A few simple guidelines for participation on the GCKFA web forum.

The Staff at the Gulf Coast Kayak Fishing Association want to ensure that all of our Community members have a positive experience when interacting with others on our Forum.

Take a smart approach to posting.

Before posting a new topic or question, browse or search through old topics first to see if a similar discussion already exists. When you do post a new topic, make sure that the title is as specific as possible (fishing reports should include date (DDMMMYY)).

During discussions, try to avoid writing in all capital letters. Online, it is the equivalent of SHOUTING AT SOMEONE. Please limit your use of “net speak” (Internet slang) and acronyms, which can be confusing and/or annoying. If you do wish to use them, be sure to explain what they mean. Finally, proofread carefully before posting.

Stay on topic.

Please keep discussions relevant to the topic. If you would like to post off-topic comments reserve them for a new discussion thread, private message (PM), or e-mail. When the subject matter jumps off topic it is often referred to as hijacking a thread, and is viewed as disrespectful of the original post.

Be polite and respectful.

When interacting with other members, and with the Forum moderators and administrators, please remember to be polite and to show proper respect.

During discussions, please refrain from using inappropriate language or bringing up potentially offensive and/or controversial subjects. Also, please refrain from posting comments that could be construed as derogatory or disparaging to any particular person, group or organization.

Forgive and forget.

Trolling and flaming (i.e., posting deliberately hostile and/or inflammatory comments) will not be tolerated. If you disagree with another member’s comment, please be civil and address the topic with an open mind. If an argument arises, simply agree to disagree and let it go. Remember that everyone is entitled to his or her opinion.

Protect your privacy.

Remember to stay safe while interacting on the Forum. Don’t post private information – specifically, personally identifying details about you or anyone else (e.g., real names, phone numbers, e-mail addresses, etc.).

Have fun!

Above all, remember sharing your knowledge and experiences online is fun! Your contributions make the GCKFA forum a better place

Summary of forum etiquette.

• One should always be courteous to other forum members.

• Before creating a new topic thread, one is advised to search to see if a similar topic already exists (exception is fishing reports, or other categorized posts)

• Contributors should follow standard grammar and spelling rules and avoid slang. Net speak is sometimes accepted if explained.

• If the forum is categorized, one should strive to post in the correct section (GCKFA utilizes categorized sections).

• When making a technical inquiry, one should include as much technical information as possible, especially in the subject line.

• Contributors are asked to stay on-topic (do not hi-jack the thread).

• To avoid appearing self-absorbed, one should respond to topics started by others more often than starting topics of their own.

• Contributors should avoid the use of all CAPITAL LETTERS in posts. All CAPS is considered "shouting" and causes readability issues.

• One is advised not to resurrect a very old topic if nothing significant will be added.

• One should try to refrain from lashing back at a poorly behaving member or participating in a flame war; instead, notify the message board's staff of the event.

• When quoting a previous post, one should only include the relevant portion of that post. Contributors are requested to keep in mind that their audience can likely still see the message they are quoting on the same screen and can read it again if need be.

• Signatures on forums should have a maximum height of 90 pixels, as to not cause clutter.