may include biting your tongue or rewording a post from time to time.
There are also a few hints I have quickly realized and employed for chatting in the forums...
1. Take note of badges! They aren't just fun and cute. They DO have a reason for being. The most important to ME (since I am still very ignorant in a lot of topics) is the "BYC educator" badge.
That, to me, is like a top honor here. The members that sport that badge know their stuff. In fact, most of them have a "specialty". Ducks, or chickens or a particular breed etc. If an educator posts a reply to your question, you can safely assume that the information they gave should be at the top of your list for "what to do" about your situation.
You might also notice that others will direct you to the "expert" for your question. Take the direction! GO! Directly message if need be...not everyone can catch every post that they have the best knowledge and experience to answer.
2. Do not take offense! And try not TO offend!
The vast majority of comments are not hateful or judgmental. And NO questions are stupid. We all WERE newbs once. (Newbs at more than just chickens and ducks too, I bet! Lol 
Remember that in text, humor can come across as making fun, questions can feel like judgement, etc. Word accordingly and considerately and everyone leaves with a smile 
And remember that ASKING a question IS going to get replies...often more than you need and with repeats, as not everyone who wants to help you has had time to read alllll the previous replies. There may be duplicate questions and responses. Not to beat you over the head with a most popular answer, but much like a poll or survey, this shows a majority and that in itself I find quite helpful! Much better than getting NO answers or 20 DIFFERENT ones!
And 3. At the head of many of the forums is a sticky post or sometimes a link. READ IT. This is likely to keep to a minimum the questions others ask you ABOUT your post in order to help you as well as get you the most accurate responses the fastest way possible. Most of those stickies give you info for what to include in your post. If you are new and in a rush to ask an emergent question for the safety of your bird and haven't read what specifics to include, keep these things in mind...your ABCs
Age
Breed
Colorful Content (photos)
If you can include pics, they are the most helpful in nearly every situation. Different angles, clear pics, close-ups...don't be afraid to show many pics. That WILL be one of the first things you are most often asked for.
Ok this got pretty long winded.
If you have noticed my posts before, you already know I yammer...a lot. Lol
To sum up...
•PLEASE NEVER BE TOO CHICKEN (yup I said that lmao) TO ASK QUESTIONS! None are stupid. (I still learn stuff every day from OTHER PEOPLES' questions)!!
•Please don't be offended by replies asking specifics or members asking duplicate questions. They need info to help you. •Consider your wording before posting. YOU understand you...now you want THEM to too!
See you in the forums!!
(This may not be the correct forum so move or delete if necessary).
The wide idea of this site is to share, inform and learn by way of pictures, articles, questions and responses. When a question is asked, assume it will get replies. Those replies come as text, not voice. Emotion can be implied...CONVEYED by visual words or emojis, but not guaranteed. It is safe to assume the vast majority of replies are NOT judgmental or intended to upset. Questions from responders are asked in an effort to gain more info so as to help as specifically and thoroughly as possible with whatever original question or situation was posed. Not to scrutinize and demean others' choices or opinions.
On the other side of that point, responders should also realize how their replies come across. It helps to reread your comment before tapping that "post" button. I have found myself rewording after rereading...more than once!
This section IS, after all, a chat forum. You are GOING to get responses. If you don't want responses, this is probably not the place to make points or ask questions lol. That said, there are also a darn LOT of us here. That means a darn LOT of ideas, opinions, information, knowledge, questions, and PERSONALITIES.
I personally feel it is each member's responsibility to help keep BYC a considerate and comfortable place to hang out! That may include biting your tongue or rewording a post from time to time. There are also a few hints I have quickly realized and employed for chatting in the forums...
1. Take note of badges! They aren't just fun and cute. They DO have a reason for being. The most important to ME (since I am still very ignorant in a lot of topics) is the "BYC educator" badge.
That, to me, is like a top honor here. The members that sport that badge know their stuff. In fact, most of them have a "specialty". Ducks, or chickens or a particular breed etc. If an educator posts a reply to your question, you can safely assume that the information they gave should be at the top of your list for "what to do" about your situation. You might also notice that others will direct you to the "expert" for your question. Take the direction! GO! Directly message if need be...not everyone can catch every post that they have the best knowledge and experience to answer. 2. Do not take offense! And try not TO offend!
The vast majority of comments are not hateful or judgmental. And NO questions are stupid. We all WERE newbs once. (Newbs at more than just chickens and ducks too, I bet! Lol Remember that in text, humor can come across as making fun, questions can feel like judgement, etc. Word accordingly and considerately and everyone leaves with a smile And remember that ASKING a question IS going to get replies...often more than you need and with repeats, as not everyone who wants to help you has had time to read alllll the previous replies. There may be duplicate questions and responses. Not to beat you over the head with a most popular answer, but much like a poll or survey, this shows a majority and that in itself I find quite helpful! Much better than getting NO answers or 20 DIFFERENT ones!And 3. At the head of many of the forums is a sticky post or sometimes a link. READ IT. This is likely to keep to a minimum the questions others ask you ABOUT your post in order to help you as well as get you the most accurate responses the fastest way possible. Most of those stickies give you info for what to include in your post. If you are new and in a rush to ask an emergent question for the safety of your bird and haven't read what specifics to include, keep these things in mind...your ABCs
Age
Breed
Colorful Content (photos)
If you can include pics, they are the most helpful in nearly every situation. Different angles, clear pics, close-ups...don't be afraid to show many pics. That WILL be one of the first things you are most often asked for.
Ok this got pretty long winded.
If you have noticed my posts before, you already know I yammer...a lot. LolTo sum up...
•PLEASE NEVER BE TOO CHICKEN (yup I said that lmao)
TO ASK QUESTIONS! None are stupid. (I still learn stuff every day from OTHER PEOPLES' questions)!! •Please don't be offended by replies asking specifics or members asking duplicate questions. They need info to help you. •Consider your wording before posting. YOU understand you...now you want THEM to too!
See you in the forums!!
