6/18 - Chatbox Etiquette Reminder

[*Admin Manda]

Hello, all! With the installation of our new chatbox, which is replacing the old one in the same location that can be found by clicking the "chatbox" button in the lower lefthand corner of your screen on firefox, or the second button from the left in ie, we decided to post up a quick reminder about some etiquette for the chat box. As a heads up, players we find are acting inappropriately or unpolitely in the chatbox may find themselves without chatting ability. This is meant to be a place to get to know your fellow members and enjoy the company of others, so lets try to make it the best possible experience for everyone!

• If someone new checks out the chatbox, say hello! Everyone hates to be ignored. If someone stops in and says they're new, take a few minutes to greet them. Even if you carry on with your conversation afterwards, it's at least polite to acknowledge that they are there. This is especially true for new members, who might want to get an idea of what the site is like before joining. We don't want to scare them off!
  
  
• Be respectful of the word filters and site rules. If a word is blocked out, do not attempt to go around it - it's blocked out for a reason! Instead find a more appropriate way to express your feelings. Also remember that the site guidelines apply in the chatbox as well, so be mindful that inappropriate conversation, political discussion, and other off-limits topics will not be allowed there if they are not allowed on the forums.
  
  
• The chat won't always be hopping. Saying "I killed the chat!" only furthers the lack of conversation. If no one is around, say hi anyway, or just ask an open ended question if nobody is replying. On lots of sites, people hardly post in the chatbox for days at a time - so if someone goes quiet for a few minutes, it's no need to panic!
  
  
• Disinterest in the current conversation is not an excuse to be rude! If you don't have anything to contribute to the current conversation, maybe just read along for awhile before jumping in, never rudely tell a player to quit talking. That said, if someone is doing something inappropriate or discussing a subject you are uncomfortable with, inform a staff member immediately or politely ask them to quit. If a staff member asks you to cut out the current conversation, however - please be polite and do as they ask!