Developing as a Forum User

[DragonClasher]

ngl i was kinda the same wasnt sure what to post to begin with

[mrtz]

Welcome! I get what youre saying, best bet is to shoot your shot and stick around. Youll polish up as time goes by and time is passing regardless so ya might as well get in the mosh pit

[shinru]

Thanks to everyone who replied. E4 has always been a wonderful resource and a cool place to talk to some of the OG’s who’ve been at it for a long time. It felt bad - like I was diluting the quality of threads when I respond to posts.

You have certainly made me feel more at ease. Expect more from me, when time permits for me to participate.

[c0ll3ct0r]

@Dyl

It sounds cheesy, but my advice is to be yourself.

Amen. Friends, strangers of substance and anything in between will reveal themselves in due time. As will your enemies, but this is not something to fear, especially on the internet.

[xileets]

@shinru

I feel intimidated

Yup. It’s like imposter syndrome. BUT know that you are welcome, and that each and every one of us came from a position and knowledge place similar to your own. It’s all part of the grand journey and spectacle that is life.

@shinru

• Do you draft responses and edit them extensively before posting?
• Have you consciously worked on the quality of your responses, or do you just type your thoughts and submit without much thought?
• Do you have any tips for contributing relevant, cogent thoughts in discussions?

• Yes
• Yes and Yes
• Think before posting, but don’t change your voice more than you feel comfortable. Maybe, not at all.

[JoshsOddCollection]

@shinru

Do you draft responses and edit them extensively before posting?
Have you consciously worked on the quality of your responses, or do you just type your thoughts and submit without much thought?
Do you have any tips for contributing relevant, cogent thoughts in discussions?

I agree with what others have said, but just to give another point of view from someone who writes articles:

When it comes to articles, I spend hours, sometimes dozens of hours, doing research and writing and re-writing the article. I’ll usually have a post in a draft-state for days.

When it comes to anything that’s not an article it just comes straight off the dome. I’ll re-read what I type multiple times to make sure the grammar is correct but other than that I don’t spend time wondering what other people will think about what I say. If people agree with me then they agree with me and if they don’t then they don’t. We’re all just here to have fun

[pfm]

The #1 piece of advice that has been mentioned is that you will spend more time reading and thinking about your own post than anyone else will. Everyone says some dumb stuff when they are new or even after years of experience. The stakes are extremely low and attention spans are limited. I usually just make a stream of consciousness post and reread it to fix all the times my phone types “if” instead of “of” lol

[gengarbrigade]

Speak from the heart, don’t overthink it, hone your style and believe in yourself.

[pokebuffet]

@ddk

even if a discussion gets heated, members are tactful enough to debate ideas rather than attack user

Really? I get so many memes with my username on it

[jawsh98]

“Those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind”

We’re all nerds who collect Pokemon cards… and I am guessing 99% are adults. Don’t feel any shame if your post isn’t perfectly written.

[martin]

Thanks for bumping the thread, 'twas a good read.