Hi everyone. Tips?

[Just_A_COMS_Major]

Hello everyone. I am new to this forum (and all forums for that matter), and I just wanted to put myself out there a little. I also feel the need to self-disclose some. I am becoming an active member of this site for a communications class I am enrolled in. Don't worry! I'm not here to research anyone or anything; I just need to experience something new online. I am going to be as genuine as possible in my activity on this site. I'm not really the avid gamer that I once was a long time ago, so please forgive if I say something foolish or just plain wrong, and feel free to correct me. Just do it respectfully. As a newcomer, though, there are some things I would like to know about from more seasoned veterans of this kind of thing. Besides following the code of conduct here (obviously), are there other things I should absolutely know to do? Or to avoid? Or to be wary of? Etc, etc. I look forward to hearing from anyone willing to reply, and I hope my presence here is worthwhile. Thanks for reading

 

[BQE]

If I may pose the question, if you aren't the "avid game you once were a long time ago", why join a forum on a website essentially dedicated to gaming? Was there a specific reason that you chose this site?

I don't mean you aren't welcome, but it strikes me as somewhat peculiar.

 

[KarmaTheAlligator]

Don't get into arguments online. It's like watching grass grow. Civilised discussions are fine.

 

[Queen Michael]

Keep the tone casual. Speaking more formally can give the impression that you aren't being friendly, which is a shame if you were trying to be nice.

 

[TheIceQueen]

I have only one tip and one tip only: Don't click the red button. Seriously, it even says it when your cursor hovers over it. Don't click it. For the love of god, don't click it.

Oh, and stay out of the basement.

Welcome aboard, though!

 

[TimeLord]

Them users with the fancy blue names are your friends. Also your judges. But mainly your friends.

Welcome to the site! I hope I never have to ban you.

 

[OneCatch]

Besides following the code of conduct here (obviously), are there other things I should absolutely know to do? Or to avoid? Or to be wary of? Etc, etc. I look forward to hearing from anyone willing to reply, and I hope my presence here is worthwhile. Thanks for reading

Welcome to the forums!

Generally singe sentence posts are frowned upon, especially in an OP. Try to have some significant discussion value in any post. For example, instead of just saying "Do you think the Xbone will fail at launch then?" add a little more, something like: "Isn't it possible that the Xbone will fail at launch? I can't help but think that x, y, and z make it less lightly to succeed than the PS4, which has a, b, and c".
You can quote people in your post using the quote button next to the post. It might help you keep track of posts, especially in busier threads.
Lastly, something that new posters often get caught out by is necroposting. To be safe, don't resurrect any thread that's been idle more than a few weeks until you get a feel of what's ok and what isn't.
Generally though, don't worry too much! The modding here is generally fair and conducive to relatively polite discussion.

 

[Colour Scientist]

Welcome to the site! I hope I never have to ban you.

I think you need to work on your friendly welcomes, Timelord!

 

[Jenvas1306]

Don't get into arguments online. It's like watching grass grow. Civilised discussions are fine.

most arguments online are like playing chess with a chicken.
it doesnt matter how good you are at chess, the chicken will walk over the board, knock over all the pieces and shit everywhere.

 

[KarmaTheAlligator]

Don't get into arguments online. It's like watching grass grow. Civilised discussions are fine.

most arguments online are like playing chess with a chicken.
it doesnt matter how good you are at chess, the chicken will walk over the board, know over all the pieces and shit everywhere.

Yeah, that's pretty much what I meant, it's a waste of time and never ends well.

 

[TimeLord]

Welcome to the site! I hope I never have to ban you.

I think you need to work on your friendly welcomes, Timelord!

Nah! It has the right balance of friendly welcome and light intimidation!

 

[Daystar Clarion]

Welcome to the Escapist!

I have been waiting by the phone all night for people just like you.

Where have you been?

You must call me.

Nobody else.

Just call 1-0800-ASSASSINO

 

[MiskWisk]

Well, let's see. First, forum commands can be found here [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/18.198114-Escapist-User-Guide-to-Posting-Commands]. Please have a look before asking.

Second, for soul-destroying puns, look for DVS BSTRD. I swear he made a deal with the devil for those.

What else? Keep out of R&P and don't leave short responses. Joking about the low content rule by adding extra meaningless text is frowned upon and was my first warning so be careful.

Finally, on your keyboard (make sure you're not typing), press up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, B, A and then hit enter. It is very important. Remember, arrow keys in that order then B, A and finally enter.

 

[Dr. Cakey]

Make a thread about how Anita Sarkeesian eats kittens. I'm sure there's a video about it on Youtube already, so you won't have to research the evidence yourself.

Once you've done that, don't forget to start a thread asking if you're "the only one" who doesn't like . Use the exact words "Am I the only one who doesn't like _____?", it's very important that you do so.

That's pretty much the secret to becoming a successful member of the forum.

Oh, and never use the word "troll". It won't end well for you.

 

[Caiphus]

Nah! It has the right balance of friendly welcome and light intimidation!

Welcome to the Escapist, where we keep our intimidation light for the enjoyment of all.

 

[Ed130 The Vanguard]

Basicly what everyone else said, some may be intimidated by the fact that the mods will hit you if warnings if you step a toe out of line, but if you don't do single sentence word posts (ie, don't explain your reasoning) and don't call people trolls you should find you time at The Escapist pleasant.

Remember: The Mods may be harsh, but the resulting climate is free of GIFT (Greater Internet Dickwad Theory).

 

[puff ball]

Finally, on your keyboard (make sure you're not typing), press up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, B, A and then hit enter. It is very important. Remember, arrow keys in that order then B, A and finally enter.

wow i had tried that once before with no results turns out i had left out hitting enter thanks for the tip.

the only advice i can think of now is that you should avoid threads that are redundant. we have a bad history of rehashing controversial threads after the third or so one nothing new comes up and they just seem to get a little meaner.

 

[Just_A_COMS_Major]

If I may pose the question, if you aren't the "avid game you once were a long time ago", why join a forum on a website essentially dedicated to gaming? Was there a specific reason that you chose this site?

I don't mean you aren't welcome, but it strikes me as somewhat peculiar.

If I may respond candidly, this website was recommended to me by a friend who is an active gamer, and I'm trying to get a feel for gaming again. Aside from that, I noticed a lot of non-gaming related discussion, so I didn't feel uncomfortable about getting involved here. I appreciate your honesty, though.

 

[SuperSuperSuperGuy]

Welcome to the forums, where we all hate on EA, the XBone and Anita Sarkeesian all day.

Try to keep it casual, man. We tend to be a friendly and welcoming bunch, so just get comfortable. There are certain types of threads that tend to break down into chaos, though. You'll learn what those are soon enough...

Also, Religion and Politics is kind of a volatile place. Go there at your own risk.

 

[Fijiman]

Well for one thing, please make sure to use spoiler tags on videos and images in threads that are video and image heavy. It really helps those with less powerful computers and/or slow internet. Second, if you're looking to just kind of goof off on the site then just pay a visit to the forum games.