Rules and Netiquette

REGISTRATION | JOINING IN | STARTING A DISCUSSION | IMAGE AND FILE UPLOADING | TECHNICAL PROBLEMS | RESOLVING DISPUTES | CENSORSHIP | DISCLAIMER

The Encyclopedia Titanica message board is part of the Encyclopedia Titanica web site. By these accessing/contributing to pages on this domain you are agreeing to the terms of the Encyclopedia Titanica Terms of Use.

Welcome to the message Board. This is a community of Titanic experts and enthusiasts active continuously since 1996.

This page contains helpful hints that will make your message board use more enjoyable.

Registration

Real Names

We are a friendly community with a shared interest in the true history of the Titanic. We feel that discussions are much more open and honest when we know who we are talking to... it's a lot more fun too, so you must use your real name if you intend to post, but there are a couple of options:

When you register you are requested to use your full first and last name as your username but if you prefer to use a nickname as your username, then please enter your full first name and surname as the "Custom Title" in your account settings. This will show your real name below your nickname in your posts. If you do not want your real name shown publicly at all then include it in the private "Real Name" field in the identities section of your profile. One or other of these options must be used if you want to post.

Posts from members that don't follow these guidelines and those using disposable/anonymous email addresses may be delayed or declined.

Nicknames should not match or resemble any historical Titanic figure, e.g. the name of a real person on the Titanic.

Contact us if you need any help.

Language

We appreciate that for some members English may not be your first language. We do not mind what language you write in but if your post is not in English we request that you include an English translation you may easily use Google Translate to provide an adequate text.

Profile Pictures and Avatars

You are encouraged to upload an avatar and a profile cover image. This can be a picture of you or something else. All uploaded images must be topic-appropriate and static (i.e. not animated).

Joining In

• If you take time to get to know the regulars you'll find it's a very friendly place.

Communities can seem cliquey from the outside but that is only because a lot of the members have got to know each other over time. But if you are sensitive to the fact that everyone is different, has different views and background you'll find they it's not a clique after all but simply a group of people who want to talk about things that interest them all.

• There can be a temptation to post a lot at the start. It is much better to bide your time and get a feel for the place. Less is definitely more!

• Don't post identical messages under different topics. This is considered abuse and may result in ALL posts being deleted or threads merged.

• Keep questions or comments specific. There is no point in asking "Please send me anything you can on the Titanic for my school project." You will just be ignored.

• Do not post large numbers of questions, readers quickly tire of individuals who only ask questions and never offer anything in return.

• When writing your messages, please use the same courtesy that you would show when speaking face-to-face with someone. "Flames" (i.e. intentional provocation), insults, profanity, personal attacks or discrimination based on sex, faith, age, ethnicity or other personal, cultural or racial characteristics will not be tolerated under any circumstances. It is fine to disagree strongly with opinions, ideas, and facts, but always with respect for the other person. Great minds do not always think alike.

• If it is a long message we recommend that you prepare your message in a text editor rather than in your browser. This way you can be sure you will not lose the message in the case of a server error.

• It is impossible to convey the same degree of subtlety or nuance in a text message than when speaking face to face. "Emoticons" (also known as "smilies") :-) ;-), and emphasis of different types may help but misunderstandings are common. Be aware that cultural references, sarcasm, irony and wit may not come across as intended. "In-Jokes" are only funny if you are in on them.

• Plan your message and read it before posting. Is the spelling right? Does it convey what you mean to say. Take your time! To help you there is a spell checker that you can switch on from your profile.

• Never use ALL CAPS or a VaRiAtIoN. It is hard to read, considered rude and generally very unpopular!

• You may delete or edit your message within 60 minutes of posting. After that it is there to stay.

When starting a new discussion...

• Always choose the right topic for your message. Let the editor know if there is no suitable topic or use "General Titanica".

• Choose a distinctive, appropriate and concise subject. Titles of the form: "Titanic", "About Me", "Please answer my questions" should be avoided at all costs!

• Check to make sure that you are not duplicating an existing discussion.

• Do not start a new discussion (i.e. go off on a wild tangent) in the middle of an existing thread use the "Start New Thread" link to begin a new discussion.

• In exceptional circumstances it may be appropriate to have an off-topic discussion. The administrator and moderators will decide if off topic discussions can continue on a case-by-case basis.

Image and File Uploading

The ability to upload images and other files is a very popular feature of the board.

You upload to threads, to your own media album or to the media gallery.

You can also upload relevant resources, PDFs etc to the Recources Centre.

Please follow these guidelines.

• In uploading a file to the Encyclopedia Titanica message board you guarantee that one of the following conditions is true:

1. no copyright exists on the material being uploaded;

2. copyright on the material has expired;

3. explicit approval has been obtained from the copyright owner for upload of the submitted material to the Encyclopedia Titanica message board*;
       — You must also indicate who the owner is and that permission has been obtained or is not needed.

4. the contributor is the owner of copyright on the material being submitted.

and

5. that the material does not infringe trademarks, licences or copyright owned or controlled by a third party.

Technical Problems

• Server Error, Timeout, Connection Failure... If the server reports an error you will usually find that your post has gone up so check before resubmitting. However if you do see an error message please report it to the administrator.

Resolving Disputes

Things can get heated from time to time.   If you are tempted to fire off a response to something that has irritated you, try this: draft your response but don't send it straight away, walk away, or sleep on it. If you still feel the same and you feel your response is justified and is within the rules then you can post it or consider contacting a moderator to mediate.

Censorship

You may find that legitimate threads that have been posted in the wrong topic will be moved (possibly without warning) by the moderators to a more appropriate place. Take care to start a thread in the appropriate topic (see above). If a thread seems to have gone, use the search engine to find it. Where possible we will insert a redirect.

The board administrator / moderators will not delete posts or threads on demand but will consider requests to temporarily quarantine threads that have degenerated for some reason. The likelihood is that these will be restored to the board after the dust has settled. Members may request the removal of personal information inadvertently added to threads.

Disclaimer

The message board is a public forum, Encyclopedia Titanica and its editor do not guarantee privacy or anonymity with regard to anything posted on or via this message board.

The Encyclopedia Titanica message board contains facts, views, opinions and statements of third party individuals and organizations. The editor of Encyclopedia Titanica does not represent or endorse the accuracy, currentness or reliability of any advice, opinion, statement or other information displayed, uploaded or distributed through the Encyclopedia Titanica message board. You acknowledge that any reliance upon any such opinion, advice, statement or information shall be at your sole risk.