Board Etiquette and Guidelines

thomas930 · September 2013

I'd like to add that this is not something that I came up on my own to control or own the A14 board, but a re-post of an original that was created, and added to and agreed on by a majority of the regulars around there...it was a team effort and if you don't agree that's on you and no one is making you stay. This was a way to help the posters that aren't familiar with how we've been doing things around here and we want to help make this the best experience for everyone....not control you. A14 is also not the only board that has post something like this...if you don't feel welcome here there are about 100 other board just on the bump that you can join in on but you'll find a similar crowd on those too.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The other day someone mentioned that people's exciting news (i.e. introductions, ultrasounds, etc.) is only getting roughly 4 comments whereas our UO end up being 8 pages. Now clearly there is a difference in the post but it is true. If the board was more organized then it would be much easier to be excited for one another, read more of the posts and respond appropriately. It is hard when you post an u/s picture on a busy day (i.e. crazy threads) and within minutes your post is on page 2 and never coming back.

Here are my recommendations for board etiquette (not at all my own, they are just about the same board etiquette that you will find on any other board):

-Before you start posting or ask a new question lurk & look around. Chances are, the question you are about to ask has already been answered. We are willing to help but we don't want to answer the same question 10 times a day and you may end up getting a snarky response.

-Introduce youreslf!! Give us a little bit of information about yourself so we know who you are. Also individualize your signature and avatar if you can. These things will make it easier to recognize you & will help us get to know you.

-If you want support, it is best to give support. If you only ever ask questions and don't ever provide others with support you may not get the response you were looking for when you ask questions.

-Please remember that we are not doctors and are definitely not your doctor. We are pregnant and our advice is based on our experiences and what others have told us. If you think something is wrong or you are worried about something, ask your doctor.

-We will be honest for you. If you do not want an honest answer and you just want someone to hold your hand and promise it will be ok, that will not be us. We will support you the best we can but if you ask a question be ready for an answer. This may get snarky or be seen as rude. It is neither, just honest. That being said some ladies will be snarky, it's the internet and we can't control it!

Here are some of the daily & weekly check-ins that you may be interested in joining:

Daily Ticker Change This check-in is great to check in with other ladies that are moving along at the same speed as you!! Feel free to share symptoms and just want to complain, vent, rant or ask questions. If you have questions, read the others posts and respond to theirs also. Again giving support will get support!!

Weekly Check-ins (I can edit this later to add the rest or the days I just don't know them all of them- just let me know):

PgAL (Mondays)

Team Green (Tuesdays)

Healthy Women

AMA

Multiples (Mondays)

FTP (First Time Pregnancy)

Plus size Preggos

HDBD (Hump Day Bump Day) (Wednesday)

UO (Unpopular Opinion) (Thursday)

FFFC (Flame Free Friday Confessions) (Friday)

CHECK OUT OUR BLOG:

https://aprilmoms.blogspot.com/

So hopefully, as you can see, this is not in attempt to control but to organize so that we can all get to know each other better and provide support to all of the lovely ladies here!! Other ideas have been thrown out there and please add them below!! Thanks ladies

Mamamonzo · September 2013

Thanks for reposting. I feel like we have a huge wave of newbies.. Maybe they all just waited longer to join!?!? Hopefully this will eliminate the multiple posts... There have been TONS of them lately!!

baylorlinda · September 2013

@thomas930-Thanks for taking on the responsibility of being the moderator!

jgreig83 · September 2013

What a great idea to repost. I am sure that Jap618 really appreciated it too!

naelindy · September 2013

Maybe I am wrong, but... If we are all due in April, aren't we all kind of new? I mean, no one has been around this board more than a few months, right? Though I suppose some are here more frequently than others and might be more familiar with how things go!

thomas930 · September 2013

baylorlinda said:

@thomas930-Thanks for taking on the responsibility of being the moderator!

Thanks!

Also want to thank @wifeofacomposer too!!

thomas930 · September 2013

naelindy said:

Maybe I am wrong, but... If we are all due in April, aren't we all kind of new? I mean, no one has been around this board more than a few months, right? Though I suppose some are here more frequently than others and might be more familiar with how things go!

@naelindy

While that is true, a lot of us have been around the bump for quite a while

We are getting new poster to A14 daily and this is just to help guide them in some forum/board

etiquette.

WifeofaComposer · September 2013

LOL!! @thomas930 - it looks like you knew I became a moderator before I officially did.

)

thomas930 · September 2013

WifeofaComposer said:

LOL!! @thomas930 - it looks like you knew I became a moderator before I officially did.
)

I kind of had a feeling you would be picked too, then I noticed you at the top of the page with me

Maymac18 · September 2013

Well put thomas930. Thanks!

WifeofaComposer · September 2013

thomas930 said:

naelindy said:

Maybe I am wrong, but... If we are all due in April, aren't we all kind of new? I mean, no one has been around this board more than a few months, right? Though I suppose some are here more frequently than others and might be more familiar with how things go!

@naelindy
While that is true, a lot of us have been around the bump for quite a while
We are getting new poster to A14 daily and this is just to help guide them in some forum/board
etiquette.

To elaborate on @thomas930's reply, many of the women here have been on other month boards, TTCAL, PAL, and PgAL for a while, too. There are women of so many different levels here, and the "more experienced" ones want to help the newbs find their niches.

Kjrisi · September 2013

Very informative post

I appreciate you taking the time to help us newbies out. This is my first time on the bump and sometimes I wonder if I'm asking dumb questions or giving the right response. I love being able to see all you lovely ladies pictures and want to thank everybody for your advise, help and support.

McKim88 · September 2013

G

tcwink · September 2013

I'm new to this board as of 9/25. I'm due 4/9. I waited to sign up till I was farther along due to early losses in the past. I'm excited to be here now!

sataraart · September 2013

Wow, this has just been made way more complicated than it should be. There are rules and regulations to The Bump birth clubs now? Who cares if somebody is asking a repeat question. Don't read it and don't answer it if you don't want to. I thought this was a fun board for people to share their thoughts and ask questions. New comers should not feel like they are going to be judged if they ask a question that has been asked before. Isn't that what Google is for? Last I checked this is not a search engine. I obviously have not been on this board enough (and maybe even didn't formally introduce myself or know how to create a signature-gasp!) to know that these have been some major issues that have had to have been dealt with in this manner and in that case, I apologize. Otherwise, what is the big deal?

WifeofaComposer · September 2013

sataraart said:

Wow, this has just been made way more complicated than it should be. There are rules and regulations to The Bump birth clubs now? Who cares if somebody is asking a repeat question. Don't read it and don't answer it if you don't want to. I thought this was a fun board for people to share their thoughts and ask questions. New comers should not feel like they are going to be judged if they ask a question that has been asked before. Isn't that what Google is for? Last I checked this is not a search engine. I obviously have not been on this board enough (and maybe even didn't formally introduce myself or know how to create a signature-gasp!) to know that these have been some major issues that have had to have been dealt with in this manner and in that case, I apologize. Otherwise, what is the big deal?

I think there may be a misunderstanding about this. It's not a list of "rules and regulations". It is just an informative suggestion to help posters save time and frustration, and to make friends. The point is: the more times a particular topic is brought up, the less likely people are to respond to it because they already have. It's meant to prevent newbies from feeling like they're being ignored when someone has answered the same question for somebody else previously. Also, we're just indicating that it's easier to "bond" or "connect" with a person online when we know a little bit about them. When a poster makes an appearance once every few weeks and rarely responds or offers support to others, regular posters find it difficult to help knowing so little about the infrequent posters.

thomas930 · September 2013

Spot on, Wifeofacomposer!

The very first paragraph kind of explains just that. It was brought up that people were feeling ignored because their posts were being skipped. They were being skipped because the question was asked just a few hours ago. No one is trying to control anyone.

MamaFantastic · September 2013

^^ You smarties are the best!

@sataraart, these suggestions are meant to help you as a newcomer, not to alienate you. In fact, the entire point of the post was to give a primer on how to increase your chances of having the best, most productive and encouraging time here. This involves learning from others, giving and getting support, and sharing your experiences for the collective benefit of the board. Treat us like you'd treat friends in real life.... show up, be accessible, offer us a chance to get to know you, and soak up the awesome database of info and experience here!

WifeofaComposer · September 2013

spasticfantastic said:

^^ You smarties are the best! @sataraart, these suggestions are meant to help you as a newcomer, not to alienate you. In fact, the entire point of the post was to give a primer on how to increase your chances of having the best, most productive and encouraging time here. This involves learning from others, giving and getting support, and sharing your experiences for the collective benefit of the board. Treat us like you'd treat friends in real life.... show up, be accessible, offer us a chance to get to know you, and soak up the awesome database of info and experience here!

Yes, @spasticfantastic, yes - all of this!

kbatchetee · September 2013

Is there any way that the most commonly asked and answered questions can be "pinned" to the top of the board. As a newbie myself, I've often found myself frustrated trying to weed through pages and pages of posts looking for anything related to a question or topic that is on my mind at that given time. I give up after a few pages and just resort to google for fear of getting "yelled" at by more experienced bumpies.

Sisimama10 · September 2013

^ I don't think you have to go through everything. Just check the last couple hours

thomas930 · September 2013

kbatchetee said:

Is there any way that the most commonly asked and answered questions can be "pinned" to the top of the board. As a newbie myself, I've often found myself frustrated trying to weed through pages and pages of posts looking for anything related to a question or topic that is on my mind at that given time. I give up after a few pages and just resort to google for fear of getting "yelled" at by more experienced bumpies.

If we were to do that the entire first page would be just pinned questions. If you aren't using the app then you can use the search function on the non mobile site.

Just be wise, if its on one of the first 2-3 pages see if there is an answer for you. If not, you can try to ask. Just remember if its a medical question you could probably call your doc because that's what you are going to get suggested.

LolaX2 · September 2013

Thanks!

pricesprincess · September 2013

I have to say that while I do understand some etiquette is polite on a blog, this message when it was originally post had the effect of turning me away from this blog. I am a late April mom, first time pregnant. My husband and I have been trying for a very long time and I'm very excited to finally enjoy such a blessing. I had posted two questions, had some responses and posted some comments and was starting to get excited about the blog, but this message made me feel very unwelcome. Not to mention reading about "newbies" all the time. Now this message is going to be reported every day? This is disheartening and it doesn't come of very welcoming. That's too bad.

Erikahenderson1 · September 2013

I am only on here occasionally, when I have a question. I like the fact that I can look at 1-2 pages and relate to someone with what I am going through. In fact, the more the merrier. These are individuals personal experiences. Repeats are a good thing for someone who isn't constantly checking this site. I agree that after reading this post, I feel less "welcomed." (I didn't think I should feel either way about it.)

thomas930 · September 2013

@pricesprincess

You have to take into consideration that we've started forming this group almost 11+ weeks ago. A lot of posters have been around since they got their BFP and have been forming relationships since then. We get and welcome new posters every single day and love the new interactions with everyone but this is a forum, and it's easy for people to get skipped because they choose to ignore a repeat post. This was not to make anyone feel unwelcome but to really just help guide you in your best experience on the board.

If you haven't, please read the comments. We've done our best to explain why this was posted. We also aren't the only board that has a post to with suggestions like this. Take it as you will. You are more than welcome to stick around, we'd love the participation.

mrscrcalli · September 2013

I'm confused as to why it's such a big deal? Each month is like a mini society and we need a little structure and order so everyone's not running around with their junk out.. :-??

AcaAwkward · September 2013

You mean like this @mrscrcalli ?

(I am pro-structure, if that wasn't clear)

Alycia Hause · September 2013

@sataraart you are the best. You read my mind and stated everything that drives me crazy on here haha

mrscrcalli · September 2013

:-? Does someone have a gun making all these people that hate it here so much, stay?? :-h

merlin974 · September 2013

I personally think to post rules on baby bump is silly.

The work day and life is filled with rules and what is expected of us on a day to day basis. At night when we turn on our computers, it is a time to RELAX and not to worry about if we are following policy on a forum.

If you are upset a question is being repeated do not answer it. Life doesn't get any simpler than that. There is no need to type up a one pager over it. It made others feel unwelcome and that is what matters. If I only had the time in my day for one pagers!

pineconey · September 2013

To all of you whiners and complainers about being "regulated" by this post- 1) the door is that way -->

2) we are not the only board with this type of posting for new members- in fact, it's quite common here. If you don't feel welcome, refer to point #1.

merlin974 · September 2013

I think the problem is we are being regulated by Thomas and not baby bump.

Lol! The pregnancy hormones are ROARING on this site! LOL!

Sisimama10 · September 2013

merlin974 said:
I think the problem is we are being regulated by Thomas and not baby bump.
Lol! The pregnancy hormones are ROARING on this site! LOL!

She's not the boss, but she is one of the MODS. She isn't just trying to be bossy helping everyone understand the rules etc. is her job on the board...

pineconey · September 2013

Uh you mean the moderator we chose?

patunia7321 · September 2013

Oh lawd. I never involve myself in nonsense but I can't resist this one. First of all, did you not read the whole first paragraph? This is something she reposted. I highly doubt it is her intention to rule the world via bump- but what do I know. If you've been around for more than a minute you would notice that she is an extremely supportive and level headed member, which is probably why she was chosen as a mod. She's trying to help you (and everyone else) not regulate you. I don't understand how anyone could be offended by this.... :-??

mrscrcalli · September 2013

merlin974 said:
I think the problem is we are being regulated by Thomas and not baby bump.
Lol! The pregnancy hormones are ROARING on this site! LOL!

April is a democracy we voted for our mod this is the April board if you don't like it you are welcome to join in the other board in the forum, but this is April like it or not. But never fear we will not force you to stay and hangout in our "terribly unjust regulated society"
:-h

MamaFantastic · September 2013

merlin974 said:

I think the problem is we are being regulated by Thomas and not baby bump.
Lol! The pregnancy hormones are ROARING on this site! LOL!

Thomas, you bossy bitch. It's like you just roll on in here, tooting your horn as though you're the fastest engine in all of Sodor....

quit regulatin' us.

emanresu14 · September 2013

Don't worry, be happy people. I just think that she was trying to say that stuff moves fast on this forum so if you feel your post was skipped, don't take it personally. I am new here (joined a couple years ago but wasn't active, lost log in) but have seen stuff like this all over the Internet. I won't always respond to stuff but sometimes the comments are hilarious and need some love! You guys crack me up.

thomas930 · September 2013

merlin974 said:

I think the problem is we are being regulated by Thomas and not baby bump.
Lol! The pregnancy hormones are ROARING on this site! LOL!

@Merlin974 Thanks for assuming that you know what's going on around here. This is a repost of an original post that was created by a lot of us. It started out as a few suggestions and then a lot of the regulars added in what they thought would also be helpful. Really, if you don't agree then either ignore or leave....I could really careless though what you do and am racking my brain trying to figure out how in the world this post is offensive....people need to grow up.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you ladies for the support and having my back. Ya'll are great.

edit: holy crap! I am having a rough day with spelling!

katieharpiceland · September 2013

@thomas930 They want you to make Puppies and rainbows. Just like childbirth is completely painless and pretty :-) you make that happen too, right? :-D

Want a personalized experience?

Board Etiquette and Guidelines

Re: Board Etiquette and Guidelines

Choose Another Board

Search Boards

Want a personalized experience?

***Board Etiquette and Guidelines***

Re: ***Board Etiquette and Guidelines***

Choose Another Board

Search Boards

Board Etiquette and Guidelines

Re: Board Etiquette and Guidelines